 | Name: Jiang Wei Nationality: China Location Visited: Aizu-wakamatsu City , Fukushima Prefecture |
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In February 2013, I traveled with the Hong Kong media to a wintery Fukushima.
As I was born and raised in Shanghai, which is located much further south than Fukushima, the snowy scenery was a rare treat for me, and I was very excited.
Fukushima was transformed by the snow into a winter wonderland, and it was scenery that up until then that I had only seen in tourism brochures, and I will never forget it.
We went to a farm in Northern Aizu to report on Yukishitayasai (vegetables grown under the snow). Yukishitayasai are made by leaving vegetables that are usually harvested in autumn until the winter, and the cold weather brings out a sweeter flavor than they would usually have.
The temperature in the fields was minus six degrees Celsius, and while it is nothing compared to freezing temperatures in Siberia, it was my first time walking in snow that came up to my knees. One of the farmers guided us, and our adventure through the snowy world began.
After a quick ride in the farmer’s truck, we got off and traveled on foot through a snowstorm. Gradually moving closer and closer to the fields was like some sort of magical adventure, and was an experience I will never forget.
After finishing our reporting, we ate some yukishitayasai (Cabbage). I thought it tasted like the sweetest, most delicious cabbage in the world.
On a side note Higashiyama-onsen, which we visited afterwards was amazing, and soothed both my body and soul.
In March of 2013, I found myself in Fukushima’s winter yet again.
This time, Fukushima had faced heavy snowfall, the worst it had seen in decades. Driving through the winding snowy road, we arrived at Oouchijuku, and the world seemed to be transformed into a scene from the movie ‘Frozen’.
Oouchijukuis a famous post town that is known for maintaining a building style characteristic of the Edo period. The thatched roves were asleep under the snow. I had heard the term ‘powder snow’ before, but at Oouchijuku I was able to see the real thing.
The snow balls we threw sparkled like powder under the sunlight. I can still see that beautiful scene clearly in my mind.
Even though it was outside business hours, one of the shops opened just for us. The sweet sake we were given was delicious, and reminded me of the kindheartedness of the local people.
As a present for getting up early, we were able to see a scene particular of Lake Inawashiro. We came across some swans that had migrated all the way from Siberia. Lake Inawashiro reflected the towering Mt. Bandai like a mirror, while the swans swam in the cold lake. Seeing this peaceful scenery made me forget about my everyday problems.
I have only visited Fukushima 4 times. I have only spent a short time there but there are so many moments that remain in my memory, moments of beauty, and moments when I was moved.
I believe that like the yukishitayasai, the people of Fukushima have the spirit to endure hard times, and will be greeted by a wonderful, even more beautiful future.
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