Snow White World! First Snow in Tokyo
Although Japan and Taiwan are not geographically distant, there are significant differences in climate. One of the most obvious is that Japan has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of snow every winter. For Taiwanese people, who don't have snow in winter, snow is a distant and romantic existence. During my stay in Tokyo as an exchange student, I was able to witness the first snowfall in Tokyo in November in 54 years, an experience I will never forget.
A rare early winter snowfall
It was an ordinary but special morning. I was woken up by the alarm clock, rubbed my sleepy eyes and opened the curtains. The sight in front of me woke me up instantly - white snowflakes were falling and the ground was covered with a thin layer of white frost. It actually snowed in Tokyo at the end of November! According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, this is the first time in 54 years since 1962 that it has snowed in November in Tokyo. According to the JMA, this is the first time snow has been recorded since observations began at 11 a.m. in 1876, nearly a month earlier than in previous years.
For me, who is used to warm winters, this is the first time in my life that I witnessed a real snow scene. At that moment, I was like a child who got a Christmas present, and my excitement was beyond words. The loneliness that I occasionally felt during my study abroad life seemed to melt away in front of this pure white world.
Unexpected Vacation
While I was immersed in the joy of the first snowfall, a text message arrived on my cell phone from the manager of the store where I was working:
"Since it is snowing today, I decided to close the store, so I don't have to come to work."
Japanese people react to snowy weather as cautiously as they do to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Especially when it comes to transportation, snow can cause delays on trams and snowy roads. They would rather suspend business than take the risk. To me, this news is no doubt an unexpected surprise. I can now enjoy this rare snow day.
The touch and smell of the first snow
I couldn't wait to change into my thick winter clothes, put on my woolen hat and scarf, and picked up my camera, I rushed out of the dormitory with excitement. In the courtyard, the snow was already a few centimeters thick, I gently stepped on it, and the sound of "crunching" came from under my feet, which was a feeling I had never experienced before. I carefully picked up a handful of snowflakes, and the cold touch came through my fingertips. I couldn't help but put the snowflake into my mouth and savored it, the cold taste nourishing my heart.
Soft music came from the headphones, which was a perfect match for the snowy scenery. The sound of children's laughter came from the distance, and the children in the neighborhood were building snowmen and having snowball fights. All this makes me feel the warmth and romance of a snowy day.
Recommendations for warm equipment
Japan's winters are dry and cold, and when it snows, it can reach minus 3~4 degrees Celsius, so we recommend some warm equipment so that you won't catch a cold or slip while enjoying the snowy scenery!
Electric Vest (Electric Vest)
An electric undershirt is an undershirt with a built-in battery-operated heater that keeps you warm by directly heating your body. Unlike ordinary undershirts, it provides a higher level of warmth. There are many different types of electric undershirts available on the market. The number and location of heaters, temperature adjustment function, material and design are all different, so there is a wide range of choices. The advantages and disadvantages of this undershirt are described below.
- Advantages of Electric Vest
- Efficient warmth retention: Directly heats the body, keeping you warmer than traditional warm clothing.
- Easy to adjust the temperature: Most of the products are equipped with a thermostat function, which can be adjusted to a comfortable temperature according to the temperature and situation.
- Lightweight and easy to wear: The lightweight, non-obstructive design of the MultiVest makes it ideal for work or outdoor activities.
- Disadvantages of Electric Vest
- Battery weight: The built-in battery adds some weight.
- Charging time: The battery takes time to charge.
- Price: Usually more expensive than regular undershirts.
Although the batteries add weight and expense to an electric undershirt, I think it is worth it to keep your body warm and comfortable. In Japan, it is one of the must-have items to protect your body from the cold. (We recommend the electric undershirt made in Japan by Excitech, a Japanese domestic brand, for its quality and safety.)
snow boots
In Japan, where it snows, snow boots are one of the necessities for protection against the cold for three reasons:
- Warmth: When walking on snow or ice, normal shoes cannot protect your feet from the cold. Snow boots are made of highly insulating materials that protect your feet from the cold. Warmth is especially important when you are outdoors for long periods of time.
