When it comes to winter in Hokkaido, there are a lot of snow and ice events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival. However, if you are not used to the environment unique to snowy countries, you may be confused during your trip. Here are six points to help you enjoy your winter trip to Hokkaido safely, including how to walk on snowy roads and how to protect yourself from the cold!

1. It's warm indoors in Hokkaido! Clothing that helps regulate body temperature is best

People in Hokkaido, who live in the bitter cold, turn on the heaters in well-insulated rooms to create an environment that is as warm and comfortable as possible. For this reason, many people will feel that public transportation and commercial facilities are not just "warm," but "hot." If you walk around fully equipped in the department stores and underground malls near Odori Park, the venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, you may break a sweat. When traveling to Hokkaido, it is best to wear clothes that can be easily put on and taken off.

2. Prepare for snowy roads starting from your feet! Penguin walking and anti-slip equipment are essential

The trick to walking on snowy roads is to walk like a penguin. Place your center of gravity slightly forward and walk with small steps. The ground around the Sapporo Snow Festival venue can be slippery, so it's convenient to have winter shoes with anti-slip pads or anti-slip mats that can be easily attached. These can be purchased at New Chitose Airport and at convenience stores in Sapporo city, so you can also purchase them after you arrive.

3. No need for an umbrella in Hokkaido - No need to worry about snow!

Snow is generally thought of as something that "gets you wet," just like rain, but the snow that falls in Hokkaido is light because the outside temperature is low. Therefore, even if some snow gets on your body, you won't get wet right away. If snow piles up on your body, you can just brush it off, so people in Hokkaido don't need umbrellas that often. Make sure to wear the hood of your outerwear when going out.

4. I can't move forward because of the snow! Traveling with a suitcase is a bit inconvenient

Traveling outdoors with a suitcase in winter is often inconvenient because the wheels get stuck on the poorly-footed snowy roads. Also, during the Sapporo Snow Festival, it is crowded, so it is convenient to use a backpack or shoulder bag while sightseeing and move around with the bare necessities. Leave your suitcase at the hotel and enjoy yourself lightly.

5. Caps and gloves should be both stylish and practical

Knitted hats and gloves are essential items in the Hokkaido winter. Not only do they keep your head and hands warm, but they also protect your hands and head from hard snow and ice if you fall. It's common for people to slip and fall and land on their hands, but there are many cases where they avoid injury because they had gloves on.

6. Driving on snowy roads is completely off the mark! It's best to leave driving to the professionals.

Driving through the pure white snowy roads of Hokkaido is an exhilarating sight, but for those who are not used to driving on snowy roads, there are many difficulties. The glare from the snow makes the road blinding, you can't tell what the road is like, and even if you step on the brakes, you can't stop, which can be very scary. If you are planning to visit Hokkaido in the winter, we recommend using public transportation such as trains, buses, and taxis.

Hokkaido in winter is truly a wonderland! Have fun while keeping safety first

Starting with the Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido in winter is full of attractions such as food, hot springs, and winter sports! If you plan well in advance and prepare well in advance, you will surely have unforgettable memories. Please learn the important points in advance and have a fun trip!

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.