Largest Snowfall in 20 Years!

Yesterday the largest snowfall in 20 years transformed Tokyo into a magical world.    Some parts of the city received 11 inches of snow; our neighborhood got a few less.  Some trains stopped running but subway lines continued.  The government urged people to stay home unless absolutely necessary.  Childhoods in Minnesota and Iowa winters prepared us well for these snow conditions and we weren't about to miss out!!  Unlike many women in high heels and furs, I wore boots with wool socks and a water-repellent coat.  To stay dry, most people carried umbrellas but mine proved too wimpy to handle large gusts of wind.  

      City buses had chains on their rear tires.  (That's a sound I haven't heard since childhood!)  Snow-clearing systems are not very efficient here.  In fact, few snow shovels existed, mostly digging shovels were used.   We saw policemen with spades clearing streets and high-heeled store clerks clearing sidewalks using plastic shovels.  

Five high school boys were laughing and wrestling in the park while wearing school uniforms and releasing stress after Saturday School.  This is the biggest snow fall of their young lives!  I asked if I may take their photo.  Unfortunately the photo of their exuberant  smiles and rosy-red cheeks was a "corrupted file" so the scene of these happy kids will remain only in my memory.  

 

Morning View from Our Balcony as Snow Begins

A Walk Through Ueno Park

A Walk in Our Neighborhood As Snowfall Begins

It is unusually quiet in Ueno tonight!