A Japanese travel agency's 2.4 million won 'snow shoveling experience' tourism product aimed at foreign tourists is gaining popularity, especially among Chinese tourists.
On the 18th (local time), the Hong Kong media South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a travel agency in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, 'JYOSETSU,' has introduced a snow shoveling tour featuring local specialties.
Sapporo, one of the snowiest cities in the world, experiences subzero temperatures for a third of the year. The average snowfall during winter reaches about 5 meters, making snow shoveling a challenging task for local residents.
However, JYOSETSU has specialized this into a revenue-generating tourism business for foreigners.
SCMP explained that snow shoveling is emerging as a new trend among young Chinese travelers who prioritize experiences over shopping.
This travel agency allows tourists to ride in a snow removal truck and observe the snow clearing process in Sapporo. Tourists can experience snow removal firsthand and, when no snow removal is taking place, can look inside the snow removal vehicle.
The experience costs 250,000 yen (2.37 million won) for 1-6 people and includes one meal. It is available from January to early March each year.
Chinese tourists who completed the experience expressed positive reactions about this tourism product on social media.
Chinese tourists posted comments such as, 'I've never seen so much snow before. It was truly a special experience,' 'Everywhere was covered in white snow. It created a happy memory I'll never forget,' 'It was cold and tough, but I want to come back again,' and 'I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new travel experience.'