Safety First -- Use the Sidewalk
During the winter here in Furano, especially on snowy days, many visitors choose to walk in the roadway instead of on the sidewalk. Because cars have passed, people like to walk in the tire tracks, which are lower than the surrounding snow. Unfortunately, this is quite dangerous.
This is a big concern at night when visibility is lower, especially when it's snowing. As the winter progresses, there are huge piles of snow alongside the streets, making the streets narrower and narrower. Drivers have less and less road to work with, and it becomes difficult and dangerous to suddenly encounter a group of people walking in the road where they are not expected. The drivers have little choice about where to go, and sometimes pedestrians fall down in the street in front of cars while they are trying to get out of the way!
Pedestrians should use the sidewalks when available, even if the snow is deeper. At a minimum, regular waterproof hiking boots are usually tall enough for a winter visit to Furano. For those with colder feet, insulated winter boots are very comfortable. The more people walk on the sidewalks, the more compact the snow will be, helping everyone.
For roads without sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the RIGHT side of the road, AGAINST the flow of traffic. That way they can monitor the cars as they approach and be ready to jump out of the way if necessary.
See you in Furano.