A chance for an update as we wait for transport to take us to the waterfalls and gorges around this beautiful hot springs resort in the middle of Daisetsuzan, Japan’s largest national park.

It’s still only 2 degrees at 9.30 a.m. after an early morning low of -4 (-6 predicted for tomorrow, Thursday 26th) and there is snow everywhere.  Quite unexpected this time of the year – it’s still mid-autumn – and it’s necessitated a change in our shitami (research) activities.

Snow greeted us on arrival in Sapporo on Monday.  This soon turned to freezing rain, creating a bit of a challenge for our sightseeing.  Underground passages and a very efficient subway allowed us to see some of the stunning kōyō colours in the parks as well as the Hokkaido Jinja shrine in Maruyama Pak, which should give next year’s artists lots to enjoy.

Meanwhile, in Sōunkyō, our next destination, it had been snowing steadily all day with up to 70 cm in places.  We were strongly advised not to drive, so returned our rental and took the train and bus here yesterday (Tuesday). It took pretty much the whole day to get here but the scenery en route was worth it.

Now Wednesday morning and a chance to catch up on reading and emails. It’s bright and sunny and hot water is being sprayed on the roads to rid them of the black ice, so hopefully we’ll have some photos to share in the next post.

Meanwhile some pics from autumn snows in Sapporo on Monday and one of winter snows in Sōunkyō yesterday.

All the above taken Monday, October 23 in Sapporo.  Now here’s one out the window of our ryōkan in Sōunkyō yesterday, showing the edge of our mixed bathing (with swim suits) rotemburo hot springs bath which we all enjoyed last night.