Hokkaido: where ice creams thrive in sub-zero winters

“When ice cream sales soar, more people drown.” This is a classic example used to illustrate the difference between correlation and causation. As you wise readers know, there is no direct link; people simply eat more ice cream and go swimming on hot days.

As a side note, data suggests that the demand for shaved ice (kakigori) spikes once the temperature exceeds 27°C (81°F), and at 34°C (93°F), it even overtakes ice cream. So, on days when shaved ice is flying off the shelves, it’s probably best to stay away from the water! However, this textbook example might soon become obsolete, as ice cream is now selling remarkably well in the dead of winter. In my home prefecture, Hokkaido—the northernmost part of Japan—winter is fierce. This morning, it was -16°C (3°F) when I left for work. While the outside world remains frozen, the demand for ice cream is heating up. According to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sapporo consistently ranks in the top three among Japan’s 47 prefectural capitals for winter ice cream sales, even though it doesn’t even make the list in the summer. Let’s dig into the warm secret behind this chilly phenomenon.

The cozy secret behind Hokkaido’s winter 

The answer is surprisingly simple: life inside a Hokkaido home is exceptionally warm. In most of Japan, people rely on air conditioners for spot heating, but in Hokkaido, powerful heaters and heavy-duty insulation are essential for survival.

Hokkaido’s architecture is built on a different philosophy. While houses in other regions prioritize ventilation to stay cool in humid summers, Hokkaido homes are designed for airtightness to trap warmth. You’ll notice the difference immediately: double-paned windows and “windbreak rooms” (genkan-hood) at the entrance are standard here.

This is especially noticeable at convenience stores in windy coastal areas. Not only do they have windbreak rooms, but the outer and inner doors are often positioned in an L-shape to prevent the icy gale from blowing directly into the shop. While summer tourists might find this layout peculiar, one visit during a winter blizzard will make its genius immediately clear. In my hometown, Asahikawa, temperatures can swing from a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in summer to a bone-chilling -24°C (-11°F) in winter. Because our lives depend on it, our indoor comfort has evolved to be world-class.

A harsh wonderland with indoor bliss

Travelers might hesitate when they see the sub-zero forecasts, but I can promise you this: you will feel warmer inside a Hokkaido home than in a Tokyo apartment. When I lived in Tokyo, I was shocked to see my breath inside my own living room!

In Hokkaido, we enjoy the luxury of eating ice cream in a T-shirt while watching the snow pile up outside the window. And for those seeking the ultimate winter experience, I’ll share a secret: the outdoor hot spring (rotenburo). There is nothing quite like relaxing in steaming hot water while the sub-zero air keeps your head clear and the snowflakes melt on your skin. If you’re looking for a winter that is both harsh and incredibly cozy, Hokkaido is waiting for you.

---

In a land where indoor comfort is a fine art, every piece of furniture serves as a companion for the long winter. Why not add a touch of your own passion to your sanctuary with a chair that celebrates a legendary icon?

---

---