Text by: Alex
Hokkaido in Japan is nicknamed the Snow Country, and every February, Sapporo hosts a large-scale snow festival. However, even native Hokkaido residents can find life tough on heavy snow days. For example, this netizen TAK (@TAK17246558) wanted to take shelter from the snow in a phone booth, but after thinking about having to break through layers of thick snow just to get there, he ultimately decided to give up.
Growing up in a snowy country is tough, huh.
— TAK (@TAK17246558) January 1, 2021
Somehow it’s starting to look kinda cute lol pic.twitter.com/ewebxeqNMP
▲ “Growing up in a snowy country is hard, but a lot of things look really cute!”
Similar experiences may be all too common for Hokkaido residents. Another netizen commented and shared a photo of a vending machine — something as simple as buying a drink can turn into a big challenge in Hokkaido. Some also pointed out that people should be extra careful when walking near houses with pointed roofs, as the snow on top can collapse at any time, posing real danger.
As long as I can get the juice out, that’s enough pic.twitter.com/oSJbv0iVzK
— あいつ (@aitsu_xx) January 2, 2021
▲ “I’ll just go for the juice.”
Self-proclaimed photography novice TAK loves capturing natural landscapes, so naturally he doesn’t miss the winter beauty of Biei’s Blue Pond or the early-morning “diamond dust.” But photographing these sights means either getting up early or waiting until nightfall — enduring the cold is a must. Just look at his camera and tripod covered in frost to see how low the temperature gets.
▲ Camera and tripod covered in frost — you can tell how cold it is!! (photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
Diamond Dust
— TAK (@TAK17246558) December 31, 2020
So glad I got to see it??
Felt like I saw a photo by a famous photographer!?Hokkaido #DiamondDust pic.twitter.com/VGzBGLrcsK
▲ “It was amazing to see the diamond dust.”
▲ Snow reflects sunlight, creating a sparkling, colorful “diamond dust.” (photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
Blue Pond
— TAK (@TAK17246558) November 23, 2020
A beauty that makes you forget time.
Also wanted to see its daytime look. #Biei Town #BluePond #SnowWorld #Hokkaido is beautiful #WantToMeetFellowPhotographers #HokkaidoLove #HokkaidoFutureNote pic.twitter.com/MolAJ7NqeX
▲ “The beauty of Blue Pond makes you forget about time.”
▲ The Blue Pond in Biei. (photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
▲(Photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
Photography enthusiasts can visit TAK’s Twitter or Instagram accounts to view more of his works.
▲Other works taken by TAK in Hokkaido. (Photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
▲(Photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
▲Steller's Sea Eagle (Photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
Ezo Flying Squirrel▲(Photo by TAK17246558 @Twitter)
Source: @TAK17246558