Hokkaido landscape actually resembled much the one in Quebec. Even architecture is North American-like, aswell are the towns and ubiquitous 7Eleven stores. Cold and snow are indigenous though and ready to export..
Temperatures do not rise above zero very often, and even if they do, you don't feel it. Moisture and wind make sure you don't

Japanese money is hard to get if you are stuck with USD somewhere out of main cities. Exchange offices are far less common than in Europe.

Such traditional-like dinners are a must for a gourmanic visitor. We were greatly thankfull to our hosts for giving us an opportunity to taste some of a very delishous japanese dishes.
Morning sun gives a deceptive feeling of warmth, while on the other side of the window, the wind, is playing a role of a winter airconditioner.
foto u.g.

Sounkyo ice festival moments. Lots of tourists, some half naked in this cold, and a great ice climbing competiton with very enthusiastic participants and organizers.

We were happy to be a part of the event.

levo: foto u.g.
True little ice town, all lit up in bright colours, and the ice climbing wall, where the competition had taken place.
a comparative test of ice climbing gear...No..more like a beauty contest..
Mr Sato on the right was the executive director of the ice festival in Sounkyo and one of the major supporters of the ice climbing event. Without his help we would hardly be there.
At first we were staying in a western-style room, where the appliances are more suited to foreign guests. Still, we quite liked also the traditional japanese quarters, with floor beds and minimalistic furniture. With all our bags, it was maybe even better like that.
 
 
With a great enthusiasm of our Japanese friends, we were taken also to a scenic climbing spot on the west Hokkaido coast. Although we were all already tired and cold, and although it took us 3 hours to get there, it was well worth the effort and all the 500 kms driven that day.I even wished Ihad more days there.
 

A proof photo that indeed it was cold.

The other part of the proof is the down jacket that got melted in the process of accelerated warming of it's owner.
Due to the cold, ice was brittle and hard. Because of deep snow, approaches often take a long tim eand are ardous.
Japanese often practise a camp out attitude, with putting up tents in the ice area and spending a few days there, instead of taking the long approaches every time.
The climbing photos author: Urban Golob..