6:00 AM – Waking Up to a Cold Morning
Hokkaido’s winter mornings are dark and cold, with fresh snow lightly covering the ground outside.
As I slowly wake up, the warmth of the heater makes it easier to start the day.
10:00 AM – Heading Out for a Work Meeting
After getting ready, I put on my winter coat, gloves, and snow boots, preparing to face the freezing temperatures.
Walking on Sapporo’s icy roads in winter requires careful steps to avoid slipping.
After making my way through the cold, I arrived at the office.
The meeting went smoothly and finished in about an hour, leaving me with some free time before lunch.
11:30 AM – Stopping by the Sapporo Snow Festival
Since I was already near Odori Park, I decided to take a quick walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Snow Festival Highlights
- A sumo wrestling match between a bear and a sumo wrestler, a creative and uniquely Hokkaido-inspired sculpture
- A Hello Kitty snow sculpture, adding an adorable touch to the festival
- Various intricate character sculptures, each showcasing impressive artistry
Even though my fingers were freezing, I couldn’t help but stop to take some photos.
The atmosphere was lively, with visitors from around the world marveling at the incredible snow displays.
➡️Click here for the Sapporo Snow Festival article.
12:30 PM – Warming Up with a Cozy Bistro Lunch
After spending time outside in the cold, I was ready for a warm and comforting lunch.
I made my way to my favorite French bistro, a cozy little spot perfect for escaping the winter chill.
The Meal
- Appetizer: A rich and flavorful pâté, served with a fresh green salad and mustard
- Main Course: A crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken dish, topped with a rich sauce and accompanied by fresh vegetables
Sitting by the window, I enjoyed watching the snowy scenery outside while savoring every bite of my meal.
It was the perfect way to warm up after a cold morning.
2:00 PM – Watching “Showtime Seven” at the Theater
After lunch, I remembered that my movie ticket was expiring soon, so I decided to catch a film at the theater.
The movie I chose was “Showtime Seven,” starring Hiroshi Abe, one of my favorite actors.
My Thoughts on “Showtime Seven”
- A great mix of action and comedy, keeping me engaged throughout
- Hiroshi Abe’s performance was brilliant and full of charisma
- The balance of humor and emotional depth made it a thoroughly enjoyable film
I walked out of the theater feeling completely entertained—Hiroshi Abe never disappoints.
6:00 PM – Relaxing at Home, Preparing Dinner
As the sun set and temperatures dropped even further, I stayed warm inside, preparing dinner.
Tonight’s meal was braised chicken drumettes, made effortlessly using my auto cooker.
Easy Auto Cooker Recipe: Braised Chicken Drumettes
- Chicken drumettes (6 pieces)
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp)
- Mirin (2 tbsp)
- Sake (2 tbsp)
- Sugar (1 tbsp)
- Ginger slices (2 pieces)
- Grated garlic (a small amount)
Steps
- Put all ingredients into the auto cooker and set it to low heat for 1 hour.
- Once done, the chicken will be fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.
With dinner ready, I could sit back, relax, and enjoy a cozy evening.
There’s nothing better than a warm home-cooked meal on a cold winter night.
