Wishing for a snowy new year

It is an unusually warm winter, as every one can feel it, but still in Takayama temperature drops to sub-zero. What is more troubling, though, is the lack of snow this year, which without doubt disappoints tourists coming see the white landscape (the locals seem not the least bit troubled by it as the absence of snow means less work clearing away the snow). A few days before, knowing that it would snow during the night, I woke up early hoping to see a white Takayama. I was not disappointed. It did not snow much but I was excited nonetheless. I went out for a walk and left my footprints on the ground for the first time year. I do hope that the weather can return to normality somewhat next year. I am sure this is the wish of most tourists coming in the next few months!