Category: Journal Page 1 of 2

Sunday, March 9th

We had about 10 cm of fresh snowfall early Saturday morning, but Sunday brought clear, pleasant weather. I took the opportunity to visit Tateshina Onsen and had a wonderful, relaxing time. It takes my mind off work, mentally and physically.

“Kosaino-Yu” offers three distinct onsen experiences:

• Kashikirino-Yu – A private bath for exclusive use
• Adauchinono-Yu – A serene retreat for women
• Miharashino-Yu – A scenic bath for men

Nestled in the forested Shirakaba Highland at an elevation of 1,250 meters in Chino, Nagano, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons.

During winter, the open-air onsen is surrounded by a stunning blanket of snow, creating a magical and tranquil atmosphere. Soaking in the warm waters while taking in the snowy landscape is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate the body from the winter chill.

I usually wake up around 3:30 a.m. and start my morning with a smoothie made from an apple, a banana, and some vegetables. After that, I brew a cup of coffee and enjoy it on my drive to work.

On my way to my workplace, I often spot a family of deer along the roadside. Other wildlife, like raccoons and minks, occasionally make an appearance as well. The scenery is breathtaking—apple orchards, rolling hills, and distant mountains create a beautiful backdrop for my commute.

Snowy Morning Cleanup and A Frozen Lake Walk:Saturday, Feb. 1st

The weather is beautiful this morning—crisp, clear, and perfect for getting outside. I spent a good hour shoveling snow and tidying up around my house. With over 50 cm of snow piled up, and nearly 100 cm where it had slid down from the roof, it was quite the workout! But there’s something satisfying about clearing fresh snow under the bright winter sky.

After that, I took a short walk to Lake Megami, just five minutes away. The entire surface was frozen solid, transforming the lake into a natural ice track for fun winter driving. Seeing the vast, icy expanse under the clear blue sky was a stunning sight—another reminder of how beautiful winter can be.

How’s the winter landscape in your area?

It has been snowing since last night, and the snowfall continues. Despite the weather, I went for a walk to Lake Megami on Sunday morning, December 22nd. The crunching sound of the snow under my footsteps was so satisfying—it made the walk even more enjoyable.

After my walk, I shoveled the snow from the driveway and walkway around my house three times on Sunday.

I woke up to a snow-covered morning on Saturday, November 30th.
Inside my house, the temperature was minus 3 degrees Celsius, while outside, it was a chilly minus 6 degrees. With the wind, however, it felt more like minus 10 degrees. This morning, I shoveled the snow from the walkway and cleared the outdoor deck.

Tabby is enjoying the perfect cozy atmosphere. He loves warmth and comfort, especially when the weather is cold, like this morning. Here is his favorite spot to see outside.

This morning, a couple of centimeters of snow blanketed the area around my home. Inside, the temperature dropped to -1°C, while outside it was a freezing -10°C. Despite the cold, the skies were clear, and the crisp, cold air was refreshing and invigorating.

This morning, I took a walk to Lake Megami, just 20 minutes from my home. The crisp crunch of snow underfoot and the calm, serene atmosphere made for a truly peaceful experience.

A month ago, I moved to Tateshina, a stunning region in central Nagano Prefecture known for its lush green mountains and serene natural beauty. My home is located in Yakkano Tsusujigaoka (八ヶ野つつじヶ丘), in the southern part of Tateshina, at an elevation of 1,500 meters. The area is rich in wildlife, with deer, ferrets, pheasants, and other animals frequently spotted nearby.

Close to my home, you’ll find Lake Megami and several family-friendly ski resorts. This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round opportunities for hiking in the warmer months and winter sports when the snow arrives. It’s truly a place where nature can be enjoyed in every season.

　

Rebuild Outdoor Deck

Thanks for the weather cooperating on the day, Saturday, June 1st. Sachi and I enjoyed craft beers, food, and stage performances, including music, dancing, etc.

The ten craft beer stalls were lined up to serve unique taste beers at each stall. My favorite is a Haze IPA, it has a nice flavor and bitter taste.

Deeply Traditonal Japanese Culture

The Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival at Ueda Castle Ruins Park is truly a sight to behold! With approximately a thousand cherry trees now in full bloom, it’s an experience that takes your breath away. Walking through the park amidst the beauty of the cherry blossoms, both during the day and at night, is simply enchanting.

In Japan, spring holds a special significance, beginning around April. People nationwide eagerly anticipate the blooming of Sakura, or cherry blossoms, following the cold winter months.

Cherry blossoms, with their delicate pink petals, carry profound meaning in Japanese culture. They symbolize the beauty and fragility of life, deeply ingrained in the hearts of the Japanese people for centuries.

These blossoms serve as a metaphor for life’s transient nature, reminding us to treasure every fleeting moment. Their brief yet stunning appearance during Sakura season is a poignant reminder of this fleeting beauty.

Food stalls line up in the park during the festival.

I enjoy playing tennis and socializing with the H Juku Team members on weekends.

Congrats on starting college life!

We had a celebratory party last weekend for one of our team members who graduated from high school and is now moving on to college in the Kansai region, Japan.

Spring is a time of goodbyes as well as a time to make new acquaintances, which graduation ceremony is held in March and the entrance ceremony is held in April across Japan.

Looking forward to new beginnings!