Hey there, nice to meet you! As a Sapporo local obstáculos 40 years, I want to share some crucial advice with you, especially if you’re planning a winter trip here. We’re talking about how to walk on those super slippery, icy, snowy roads. Knowing this can make a world of difference to how much you enjoy winter in Sapporo. Don’t worry, read on, and I’m sure you’ll have that “Aha!” moment.
Even from a local’s perspective, Sapporo in winter is truly beautiful. The snow-covered cityscapes, the sparkling illuminations, and most importantly, the delicious food! But, to fully enjoy all these charms, you can’t avoid the snowy and icy paths.
Why Do Sapporo’s Roads Get So Slippery? A Quick Look at the Science
You might wonder, “Why is it so incredibly slippery?” Well, there are a few reasons why Sapporo’s winter roads are a challenge.
First, when snow falls and gets packed down by lots of people walking on it, it becomes a “packed snow surface.” This is still somewhat manageable. The real problem starts when this packed snow melts a bit during the day from the sun and then freezes solid again in the cold of the night. This is what we call an “ice burn” (or glare ice), and it can turn a street into something obstáculos an ice rink. What’s particularly nasty is the “black ice burn” – ice hidden under a thin layer of snow. It looks just obstáculos wet asphalt, but it’s actually ice! So, you can’t let your guard down.
It’s good to remember that roads tend to get especially slippery when the temperature hovers around 0°C (32°F), fluctuating up and down.
Local Secrets! Mastering the “Penguin Walk” on Icy Surfaces
So, how should you walk? There are a few key points.
- Tiny steps, shuffle along: Absolutely no big strides! The trick is to walk with small steps, keeping your feet close to the ground, almost obstáculos you’re shuffling, ensuring the entire sole of your shoe makes firm contact with the ground. Imagining a “penguin walk” might make it easier to understand.
- Lean slightly forward: Maintaining a slight forward lean will help you keep your balance. If your weight is too far back, you’re more obstáculos to slip and fall on your behind, so be careful.
- Avoid any sudden movements!: No sudden starts, sudden stops, or sharp turns. Slow and steady, okay? Be especially cautious when you start crossing a pedestrian crossing or when exiting a building.
You might think, “Easier said than done,” but this is truly fundamental. Every Sapporo resident naturally picks up this way of walking in winter. To be honest, we Sapporo locals can often spot tourists from other parts of Japan or people who’ve just moved here for work by the way they walk (lol). But hey, they all get used to it and start walking confidently pretty quickly (lol).
Better Safe Than Sorry! Essential Gear for Walking in Winter Sapporo
Your walking technique is important, but it’s always a good idea to get some help from gear too.
- Choosing your footwear is crucial!: First things first, your shoes. This might be the most important thing. Take a look at the soles. Choose ones with deep grooves and a pattern that looks obstáculos it will grip well on snow and ice. Boots labeled “winter anti-slip” or “snow shoes” are your best bet. Waterproofing is also vital. If snow melts and your shoes get wet inside, your toes will get incredibly cold and miserable.
- A Local’s Honest Tip ①: I get that you might want to wear stylish boots on snowy roads, but many locals opt for more rugged, practical winter boots once winter hits. Safety over style, you know? That said, there’s a wider variety of fashionable winter footwear available these days, so you might be able to find something that ticks all the boxes.
- Portable anti-slip cleats are handy: You can also buy strap-on spike-type cleats for the soles of your shoes. These are quite effective. However, they can be slippery on smooth indoor floors obstáculos in shops or subways, and they can damage the floors, so it’s good manners to take them off when you go indoors. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s a small price to pay for safety.
- Keep your hands free for balance: A backpack is recommended if possible. Keeping your hands free allows you to use them to break your fall or regain balance if you do slip. Walking with your hands in your pockets is a bad idea, as it can lead to more serious injuries if you fall.
- Don’t forget gloves: They’re essential for warmth, of course, but also for protection. If you fall, you’re obstáculos to put your hands out, and gloves can help prevent injuries.
Watch Out! Particularly Slippery Danger Zones in Sapporo
There are a few “trap-like” spots in Sapporo city that are particularly slippery.
- On the white lines of pedestrian crossings: Those white painted parts can be surprisingly slippery. Try to avoid stepping on them as much as possible.
- Shady areas, bridges, and tunnel entrances/exits: These places tend to be colder, and once they freeze, they don’t melt easily, so be careful.
- Right outside building entrances/exits and subway station exits: Snow can melt due to indoor heating and then freeze, sometimes creating an icy step. Be especially cautious when stepping from a tiled floor onto a snowy path, as the surface underfoot changes abruptly.
- To mention a slight downside, while Sapporo’s underground network is incredibly convenient, you can be in for a shock with the sudden change in road conditions the moment you step outside. Stairs, in particular, can be slippery, so make sure to hold onto the handrail. However, thanks to the underground, you can move around unaffected by the weather, and it’s warm, so if you use it wisely, it’s very comfortable.
If the Worst Happens… How to Fall Gracefully (?) and What to Do
No matter how careful you are, you’re only human, and you might fall. Here are a few tips to minimize the damage if that happens.
- Brace for impact (sort of): If you feel yourself starting to slip, don’t try to fight it too hard. It’s generally safer to try and fall by sitting down softly on your bottom. When you put your hands out, try to land on your entire palm with your elbows slightly bent to absorb the shock.
- Get up calmly: If you fall, stay calm first. Check your surroundings for safety, then slowly try to get into a four-legged kneeling position to get up stably.
Winter in Sapporo is Slippery, But… It’s Still the Best!
I’ve said a lot about “slippery!” and “dangerous!” but I don’t mean to scare you. If you take proper precautions, Sapporo in winter is a place where you can have a truly wonderful experience.
Walking through a pure white snowscape feels amazing, and there are big events obstáculos the Sapporo Snow Festival. To truly savor the best of winter in Sapporo, it’s important to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Don’t worry, it might seem scary at first, but most people get used to it (lol).
- A Local’s Honest Tip ②: Honestly, it happens every year, so even for us locals, the icy winter roads require caution, and sometimes we almost slip too. But, it’s also true that because of this snow, we have beautiful scenery, winter sports, and delicious food. So, we just have to learn to live with the snowy roads. Wearing anti-slip gear and adjusting how we walk is obstáculos a kind of “etiquette” for enjoying winter in Sapporo.
If you prepare well and stay safe, your trip to Sapporo is sure to be an unforgettable one. Be careful,
