Snowing

Here’s a collection of pictures about snow and winter—pristine white landscapes, icy tree branches, and cozy cabins nestled in the cold. Add in the thrill of skiing down powdery slopes, breath forming clouds in the crisp air, and the serene beauty of winter skies. Despite the chill, these moments feel heartwarming, capturing the quiet magic and coziness of the season.

Echigo Yuzawa Snow

Echigo Yuzawa Snow

Heavy snowfall in Echigo Yuzawa transforms the area into a winter wonderland. Thick blankets of snow cover the rooftops and trees, while the streets are lined with shimmering white. It’s the perfect setting for winter activities or simply enjoying the beauty of a snowy Japanese landscape. ❄️🏔️✨ Echigo Yuzawa is a charming town nestled in…

Gunma Escape
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Gunma Escape

A quick getaway to Gunma’s snowy mountains sounds like the perfect winter retreat! The powdery slopes, crisp mountain air, and breathtaking views make for an unforgettable escape. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying the snowy scenery, it’s a refreshing break from the daily grind. Gunma never disappoints when it comes to winter fun! ❄️⛷️🏔️✨

Higashiyama Onsen
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Higashiyama Onsen

Spending New Year’s Eve in Higashiyama Onsen sounds magical, especially with a fresh blanket of snow! The serene atmosphere, coupled with the contrast of snow-covered landscapes and traditional onsen architecture, must create breathtaking photo opportunities. Starting the new year surrounded by such beauty is truly special—enjoy every moment! ❄️⛩️📸✨

Snow White
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Snow White

Had a great time playing with the 55-200mm in Naeba! The reach and sharpness of this lens were perfect for capturing the snowy landscapes and distant details on the slopes. It’s versatile, lightweight, and a joy to use in the winter scenery. Definitely a lens I’ll keep coming back to!

Fresh Powder
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Fresh Powder

There was quite a lot of snow to deal with that morning in Naeba, but the little X-T2 handled the cold like a champ. Despite the freezing conditions and all the snow, it kept performing flawlessly—impressive for such a compact setup. Made capturing the snowy landscapes all the more enjoyable!

Snowboard Girl
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Snowboard Girl

Snowboarding in Japan seems to be as much about style as it is about the slopes! For many young women, it’s a chance to show off their color coordination and makeup skills, often more so than their actual snowboarding abilities. The outfits are on point, and even on the coldest days, they manage to look…

Sengen Jinja
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Sengen Jinja

Heavy snowfall greeted us during our recent visit to the Sengen Jinja—officially known as Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社). The snow blanketed the shrine grounds, adding a serene and magical touch to its already majestic atmosphere. The towering trees and traditional architecture looked even more enchanting under the soft, white cover. A truly unforgettable…

Snow Drive
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Snow Drive

Beyond sushi, geishas, and Pokémon, Japan deserves recognition for the incredible snowfalls that blanket the northern parts of Honshu. It’s not unusual to see over a meter of snow in just a single day, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. This shot, taken on our way back from Naeba, captures the aftermath of one…

Snow Police
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Snow Police

Snow was coming down hard on the highway, with a speed limit set at 50km/h for safety—but that didn’t stop these guys from cruising along at 70, and everyone else just kept pace like it was the norm! A little nerve-wracking, but I guess it’s all part of the adventure in snowy driving conditions.

Bath Time
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Bath Time

One of the best parts of Japan is undoubtedly the magical combination of snow and hot springs. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a steaming onsen while surrounded by a snowy landscape. The contrast between the crisp, cold air and the warm, mineral-rich water creates an unparalleled sense of relaxation and serenity. It’s an experience…

Snow Tori
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Snow Tori

A torii gate in the snow at Aizu Wakamatsu is a picture of serene beauty. The vibrant red of the gate contrasts strikingly against the pristine white snow, creating a scene that feels almost timeless. Snow clings gently to the gate’s beams, and the surrounding landscape is hushed, amplifying the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a moment…

Sazaedo Pagoda
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Sazaedo Pagoda

The Sazaedo Pagoda in Aizu Wakamatsu is a fascinating architectural marvel, renowned for its unique double helix ramp. Visitors ascend and descend along separate paths that never intersect, allowing for a continuous flow of movement without crossing others. It’s like walking through a life-sized DNA strand, with the two ramps elegantly interlacing within the cylindrical…

Pretty People Only
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Pretty People Only

A funny little sign on a bench in Ouchijuku caught my eye: “Pretty people only!” A playful touch that adds some humor to the historic village’s charm. It’s one of those quirky details that makes exploring places like this all the more memorable. Perfect for a quick photo op—if you think you qualify! 😉

Lunch at Ouchijuku
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Lunch at Ouchijuku

Eating soba at Ouchijuku is a unique experience, especially their specialty, leek soba. Instead of chopsticks, you’re given a whole leek to use as both a utensil and a flavor enhancer—an unusual but fun twist! The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich and comforting. It’s a delicious meal that perfectly matches the…

Ouchijuku
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Ouchijuku

Ouchijuku, a quaint village along the historic Aizu West Road, is a picturesque step back in time. Nestled among lofty mountains, this former Edo-period post town once served as a vital link between Aizu Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture and Imaichi in Tochigi Prefecture, with goods like straw rice sacks transported along its route. The village…

Skiing in Japan
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Skiing in Japan

Kagura’s snowy slopes made for an amazing day out with my eldest daughter. The powder was soft, the air was fresh, and the views were incredible. Watching her tackle the runs with confidence and laughing together on the lifts made it all even better. A few warm-up breaks with hot chocolate and we were back…

Snow Trees
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Snow Trees

The sight of snow-covered trees in Kagura, a pristine ski area in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, is like stepping into a winter fairy tale. Known for its abundant snowfall and untouched beauty, Kagura transforms into a wonderland where every tree is cloaked in layers of soft, powdery white. The “snow monsters”, as some affectionately call them,…

Pyeongchang Ski Jump
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Pyeongchang Ski Jump

The Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre in PyeongChang is nothing short of an architectural and athletic marvel. Nestled amidst the snowy peaks of the Taebaek Mountains, this venue served as the dramatic stage for the ski jumping events during the 2018 Winter Olympics, where gravity-defying athletes soared through the icy air in breathtaking displays of precision and courage. The…