Winter in Japan is a short Travel Film documenting two good friends exploring the cold winter in the country. Japan is a country teeming with cultural, traditional, and modern beauty. Wedged between a gorgeous bygone era and an avant-garde future, Japan owns the best of both the worlds. Among its awe-inspiring sights in the cold winter are:
Hokkaido – The Snow Country in Japan
Synonymous with skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and pristine natural beauty, Hokkaido is a must-visit place in Japan. In winter, the city becomes host to several jaw-dropping events like ice drifting, Otaru’s Snow Light Path Festival, Sapporo’s White Illumination and Snow Festival. However, the real showstopper is the Shikaribetsu Kotan Ice Village that surfaces only during winter.
Kyoto – City of Ten Thousand Shrines
During winter, Arashiyama illumines in harlequin lights of the Hana Touro Festival.
The treasure of ancient shrines, Torii gates, temples, and castles also exude a glowing charm under a sheet of snow. Alongside the sacred Kyoto attractions thrives the Geisha district, Gion with specialty restaurants, machiya merchant houses, and theatre. The most famous area of the Gion district is at the end of the Hanami-koji Street where cultural shows are held.
Nagano – Roof of Japan
Bordered by eight prefectures, Nagano or Shinshuu is a paradise for the nature lover and the gourmet. It is teeming with winter ski and mountain resorts. It is also home to national treasures like Zenkouji temple, Matsumoto Castle, Ueda Castle, and Komoro Castle. Holidaymakers will find several onsens and soba restaurants to treat themselves. Among the many Nagano winter activities, visiting Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani tops the list. Others include attending Dosojin Matsuri, enjoying snow-capped wilderness, and attempting to visit the Togakushi Shrine.
Kawaguchi-ko – Gateway to Mt. Fuji
Past the urban centers is the Kawaguchi-ko Area, towered by the watchful Mount Fuji. Sprawling across its picturesque landscape are parks, forests, lava caves, shrines, breweries, and hot springs. The athletic and adventurer will find ample opportunities to unleash adrenaline rush by cycling, hiking, and climbing the volcanic summit!
WINTER IN JAPAN
Filmed by Firdaus Hashim
with the Fujifilm XT-3 and the DJI Mavic Pro
Edited and Color Graded in DaVinci Resolve 16
