Winter Travel Guide and Precautions for Dressing in Hokkaido
🌟Dressing Guide
During winter in Hokkaido, the outdoor temperature can reach from several degrees below zero to more than ten degrees below zero, and may be accompanied by bitter cold winds, so it is very important to keep warm. However, indoors often have heating, and the temperature can generally reach twenty-something degrees, so dressing needs to be flexible according to the temperature.
✅Upper body: thermal underwear + sweater + down jacket. Uniqlo's ultra warm series of thermal underwear is sufficient, the thickness of the sweater can be determined based on personal cold resistance, and a down jacket with high warmth retention should be purchased. The down jacket can be removed after entering indoors.
✅Lower body: thermal pants + cold-proof pants, choose windproof and waterproof outer pants as much as possible, the lower part of the pants is particularly prone to getting wet from snow, if not particularly afraid of the cold, wearing thicker jeans and tucking the pants into boots is also okay.
✅Footwear: waterproof and slip-resistant snow boots + thick socks. Try to wear mid-calf or high-calf boots to prevent snow from pouring into the shoes when stepping into pits. In addition, slip resistance is very important, as some places can become very slippery after the snow turns into ice. Socks should be long enough to tuck into the warm pants. There is also a type of snow boots sold in Japan with a sole that provides better slip resistance on ice, but the actual effect is not very obvious, so there is no need to specifically buy that type of shoes.
✅Other: scarf + hat + mask + gloves. The hat must be able to cover the ears. The mask needs to be thicker, mainly for warmth rather than just virus prevention. In addition to being waterproof (can be used to play in the snow), it is recommended to buy gloves that can operate the phone touch screen, making it easier to take photos with the phone.
✅Glasses: It's best to apply anti-fog spray to prevent fogging, as the warm air exhaled after wearing a mask can easily fog up the glasses. In addition, glasses are also prone to fogging when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.
📝Notes
✅Once again, it is important to emphasize that slip-resistant shoes are important, but do not rely solely on the slip-resistant function of the shoes. In some places, almost everyone will slip, so be extra careful when walking on icy roads in the snow and pay attention to those icy surfaces.
✅If the hotel requires walking from the station, try to book the hotel with the shortest walking distance. It's very difficult to drag luggage in the snow, and walking with luggage is more likely to slip.
📍JR Sapporo Station is connected to a very long underground passage with many entrances and exits. It is recommended to book hotels near those entrances and exits.
📍There is a Four Points by Sheraton hotel next to JR Hakodate Station, just a few steps away from the station exit. The Hakodate Morning Market is also nearby, making it very convenient.
📍Famous hot spring hotels in Noboribetsu are easily accessible by bus, and some hotels even provide shuttle service from the JR station, which is quite convenient.
✅If you don't have experience driving in snowy conditions, don't rent a car. Self-driving can be quite dangerous. The JR Pass and a public transportation IC card (such as the Suica card) are sufficient. Note that some buses only accept cash, such as the Donan Bus in Noboribetsu.
✅When arranging the itinerary, be careful not to schedule outdoor activities for too long. Even if there are many outdoor plans, try to intersperse some indoor activities in between, including taking public transportation, visiting malls, supermarkets, and small shops, enjoying food, etc. These indoor activities can quickly warm up the body and prevent it from being in a cold state for a long time.
✅If you are renting ski equipment, it is best to take off your ski boots and rest for a while after skiing for one or two hours to avoid foot swelling and pain caused by wearing ski boots for too long.
✅Many snacks and pastries in Japan are limited to certain regions, seasons, or even stores. If you see something you like, buy it, or else you won't be able to find it elsewhere.
✅In winter, it generally gets dark after 4 pm in Japan. Try not to schedule daytime activities too late. Many shops close at 8 or 9 pm, and many restaurants have a last order at 9 pm.