How to deal with snow in Japan when you're not used to snow

Before living in Japan, I'd never seen snow – I don't come from a country where it's common at all. I lived in Tokyo before I lived in Niigata, and the one or two days that we'd get snow a year would throw a bit of pandemonium into the mix. When you don't get snow often, it can really be disruptive to roads, public transport, and everyday life, to be honest!

After the winter wonderland-esque couple of days that Tokyo just had in early February, it got me thinking about some tips I'd give people now that I'm a pro with the snow. If you're an expat in Japan and you're not used to the white stuff, these are some of my recommendations.

While it doesn't commonly snow in Tokyo, it does happen – and it's important to be conscious of how to deal with it! Pic Credit: twang_dunga/CC By 2.0 

Don't drive if you don't have to

Obviously this depends greatly on your life circumstance – sometimes driving in the snow is inevitable depending on your work location, your children's schooling (a lot of schools will cancel if it's really bad, though), and so forth. In saying that, if you're not used to snowy driving I wouldn't recommend it if you can avoid it. It seems to make folks more nervous/apprehensive on the roads, which can be a recipe for disaster.

If you do have to drive, some key tips:

• Leave more distance between yourself and the car in front of you
• Avoid sudden movements, whether that's slamming on your brakes or accelerating quickly – you put yourself at risk of slipping/skidding. Measured and steady driving is the goal!
• MAKE SURE you clear your windows off before you start driving! It sounds like a no-brainer but you know how it is...common sense, not always common.

Keep in mind that public transport might be delayed or canceled

Obviously, avoiding the roads is ideal if you don't have to drive, but that means you may have to utilize public transport – and that presents a different set of challenges. Depending on how snowy it gets in places that aren't used to snow, you're likely going to have delays or cancelations to trains, buses, etc. Plan extra time with your commute and give yourself some wiggle room.

Sensible footwear is your friend

If there's snow on the forecast, make sure you wear shoes with good tread. Again, it sounds like a no-brainer but slips and falls are the number one cause of injuries when it's snowing, so shoes that grip are a must. 

CHECK the forecast!

Typically in places like Tokyo, when there's snow forecast you see it all over the news in advance because it's a bit of a rarity. Pay attention to those forecasts, because it will often impact how you have to structure your day.

Have enough stuff at home to get you through

If you do have the ability to chill at home during a snowy period in an area that doesn't usually get snow, use the lead time to make sure you've got everything you need to get you through. Food, drinks, essentials like toilet paper – all of the important stuff. It's also a good time to pre-check your emergency kit and make sure it's all stocked + working in the case of things like flashlights.

Any other tips you'd give folks that aren't used to snow if you're a snow-pro?