Sometimes during the winter when the conditions are just right (lots of snow followed by warm days and freezing nights), Asahikawa City streets are transformed into a giant ice skating rink.

Streets of Ice

It looks really pretty awesome, but unfortunately shaves a few years of your life expectancy when you have to drive on it. Three things to note here if you are coming to Asahikawa in the winter; first of all, if you intend driving, be aware that such conditions can come about very quickly. Second, make sure that you bring shoes with you that have  tread on the soles since the footpaths will look the same as the pictured road. Thirdly, in conditions like this, it is very easy for cars to slide through red signals, take extra care when crossing the road on foot.

Streets of Ice #2

It’s also worth noting that these conditions arise only a few times a season in Asahikawa, and although it’s always sound policy to be prepared for all conditions, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter them to the pictured extreme on your trip.

Safe Driving (and walking)!