Japan's Four Seasons and Winter in Sapporo: A Guide for Bangladeshi Students

I still remember landing in Sapporo in early January. I stepped out of the airport bus, took one breath, and felt the air cut the inside of my nose. The whole street was white. The trees were white. Even the vending machines looked like they had grown fur coats of snow. Coming from Dhaka, where winter means fog and date-palm juice, this was not the same season at all — it was a different planet.

Japan's Four Seasons: Four Countries in One Year

People in Japan like to say the country has four distinct seasons, and honestly, that's the best way to understand why life here feels so rich. Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and school entrance ceremonies. Summer (June–August) is festivals, fireworks, and muggy nights. Autumn (September–November) turns the maples red and gold. Winter (December–February) brings snow.

These seasons don't just change the weather — they change what people eat, what they wear, and even how they study. Your first year in Japan will naturally follow this rhythm.

Tokyo and Osaka winters are mild — usually 0°C to 10°C in December through February. Sapporo and Hokkaido are a completely different story.

What Winter in Sapporo Really Feels Like

In Sapporo, January daytime temperatures hover around -3°C to -8°C, and nights often drop below -10°C. Snowfall runs from December to March, and the city gets 4–5 metres of snow each year. Yes, metres. Shovelling snow off your walkway is normal.

But here's what surprised me: Sapporo handles winter better than almost any city I've seen. There are dedicated snow-removal trucks, heated sidewalks in central areas, and salt spread on the roads so you don't slip. The Sapporo subway (Namboku Line, Tozai Line) and JR Hokkaido trains almost never stop running because of snow. You will make your 8 a.m. class on time — you just need to leave a bit earlier.

That said, I'll be honest with you. The first few weeks are hard. Your hands and feet freeze, your skin dries out and cracks, and the lack of sunlight can make you feel low. The Japanese call it "winter blues." I've had students cry in their first month — and the same students were laughing at the Sapporo Snow Festival three months later. The difference is preparation.

What Winter Clothes to Buy — With Real Prices

Most Bangladeshi students make the same mistake: they bring a Dhaka winter jacket. It won't work here. You need real winter gear.

• Down jacket (long, to the knee): 8,000–20,000 yen. Uniqlo and Workman are affordable.
• Thermal underwear (Heattech): 1,000–2,500 yen each. Buy at least three sets.
• Winter boots with non-slip soles: 5,000–15,000 yen.
• Gloves, scarf, beanie: 3,000–6,000 yen total.
• Moisturiser and lip balm: non-negotiable. Japanese winter air is dry.

Budget around 20,000–40,000 yen for your first winter wardrobe. These prices are approximate — they shift with the season and store, so check before you buy.

Practical First-Winter Tips

1. Learn to heat your room

Many Japanese apartments don't have central heating. Whether it's a kerosene heater, an AC, or a kotatsu, learn how to use it. Electricity bills jump in winter — plan your budget.

2. Food and vitamins

Vitamin D deficiency is common in winter. Eat fish, drink milk, and take supplements if needed. A hot bowl of ramen or oden in Sapporo isn't just food — it's comfort.

3. Balance part-time work and study

Finding part-time work in winter is a little harder because outdoor jobs dry up. Target convenience stores or indoor restaurants.

Cost and Language: The Real Picture

People assume Japan is expensive, but if you're looking for studying abroad at low cost, Japan is actually more affordable than Europe or the US. Living in Sapporo costs roughly 20–30% less than Tokyo. For real numbers, read our cost of studying in Japan guide.

And yes — studying abroad without IELTS is possible in Japan, if you can show JLPT N5/N4 or an English-medium background. But keep in mind, you'll need at least JLPT N4 to handle daily life. Check the JLPT calendar for exam dates.

If you're still deciding on a city, our Japan cities page has comparisons.

A Final Word

Sapporo's winter is tough, but it's not unbearable. Under the snow, Sapporo is a calm, safe, beautiful city — where you'll ride the train to class in the morning, study in a café in the afternoon, and watch the Snow Festival lights with friends at night. With proper preparation, your first winter can become your best memory.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute from our Narayanganj office in Chashara, College Road (Narayanganj branch). From your first winter prep and buying clothes to opening a bank account and finding part-time work after you arrive — our post-arrival support service is here to help. Come sit with us over a cup of tea, and a lot of your questions will clear up.