by Chichibu is located in a basin-like valley and is surrounded by mountains. In summer, temperatures can become very high, sometimes exceeding 30°C. In contrast, winters are very cold, with morning temperatures occasionally dropping to around −10°C. As a result, snowfall occurs almost every winter season.
It snowed in Chichibu a few days ago — right in the middle of March! It should already be spring, but winter decided to make a surprise return.
As you can see in the photo, snowfall can sometimes be quite heavy, and residents must clear snow from pathways and rooftops. During winter, snow removal is part of everyday life here. Without it, children would not be able to get to school.
(There is only one primary school and one junior high school in this area.)
Adults wake up early — sometimes as early as 6:00 a.m. — to clear the snow before the children leave for school. It is freezing cold! Many houses are also quite old, so removing snow from rooftops is especially important to prevent damage from the weight of the snow. I have done this many times myself.
Most visitors come to Chichibu in spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms or in autumn for the colorful fall leaves. Winter is not a popular season for travel here. However, I personally find the Yuki-gesho scenery — snow-covered mountains that look as if they are wearing makeup — absolutely beautiful.
When it snows, children cannot wait to play outside. Building snowmen and having snowball fights quickly become the highlight of the day.
When there is enough snow, people even make “Kamakura” — traditional snow domes built by piling up snow and hollowing it out.
We don’t usually have this kind of snow activity in Australia, but if you have the chance to stay in Japan during the middle of winter, you may be able to experience and enjoy snow play for yourself.
