Recently, I came across an event worth discussing: the snowstorm in Hokkaido, Japan, last winter, which really caught many people off guard.

First, let's talk about how serious the situation was at that time. Sapporo received 65 centimeters of snow in just 48 hours, the largest snowfall in nearly 30 years, with some areas accumulating over 1 meter of snow. Stepping into the snow up to your calves. New Chitose Airport was overwhelmed, canceling 56 flights in one day, trapping about 7,000 travelers overnight, and the next day, more than 90 flights were canceled. Ground transportation in Hokkaido was even worse, with over 500 trains suspended, disrupting travel plans for 130k people. Someone paid 3,000 yuan for a carpool from the airport to the city, which was ten times the usual price. Convenience stores' instant noodles and bottled water were sold out, and even toilet paper ran out.

Why did such a big snowstorm cause such chaos? On one hand, the snow fell too suddenly and intensely, exceeding expectations. The snow removal equipment at New Chitose Airport operated 24/7 but couldn't keep up with the snowfall rate. On the other hand, Japan's emergency supplies were indeed problematic. With 7,000 people stranded at the airport, basic blankets and hot water couldn't be supplied, and many had to stay overnight on cold floors wrapped in jackets. Plus, language barriers made it hard for many Chinese tourists to understand flight updates, increasing their panic.

Looking deeper, this snowstorm actually reflected some deeper issues in Japan. Over the years, Hokkaido has experienced serious population outflow, with fewer young workers. Most snow removal team members are elderly, with limited physical strength and efficiency. Local tax revenue has decreased, leading to reduced investment in infrastructure and disaster prevention equipment. Roads and power grids became especially vulnerable during the storm, creating a vicious cycle.

At this point, I recall that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly warned everyone not to go to Japan. Many people thought it was overly cautious at the time. But actually, it wasn’t. Besides the snowstorm, Japan’s recent safety risks have indeed increased. Public security is deteriorating, with theft and scams targeting Chinese tourists on the rise. Moreover, earthquakes have occurred consecutively in western Honshu and Hokkaido. These warnings are based on real risks.

Looking back, many stranded tourists were actually victims of wishful thinking. Before traveling, they only wanted to see the snow, soak in hot springs, and shop, without paying attention to potential risks. They ignored weather alerts, didn’t prepare emergency supplies, and didn’t buy insurance. As a result, their phones ran out of battery, cash was insufficient, and language barriers appeared all at once. Even if they bought travel insurance, being stranded at the airport for dozens of hours, hungry and cold, is an unpleasant experience. Insurance can compensate for financial losses but cannot cover physical and psychological suffering.

Honestly, traveling isn’t just about romantic spontaneity; it requires rational planning and thorough preparation. Every safety reminder issued by the country points to real risks. Ignoring these warnings and blindly traveling will only lead to suffering. This snowstorm in Japan is like a mirror reflecting the consequences of reckless travel. After all, only by traveling safely can you return happily.