Useful Information for Foreign Tourists in Sapporo: Sand scattered over the icy roads.

The grit bin: snow country wisdom for walking safely on Sapporo’s winter streets

If you visit Sapporo in the winter, you may notice that sand is scattered over the frozen surface of slippery roads. This sand is an anti-slip agent that is used on winter streets so that pedestrians can walk safely. Grit bins, usually installed near intersections, contain bags or plastic bottles filled with sand and are available for use at all times. Since anyone is free to scatter this sand, Sapporo locals often take the initiative for the benefit of others who walk after them. Spread the sand in a zig-zag pattern over sections of the pavement you feel are too slippery. This is just one example of snow country altruism. The grit bins are equipped with a storage space where emptied bags and plastic bottles can be returned. This is not a trash bin, so take care not to leave regular garbage there.