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While exercising, this bird separated from the flock, giving tourists a good laugh - Photo: Duy Van
From tropical regions with year-round temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.0C is now in Hokkaido (Japan) exploring the cold that drops to -10 degrees Celsius.0C was truly fascinating. Having only ever seen snow fall in movies and on television, the newly opened tourist route from Ho Chi Minh City to Hokkaido (*) brought us so much novelty and delight.
Watching penguins exercise at Asahiyama Zoo is a truly unique experience. As one of Japan's most famous zoos, home to 150 different animal species, including many species from icy regions, the zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually – ten times the local population.
The magical performance takes place at 2 PM local time each winter. All visitors are instructed to stand in line to watch the penguin parade. Under the freezing weather, the tropical residents shiver, warming their hands, but refuse to leave the line even as the snow falls blindingly.
A line of peopleThey just kept following each other in a long line.They gathered in an orderly fashion, guided by the chatter of the zoo employee through a handheld loudspeaker. Then the majestic penguins appeared. The visitors became agitated, a sea of amateur cameras and video recorders hastily capturing the adorable and charming moment of these icy creatures getting close to humans.
There wasn't much to it; the birds' exercise was walking, but ahead of them, a guide with a loudspeaker called out for people to move to the sides for the birds to pass. Behind them, three or four escorts were ready to help if the birds slipped and fell. The birds were also playful, stopping to tease tourists, and were immediately pulled back into line by the escorts...
According to guide Akemi Ito, this regular exercise regimen is intended to help the penguins avoid obesity caused by reduced activity during the winter.
Being very familiar with humans, the penguins showed no fear. Some even strolled around, making friends with tourists. Others slipped and fell.The joyful laughter and chatter of the tourists seemed to carry with them the happiness of having the opportunity to live closer to nature.
The Otaru Canal is a cultural and historical landmark of Sapporo (Hokkaido) - Photo: Duc Lien
Take a cable car ride to admire the panoramic view of the Okurayama stadium complex from the 1972 Winter Olympics (Sapporo) - Photo: Duy Van
For touristsFor Vietnamese tourists, immersing themselves in snow and rain is an unforgettable experience - Photo: Duy Van
But our favorite thing during our days in Sapporo (the capital of Hokkaido) was watching the snowfall. Millions of milky white snowflakes fell, covering every rooftop and blanketing every street in a fairytale-like white.
In the snow-covered landscape, you'll hear stories you may never have imagined about the lives of people in cold climates. From how each household calculates their expenses during the snow season, which lasts from October to March each year, to whether shoveling snow is the job of women or men, and what snowplows do with the ever-growing snowdrifts each winter.
At the Okurayama Stadium complex, the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, young people happily play in the snow. Those who aren't afraid of heights can enjoy panoramic views of the stadium after ascending the mountain by cable car amidst the vast expanse of white snow, admire the bravery of the snow-jumping athletes, and enjoy ice cream from the viewing platform!
"Take a shower"Heavenly" in a hot spring amidst the freezing cold - Photo: Duc Lien
When you've frozen enough in the near--10°C cold.0C, you're introduced to another unique tourist attraction in Hokkaido: bathing in the hot springs of the Sounkyo natural mineral spring. Indeed, there's nothing better than soaking in hot water when you're shivering from the cold.
The hot spring area is located in the valley of Daisetsuzan National Park, with hot springs at an altitude of 40 degrees Celsius.0The water is sourced directly from a mountain mineral spring, creating a wonderfully relaxing and invigorating feeling. At the end of the day, you'll be slightly intoxicated with warm sake and snow-capped seafood such as salmon and hokkei fish...
Japan is more than just cherry blossoms. Spending winter with the Japanese can give you a glimpse into some aspects of their rich culture. Come here to understand why people in Sapporo are more open with foreigners than elsewhere in Japan, why Sapporo has the highest divorce rate in Japan, yet it's one of the most desirable places for Japanese people to live in the Land of the Rising Sun...
All of these will be unforgettable experiences.
(*)Organized by Indochina Tourist & Trade Company (itt.com.vn) in collaboration with its Japanese partner and Vietnam Airlines.
