Snow: A rare site in Kiminomori

Coming from Canada, snow is nothing new for us. As a matter of a fact we got so tired of shoveling snow we moved to Japan. (^_^) Here in central Chiba Prefecture snow is a very rare sight. In fact in the nearly 4 years we have been here we only had a light dusting once that pretty much disappeared in a couple of hours. Last night before we went to bed we could hear the thunder outside as it began to rain hard, rain turned into snow overnight and we awoke to a white Kiminomori, a first for us since we moved here.

Snow in the Kanto area (Tokyo and surrounding areas) mean chaos as people here are not used to heavy settling snow. And we aren’t even talking about a lot of snow, maybe 5-10cm. But what that means is cancelled classes, people not going to work (empty bus stop in the morning above), 100+ snow related accidents overnight, suddenly a mad rush at the auto center with people buying chains and snow tires. I almost have to laugh at how a little snow can turn everyone crazy.  My neighbors all met on the street in the morning discussing what to do with the icy roads in front of our houses. We just said ah it will  melt and took our dog Saku, who loves snow and has not seen it in years, for a walk.

Before going for a walk I just moved my car around the corner under the sun and the snow melted off within half an hour. Its a rare sight seeing white powder and palm like trees in the neighbors yard.

Saku was thrilled to go to the park where the snow was waiting for him to play.

Even after we got home he wanted to run around in the backyard and catch the snow balls we threw in the air for him.

I guess in Japan this is what they call a “Snow Day”.  Looks like the golf course is closed today! (^_^)