by In Chichibu, the geography is like basin-shaped valley. Most areas are surrounded by mountains. In summer, it gets sometimes really hot, over 30℃. On the other hand in winter, it is sometimes so cold. Sometimes it is -10℃ in the morning.
That’s why in the winter season, almost 100%, snow season comes.
The picture above was around February (or March?) several years ago. Too much snowing!
It seems we can do ski, but the mountain is not suitable for ski. In Chichibu, actually, and unfortunately, there is no ski resort….
(If you seek any ski tour, let’s see Ski/Snowboarding Package )
As you can see the picture, sometimes we have a lot of snow so we have to remove the snow from the pathway and roof.
In winter season, this is sort of the residents’ work. Otherwise, kids living there can’t go to school.
(There is only one primary school and junior high school in this area.)
Adults wake up earlier and start to remove snow for kids, like getting up at 6am. So cold!
Also, as some houses are old, the weight of snow might make it flat. To remove snow from the roof is very important work for the local people.
I did many times as well.
Most travelers coming to Chichibu enjoy spring season for cherry blossoms or autumn season for autumn color of leaves. Winter tour is not so popular.
However, I think this Yuki-Gesho landscape (it means the mountains make up by the snow) is really beautiful!
The surrounded mountains get “make-up” by snow “cosmetic”.
Then a lot of kids start to play outside when it is snow.
Most of them make snowman. Then snowball battle is also popular.
When it snows enough, making “Kamakura”, like snow dome.
We don’t have this kind of snow activities in Australia. But if you have a chance to stay in Japan during mid-winter season, you may be able to experience snow-play!
