Winter is the perfect time to visit Hokkaido! January's must-see destinations in Hokkaido! - Part 5 Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Winter offers plenty of attractions to visit! Hokkaido travel in January: Highlights!

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: Last updated: September 12, 2018

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5. What should I wear when going to Hokkaido in November?

Summary

5. What should I wear when going to Hokkaido in November?

Hokkaido trip in January

January is the coldest month of the year in Hokkaido. You will need to take very thorough precautions against the cold.

While it's easy to focus on coats and other outerwear from the perspective of those on Honshu, the most important things are actually underwear and clothing for your arms and legs.
The body starts to get cold from the extremities.

Shoes are especially important; for walking around town, non-slip leather shoes are sufficient, but below -20°C, slipping becomes a secondary concern.
Protect yourself from the cold with winter boots and other protective gear.

Some people put disposable hand warmers inside their shoes, while others wear two pairs of socks. Everyone has their own method.

If you tend to get cold easily, it's better to bring two pairs of gloves.

A highly waterproof layer underneath, and a thin layer made of yarn, cotton, or wool. That's perfect.

I wear warm tights under my pants, and the same goes for my shirt.

If possible, please add this as well. The problem is that indoor temperatures in Hokkaido are unexpectedly warm. As a result, humidity is also low.

The temperature difference between inside and outside can be as much as 50°C, so it's best to be well-prepared to stay hydrated and adjust to the temperature changes.

Summary

What did you think.

January in Hokkaido is the coldest time of year. But that's precisely what makes it so appealing. And there are so many more attractions that I can't even begin to list them all here.

From Furano, which looks completely different from summer, to Niseko, a mecca for skiing, and Lake Shikotsu, Japan's northernmost lake that never freezes, there are countless other attractions to be found in the depths of winter. By all means, experience them with your own eyes, skin, and all your senses.