Starting Life in the Snow Area, Akita in Japan ②.

Hello! I’m Megumi, the trainee. 😊

I’m gonna share with you about my winter experience in northern part of Japan, Akita. 

I live in Tazawako, Semboku City, and it gets quite a lot of snow here. From what I’ve heard, this year, we have double the usual amount of snow! Σ(･ω･ﾉ)ﾉ!

You might think I’m shoveling snow on the ground, but actually, I’m on the second floor!

I have to climb about 3 meters just to shovel the snow. February is definitely intense around here.

Since Akita is known for having some of the shortest sunlight hours in Japan, there are days when I don’t see the sun for a while. I do love the snow, but I also get the urge to soak up some sunlight! When it’s sunny, it’s such a treat—I’m like, “The sun is out!!! I have to go see Lake Tazawa! I need to get outside!” 🌞

I’m curious if there are other ski resorts in Japan where you can see a lake so beautifully like this!

With all the snow, I tend to stay home more often at night. I cook a nice meal at home and then enjoy the quiet darkness outside with no streetlights, heading to bed early.

I love my new life surrounded by nature. It’s a big change from when I used to live just a minute away from a burger shop. Now, it’s a one-hour walk down the mountain to get a burger! 😊💛

Other than snowboarding and shoveling snow, I don’t spend much time outside in this pure white world.

Here’s a view of the sea of clouds ☁☁☁ and Lake Tazawa.

I’m already so excited just thinking about the spring when the snow melts and the warm, fresh greenery comes! I’ll probably hike Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Nyuto as much as I can, and I can’t wait to lie down in the meadows. One of the things I’m looking forward to is learning about wild plants from the locals.

While I’m eagerly waiting for spring, I’ll enjoy everything that winter has to offer. 😊✨

kamakura (snow hut)! ✨