Sapporo Japan · 삿포로

What to wear

Actual feel varies with wind and rain, but the tips below should help you build a comfortable travel outfit.

Sapporo outfit guide

• • 🌡️ −10-0℃: True mid-winter Sapporo. Thick winter parka, insulated snow boots, double thermal layers, and hat/scarf/gloves are basically mandatory.
• • 🌡️ 0-5℃: Snow is still on the ground and streets can be very slippery. Waterproof boots with good grip and a warm hat that covers your ears are important.
• • 🌡️ 5-15℃: Even when snow melts, the air stays cool. A coat + knit outfit works well—think of early winter in Seoul.
• • 🌡️ Around 20℃: Summer in Sapporo is cool and pleasant. Short sleeves or light long sleeves with a thin outer layer are enough.
• • 👢 Shoes: In winter, proper snow boots with anti-slip soles are strongly recommended. Regular sneakers can be dangerous on ice.
• • 🧳 Extras: Hand warmers, lip balm and hand cream, warm face masks, and spare camera/phone batteries (cold drains them faster) are useful.

Travel tips

• • ❄️ During the Sapporo Snow Festival (around February), temperatures and wind can be extreme. Full winter gear is essential to enjoy the ice and snow sculptures.
• • 🍜 Ramen alley, jingisukan (grilled mutton), and soup curry provide great indoor food options on very cold days.
• • 🚇 Subway and underground shopping streets are well-developed, so on snowy days it’s best to move through underground passages whenever possible.
• • 💳 Cards are widely accepted, but some markets and food stalls prefer cash, so carry a bit of yen.
• • 📸 Snow and reflections can easily blow out photos; turning on HDR on your phone camera helps keep both people and scenery exposed correctly.

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