There might not be green grass or blossoms on the trees just yet, but Hokkaido is turning on some glorious spring weather. Putting aside the fact that sunshine means no fresh powder, the blue skies and bright sun have definitely put smiles on our faces the past few days.

This morning we decided to walk from where we live, Kutchan, to Hirafu, the ski area where we work. It is about an 8km trip that we travel every day (me only twice there and back, Stephen 8 times as he drives the staff bus along the same route). I often look out of the window on the way to work and am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. We cross two rivers that are always changing – sometimes frozen over, sparking, other times flowing and cloudy looking. There is also a small shed where a farmer keeps his cows for the winter. Some mornings if it isn’t snowing the doors will be open and you can see steam rising out as the cows enjoy the cool fresh air. Close by there is often a pesky fox lingering around, hoping to steal some of the cows food. Mount Yotei stands proudly in the background, an inactive  volcano that towers above the surrounding mountains.

The picture I’m trying to create for you of this 20 minute drive just doesn’t do justice to how breathtakingly beautiful it can be. So today was a great opportunity to take the time, walk the route rather than sit on the bus, and take some photos along the way. We didn’t manage to get any shots of the sly fox, but the blue sky and sun made for some great frames. The snow on the trees had frozen into sparkling crystals, and the fields looked as if someone had sprinkled glitter everywhere. We hope you enjoy these pictures, as they give you an insight into the place we have called home for the past 4 months.

M & S.

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