- Waterproofing: They must be waterproof to protect your feet from snow, rain and mud. Walking in wet socks for long periods of time is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to dangers such as hypothermia. Snow boots are made of highly waterproof materials and designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Anti-slip: Snow or ice can be very slippery and fall accidents can easily occur. Snow boots are made with non-slip sole texture and material to provide stable walking support and prevent fall accidents.
For these reasons, wearing snow boots in snowy or icy areas or environments is crucial for safety and comfort. Because I didn't have snow boots in the beginning, I slipped and fell down several times, so I really recommend to buy a pair of snow boots at home in case of emergency. (I recommend the Japanese brand BTNTN snow boots, I often see Japanese people wearing them on the road, so I can wear them more like Japanese winter wear.)
Men's Style
Women's styles
Street scene in the snow
As I walked down the street, I noticed that most Japanese pedestrians were in a hurry, and many of them didn't even have umbrellas, letting the snowflakes fall on their shoulders. I, on the other hand, stood out in my heavy snowsuit, camera in hand, snapping pictures of the beautiful scenery around me. I didn't care about the curious stares I got from passing Tokyoites. After all, for me, seeing snow for the first time was so fresh and memorable.
The busy commercial area is now decorated with snow like a fairy tale world. What surprised me most was that the snowflakes covered the red and golden ginkgo leaves, which had not yet completely faded, creating an absolutely beautiful picture. The colors of red, yellow and white intertwined, showing the unique atmosphere of the alternation of autumn and winter.
Snowy view of Dongdaemun University
When I came to the campus of Tokyo Institute of Technology, I was shocked by the scene in front of me. The buildings, trees, and paths on the campus were all covered with a layer of silver. The campus, which is usually familiar to me, was like a pure white world at the moment. I stood in front of the campus, took a deep breath and felt the cold and fresh air. I can't help but feel that the magic of nature is really endless.
I strolled along the paths of the campus, snapping photo after photo, experiencing the beauty of EIT in the snow.
The Call of Reality
While I was immersed in this snow-white world, my cell phone suddenly rang. It was the store manager's phone:
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize there were so many customers today, so I'm going to have to ask you to come over today."
One sentence brought me back to reality from the drifting snow scene. Although I was a bit reluctant to leave, as a part-time worker, I still needed to fulfill my responsibility. On the way back to the dormitory from the research lab, I found that the lights along the way brought out another atmosphere of the snowy scenery, so I accidentally took pictures again.
"Oh, my God, it's five o'clock!"
After forgetting the time for taking photos, I realized that I was actually late, so I hurried back to the dormitory to change into my work clothes and went to work again.
Warmth in the snow
When we arrived at the store, we found that our colleagues were also arriving. Although we were called back temporarily, we didn't complain, but encouraged each other. In the midst of our busy work, we chatted about our feelings about snow. Some of my coworkers are from Hokkaido and are used to snow, while others, like me, are excited and curious about the first snow.
When the customers came into the store, they brought with them the cold air. We enthusiastically served them hot udon noodles and felt warmth in our hearts as we watched the satisfied expressions on their faces. Perhaps this is also a kind of happiness in the snowy weather.
At the end of the work day, we all took turns to eat the staff meal while cleaning up, and I took the challenge of making my own donburi with snowy white carrot foam, so that I could enjoy myself and feel the sweetness of the fruits of my hard work.
Trivia
The first snowfall in Tokyo added a colorful touch to my study abroad life. Being in the snowy world and feeling the purity and beauty of nature made me forget the loneliness and pressure of living in a foreign country. Even though I was pulled back by reality later, the feeling of snow will always remain in my memory.
I hope that in the days to come, I will have the opportunity to meet snow again and continue to write my own snow story.
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