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EN
As usual, the first snowfalls in Daisetsuzan occurred in September this year and lasted until the final thaw in June of next year. While the long winter may be unwelcome news for many locals, some animals seem perfectly happy in this icy world.
As October arrives, the vibrant autumn leaves gradually fall from the trees. Then, the cold air from Siberia sweeps in, dramatically transforming the landscape. The first snow of the season falls on the mountain peaks, then descends the slopes until it reaches the bottom. At this point, the entire Hokkaido region is blanketed in white.
Day after day, the vast forests were covered in sparkling ice crystals. Soon, all signs of human encroachment vanished from the high mountain ranges. The entire space of the Daisetsuzan range suddenly transformed into a realm of wind and snow.
Known as the giant roof located in the heart of the northern mountainous region of Hokkaido Island, the Daisetsuzan mountain range spans an area of approximately 230,000 hectares, roughly the size of Kanagawa Prefecture. Daisetsuzan, meaning "snow mountain," is also the largest national park in Japan. Mount Asahi, at 2,290 meters, located north of the park, is the highest point on Hokkaido Island. Established in 1934, Daisetsuzan National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Japan, encompassing the Kamikawa and Tokachi prefectures of Hokkaido. Furthermore, as the source of the Ishikari River, the Daisetsuzan range is highly revered by the indigenous Ainu people, who call it Kamui Min-tara, meaning "garden of the gods."
Temperatures in the Daisetsuzan mountain range can drop to as low as -25 degrees Celsius.oThe temperature is so cold that it freezes people's breath and frost forms on their eyelids. At times, the snow is waist-deep, so people always have to wear anti-slip gear and move cautiously with every step. The record snow depth here has reached 5 meters.
But ignoring the harshness, as the sun begins to shine through the trees, a greenish light reflects off the ground, transforming the white blanket of snow into a coral-like hue. Somewhere in the snow-covered landscape, a sudden, shrill cry rings out. It's a Hokkaido red squirrel hopping on the branches, sending snow and ice falling onto the forest floor. One, two, three—like a domino effect, snow from the surrounding branches begins to fall like a freezing rain, creating a shimmering curtain of crystals in the sunlight. Just standing still in this space for a moment can leave your limbs numb, yet at the same time, you can hardly take your eyes off the tiny creatures lurking in the forest.
Leaving the trees and venturing into the snow-covered fields, you'll find traces of hares in the footprints. Especially in January and February, the coldest months of the year in Daisetsuzan, brown bears hibernate to prepare for their next breeding season. It can be said that, despite the year-round snow cover, strong signs of life continue to creep into this place every day.
