When I went to Hokkaido in January, where it snows almost everyday in winter (average temperature in January is -12 to -4 degree Celsius), I decided to write a blog on how to pack for this crazy cold weather. For those you who don’t know, Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and is at the northernmost of Japan. Anywhere close to the North Pole is pretty cold in winter, and still people take advantage of this, since winter is a great season for many people that like to walk around in the snow with their coats, or practice sports like snowboarding or skiing with equipment from sites as myproscooter.com and do many other winter activities.
Highly advisable to check the forecast beforehand, as you won’t be able to see a thing if it’s cloudy. Bring your best trout spinning rod if you are interested in fishing the Wellington Resevoir.
Jizo (the Earth Treasury) inside the snow protecting the locals
One of the most fundamental thing to consider about when packing for winter is LAYERING! You need to be able to take off your jacket indoors and still able to eat comfortably in a heat-filled restaurant without sweating your pants off.
It was so cold that I didn’t even want to go the toilet even though I have to~
1) Thermal
The thermal kept me well ventilated so I could have my king crab buffet in peace!
2) Hoodies with Fleece
Hoodies with Fleece from American Eagle and Roots (Sweater with fleece just doesn’t look nice)
3) Down Jackets
I bought this Jacket in Taiwan a few years ago for around AUD$70. Had no idea what level of insulation or the type of feather filling it has. I just put it over my hoodie and never zip it up! Otherwise you risk of looking too puffy in photos! Always pull the hoodie’s hood out and place it together with the jacket’s hood. Or else you will look like you the Hunchback of Notre Dame if you left the hood inside the jacket. Surround your neck with a scarf. Then you will look presentable and casual.
My random down jackets from Taiwan that has been with me for 5 years and counting…
4) Wind and waterproof Jacket
Not afraid of the wind and snow in my awesome (but not trendy) jacket
5) Waterproof and windproof trousers
Hokkaido Japan Women ski pants
Ps. The stockings doesn’t have to be those thick ones. A normal black stocking will do the trick. They are also quite versatile, you will be able to wear a dress or skirt with them.
What the whole ski gear set looks like. Probably not very attractive in city settings.
6) Beanie + Gloves + Scarf
Always have my collection of scarfs, gloves, beanies on.
Gloves are very useful in keeping your hands warm. I like gloves that doesn’t cover your finger tips, so you will still have full access to your phones and cameras. I have seen so many people with full cover gloves needing to take one off so they can take photos. I do bring a pair of full cover gloves with me just in case, however I never used them.
Wearing 2 different types of gloves, so I can keep warm and use the camera
My half cover gloves are from New Zealand souvenir stores, they are a mixture of possum and Marino. The most amazing gloves ever. I have probably been through 5 pairs of these since I started using these gloves. I always keep one in my handbag, even when I was studying in NZ, my friends and I would wear the same type of gloves since they are particularly useful for cold, early lectures.
My gloves & these babies I just snatched up are keeping me warm. These things are everywhere!
7) A very good pair of snow boot
My favourite boots of all time! Can no longer purchase them. I want them in black so badly!
The full name of these boots were North Face Women’s Nuptse Knee High Boot which retailed about USD$169.95. The price of the outlet in Japanese Yen wasn’t that much different. At the time of purchase, white was the only colour, I really wanted a black one. I have been searching everywhere online but couldn’t find one since they have been discontinued since. I had a hard time searching for a black replacement because North Face doesn’t sell their snow boots in Oceania countries.
Where are my legs? Lost in snow.
When I posted up my photos in snow, my friends were mocking me. They said my boots were blending into the snow and I looked like I was floating mid air, this girl even thought I broke my leg and had a plaster cast on!! Last month I finally found another North Face black snow boot online, it was on E-bay so they do send it to Australia. They are a lot heavier than the white one I had, I will be testing them out in February 2015 when I go to Tokyo (might not even need it).
All the right gear allowed me to enjoy this beautiful snowy place
Winter Vacation Pack List
- Two pairs of jeans
- Two hoodies with fleece
- Two thermals
- Two pairs of stockings
- One good wind/waterproof jacket
- One good wind/waterproof trouser
- Scarf, hat/ beanies, gloves
UPDATE: We are ENGAGED!!!
We got engaged in front of Mt Fuji! Almost unreal!!!
The room he booked for this special occasion was a penthouse suite at Kozantei Ubuya Ryokan. It was so expensive, I don’t think we will ever stay here again, however the view was so worth it! It was truly an unforgettable experience. For those who are interested, please read more at The Proposal in front of Mt Fuji @ Lake Kawaguski!
I finally knew why Mt Fuji is so sacred to the Japanese people!
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Thank you for the tips! Currently planning trip to Hokkaido and appreciate your share of experience and lovely photos :>
Thank you for your kind comments Alex! Hope you will have an amazing trip in Hokkaido! I just went back last month and still was amazing 😀
Me too
Nice! I went there for skiing since it has the BEST skiing resort in Asia. We also went fishing on the ice. Had a ton of fun!
That sounds fun! Fishing on ice! They also have most delicious ice cream and desserts! Yum!!!