Snowy new year Japan scenes

Hello and Happy New Year from Tokyo.

While away near Mt. Fuji over Christmas, the weather meant we didn’t get chance to see the famous mountain, but we did experience a few snow flurries. An unexpected extra that reminded me of a new year trip several years ago.

So, in this unusually timely edition, I thought I’d get 2026 going with some of those images, along with several of suburban Tokyo in similar conditions. Plus, as an added bonus of sorts, a group of frozen and frowning ultra-nationalists.

Snow country

In the capital, a relatively small amount of snow can cause huge disruption. Travel to other parts of the country, however, and life goes on pretty much as normal, with the baltic conditions simply a part of everyday life.

Barely visible Shirakawa-go in a blizzard

Scenic Shirakawa-go is a popular spot for its traditional homes and striking vista, but on the day we visited there was a blizzard, massively reducing visibility, as well as having a similar impact on the number of visitors. All of which meant there were nice, atmospherically empty scenes to match the not so nice conditions.

Suburban Tokyo in the snow

From monochrome back to colour, and a UNESCO site to simply suburban, these are some lesser seen parts of Tokyo in even lesser seen conditions.

Ultra-nationalists on National Foundation Day

And finally, with Japan shifting further to the right under the new Takaichi government, along with the Sanseito party gaining seats and attracting younger voters with their anti-immigrant, ‘Japanese first’ message, here are some sadly relevant ultra-nationalists at Yasukuni shrine on National Foundation Day.

It was a completely chance encounter that coincided with a brief, but perfectly timed bit of snow. A motley gathering I’ve been back to see pretty much every year since these photos were taken in 2011, but visually at least, none of those visits have matched this one.

One last place for my winter workshop

Before I wrap things up, a late cancellation has opened up one spot on the Winter Scenery and Old School Streets workshop my friend Giovanni and I are running in February. An 8-day trip that also includes Gokayama, which has similar, but less well known villages like Shirakawa-go featured above. If you are interested, the relevant info is here.

And that then was my first effort of 2026.

Speak to you in the next one.

Cheers

Lee