Winter

Clearing snow

On days with heavy snow, people clear snow around the house about three times: in the morning so they can get the car out, at midday before it piles up, and in the evening so the car is ready the next morning. Each round takes 30 minutes to an hour. The snow is piled up around the house, and the piles stay until spring.

• The town clears town roads when about 10 cm or more of snow falls, mostly early in the morning. The ploughs push snow to the side of the road, so the snow left at your entrance is yours to clear.
• Do not push snow back onto the road, and do not park on the road while ploughs are working.
• Keep away from snow ploughs. Drivers cannot see well, especially children.
• Clear snow from roofs with at least two people, never alone.
• Some streets in the town centre have snow channels (ryusetsuko) that carry snow away with running water. Break up hard snow before putting it in, and always close the lid.

On heavy snow days, neighbours check on each other and help out. For people aged about 65 and over living alone or as a couple, and for people with disabilities, the town and the social welfare council offer snow-clearing support.

Heating

Most homes in Hokkaido heat with kerosene. In Kimobetsu, the most common systems are FF heaters (kerosene heaters that take in and vent air outside) and central heating with a kerosene boiler and panel heaters. Wood stoves and cold-climate air conditioners are also used. Check what a house has when you view it.

• There are three fuel stations in town. They deliver kerosene to homes; ask each one about delivery and payment.
• For a detached house, budget for kerosene in the range of ¥200,000 a year. From December to March, some months can cost ¥20,000–30,000. It depends a lot on insulation and the heating system.
• FF heaters and central heating need electricity and stop in a power cut. A kerosene heater that runs without power is a good backup.

Frozen water pipes

Water pipes can freeze when it is −4 °C or colder. Everyone in Hokkaido prevents this by draining the pipes (mizunuki). The valve and the steps are different in each house, so ask your landlord or the previous owner to show you when you move in.

• If you will be away for two days or more, always drain the pipes.
• Do not turn the heating off completely while you are away.
• If a pipe freezes, do not pour boiling water on it or heat it with a flame. Wrap it in a towel and pour lukewarm water (30–40 °C) over it slowly, or warm it with a hair dryer from a distance.
• If a pipe leaks or bursts, shut off the water and call a licensed plumber. The town hall's Construction Section (0136-33-2211) can help you find one.

Driving in winter

Snow, ice and blowing snow are part of every winter day, and people still get around by car. Two things matter most: drive slowly, and never brake or steer suddenly.

Tyres and the car

• Winter tyres are needed from early November to mid-April. Garages get busy around the first snow, so book a tyre change in September or early October.
• You do not have to have four-wheel drive, but it makes a clear difference on hills and mountain roads. ABS and stability control are a must.
• You will need space to store a set of summer tyres and a set of winter tyres.

Whiteouts and icy roads

• Strong wind and powder snow can cause whiteouts, when you can see almost nothing. Route 230 through the town can be like this. Check the weather and road information before you leave, and stay home when warnings say so.
• Keep the tank at least half full, and carry a blanket, hand warmers, water, snacks, a shovel and a tow rope.
• If you lose visibility, slow down gradually, pull over somewhere safe and turn on your hazard lights. If you wait with the engine running, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
• Bridges, tunnel entrances and shady spots freeze first. Leave two to three times the usual distance to the car in front.

Allow 30–50% more time for trips in winter. Nakayama Pass on the way to Sapporo can close in heavy snow.

Climate normals for Kimobetsu (Japan Meteorological Agency, in Japanese)