The charm of winter in Japan. Regional characteristics and seasonal scenery I experienced while studying abroad in Toyama Prefecture

Hello, I am Hadi, the Indonesian team chief of JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

I have been studying abroad in Japan for over six years.
Of these, the three years I spent in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, were particularly memorable.

This time, I would like to introduce the charms of Japanese winter that I felt through my study abroad experience.

Characteristics of winter in Japan

Winter in Japan has different characteristics depending on the region.

The winters I spent studying abroad in Toyama Prefecture were characterized by low temperatures and abundant snow, and I experienced harsh seasonal changes.
In this snowy region, snow has a major impact on daily life.
The cold, dry air was something I'd never experienced in Indonesia, where I'm from.

When I experienced snow for the first time, I was amazed by its whiteness and coldness, and enjoyed making snowmen and having snowball fights with my friends.

What was difficult about the Japanese winter?

As winter progressed, heavy snowfall made travel difficult.
The roads were very difficult to walk on and public transportation was delayed, causing problems with everyday shopping and going out.

Life in a snowy country can be tough at times, and winter preparation and measures are essential, especially in an area like Toyama Prefecture.

When I experienced winter in Toyama for the first time, I had to make many preparations for the first time in my life.
One of them is buying a thick coat or down jacket.
Having grown up in Indonesia, where it's always warm, wearing and purchasing such winter clothing was a completely new experience for me.
In addition to jackets, we also had to prepare cold weather gear such as gloves and boots.

When spending time indoors, heating appliances such as stoves and heaters were essential.
When there was heavy snowfall in Toyama and the temperature dropped below zero, it was so cold that I had to spend the whole day sitting in front of the heater inside my room.

And the air is very dry in winter in Japan.
Therefore, it is important to take measures to prevent dry skin, and I now use lip balm and moisturizer every day.
As a man, I felt a little strange using lip balm, but I thought about the health of my skin and ended up continuing to use it.

I used to think that lip balm was just for women.
However, after experiencing the Toyama winter, I learned that men also need to use lip balm.
In Japan, many men use lip balm, especially during the dry winter season.

The charm of winter in Japan. What you can experience and eat

Despite its harshness, winter in Japan has a unique beauty.
Each region has its own unique winter charms, and you can enjoy different experiences and food cultures in the heavy snow areas of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region and the warmer areas on the Pacific coast.

Things to experience in winter in Japan

One thing I remember most vividly from the winter I spent studying abroad in Toyama Prefecture was my visit to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
The overwhelming emotion I felt when I stood in front of the gigantic snow wall that was nearly 20 meters high was something that cannot be expressed in words.
This experience was a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of winter in Japan and the differences in climate from region to region.

Of course, there are many attractions outside of Toyama Prefecture as well.

For example, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, held in February, displays giant snow sculptures and ice art, attracting many tourists.
I also went on a trip to Hokkaido in the winter while I was studying abroad.

Hitsujigaoka Observatory is a famous tourist spot in Hokkaido.
In winter, you can experience a variety of activities that involve snow, such as cross-country skiing and "tube sliding," where you slide down a snowy mountain on a rubber tube.

Additionally, hot springs all over Japan are popular places to escape the cold of winter, and soaking in a hot spring while looking out at the snowy scenery is a special experience you can't find anywhere else.

Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can enjoy top destinations such as Zao in Yamagata Prefecture and Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, which offer high-quality snow and excellent facilities.

Japanese winter food culture

Japan has a unique food culture during the winter.

During the cold season, body-warming hotpot dishes are enjoyed in many homes and restaurants.

The type of pot varies depending on the region.
You can enjoy different winter flavors in each region, such as yosenabe in the Kansai region, mizutaki in Kyushu, and sansai nabe in Tohoku.

Additionally, winter is a season when seafood is plentiful in Japan.
Crab, winter yellowtail, oysters, and other ingredients are in season, and dishes using these ingredients offer unique flavors in each region, enticing visitors.

Summary: Winter in Japan has different charms depending on the region. Learn about winter-like experiences and food culture in Japan

Studying abroad in Toyama Prefecture was a valuable opportunity to experience the harshness and beauty of Japan's nature, as well as the unique characteristics of each region.

The information and experiences I gained during my time abroad have shaped my outlook on life and are something I will treasure in the future.
I experienced the many charms of winter in Japan and have etched those memories in my heart.

My time in Toyama Prefecture, Japan remains an unforgettable memory in my life, and I hope to continue to use the lessons I learned from that experience to support those who are thinking of working in Japan.