It is cold, snowy, and icy in the winter. This is the coldest mission in Japan and winters are long and hard. Layers are your friend in keeping warm. They keep buildings really warm, so being able to remove layers while inside will keep you from burning up.
The summers get really hot and humid, so you will need to prepare all types of clothing.
You will want good boots. Sorels (with extra liners) and Baffins are recommended most for Elders and Sisters. Make sure you dry them (or liners) each night. They are easy to slip on and off when entering homes.
If you are larger than size 8.5 in women’s or 12 in men’s it is hard to find shoes there that will fit.
Rain boots and comfortable everyday walking shoes are important as well.
Elders: ECCO most recommended
Sisters: Dr. Martens most recommended
They have excellent shopping there with lots of second hand shopping, so clothing (especially winter clothing) can easily be purchased there. There is also a lot of clothing in the closets left by former missionaries.
Rain pants are essential when riding a bike, otherwise you’ll be soaked.
Bring toothpaste and deodorant to last entire mission. The shipping for an entire mission's supply is more than the deodorant and toothpaste.
They do not have antiperspirant in deodorant and no fluoride in toothpaste. They are most requested items for missionaries. Tampons are also difficult to find there.
It is a heavy biking mission when there is not snow on the ground. Bikes are maintained by the mission office. Do not worry about purchasing.
There is a Costco in Sapporo, so the mission office will often make trips for the missionaries. They often request peanut butter.
It can get quite cold, so missionaries will need face masks while riding bikes along with their other warm clothing.
A luggage service aids in delivering suitcases for transfers but it sometimes takes a few days. A backpack is needed to pack a few days clothing and necessities while waiting. They are also good for exchanges.
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