Capturing Winter During Pandemic

A few days before the Christmas holiday in 2020, the world went berserk over the emergence of the new coronavirus variant. Christmas was even "cancelled" and in some places stricter lockdowns implemented. Sadly, before New Year's Eve, Japan reported its first case of infection with the new coronavirus variant.

Winter is a wonderful time. It is a season filled with festivities and merry making. It is the time when children are able to see their aging parents and grandparent. It is the time for adventure and competitive winter sports. It is the time to sit in front of the fireplace holding hot chocolate and laughing together. Unfortunately, things have changed and we have to adapt. 

A silver lining amidst the pandemic is seeing nature as it is. The beauty is stunning with less or almost no people meddling with it. 

(A snow covered road in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, with just one street lamp and the night light illuminating it.)

(A woodland near Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort.)

(Sokomiya Hosono Suwa Shrine, Hakuba. Traditionally, the Japanese visit shrines on New Year's Day to pray. This year, however, due to the pandemic, many cities requested residents to avoid going on the first day of the year, and instead make their visits over the coming days, or even prior to the New Year period.)

(Sokomiya Hosono Suwa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine and a home to a giant sacred Japanese cedar. Sitting at the bottom of the staircase, this tree is estimated to be at least a thousand years old.)

Contrary to misconception, Japan is home to some of the snowiest places on Earth. Nagano is one such place and is indeed a snow paradise. 

Approximately four hours by car on futsu (regular) roads and three hours via the expressway, one can reach Takayama. Besides Shirakawa-go, Takayama is another snow haven situated in Gifu Prefecture.

(A vast field of rice is now covered with a thick blanket of snow. Such a wonderful sight with the Japanese Alps in the background.)

(This is a narrow road that leads to the woods. Although still passable, one ought to be mindful as both sides drop steeply down to rice fields which are covered by snow.)

Although Japan has been strict with its border controls, it might be said to have been lenient, comparatively at least, in handling the CoViD 19 nationwide situation. This has allowed most people in Japan to travel locally while observing precautionary measures. In addition, business establishments have also set their own measures in accordance to the government's request. 

If you are planning to travel this winter, plan your course wisely. Choose the best transportation. Make reservations for accommodation or restaurants if necessary. Strictly follow preventative measures and be very mindful with all your dealings.

Indeed, 2020 was a taxing year and many of us are still trying to figure out how to start over this year.