Winter’s Last Embrace in Karuizawa

I was born in winter, so perhaps it’s no surprise that I’ve always called myself a winter girl. The cold never bothered me—at least in the past. These days, I admit it bothers me a little more (maybe that’s what getting older feels like).

Still, snow with its quiet stillness feels like home. So when my friends and I decided on a spontaneous trip to Karuizawa at the very end of winter, it felt like chasing one last chance to hold onto the season I love.

The Charm of Karuizawa in Snow

Karuizawa in winter is unlike anywhere else in Japan. The white snow softens everything, transforming the town into something dreamlike, almost European in its charm. Quaint streets, frosted trees, and the hush of winter air—it all felt far away from the world we knew, like stepping into a postcard.

Chasing the Morning Light

Our goal was the lake. We wanted it for ourselves, untouched and free of crowds. So we woke at 6, bundled in layers, and carried our cameras down quiet, snowy roads.

The cold was sharp at first, biting at our faces, but when we arrived, we knew it was worth it. The sun was still low, its light golden and gentle, spreading warmth over the village blanketed in snow. The scene was perfect—like a photograph you could step into.

A Snow Jungle from Childhood Dreams

I’ve always had a secret love for snow jungles. They remind me of the worlds I grew up dreaming about—Narnia’s frozen lampposts, Twilight’s misty woods. Serene, beautiful, and mysterious.

In Karuizawa, I found exactly that. The snow-covered trees surrounded us like a storybook, and I couldn’t stop myself from wandering deeper, letting the child in me play.

Playful Moments in White

We laughed, we threw snow into the air, we left our footprints behind as if writing our own fleeting poem on the white canvas. For a moment, it felt like the whole world was ours—just us, the snow, and the soft sunlight of winter’s last embrace.

Looking back, these are some of the photos with the best natural lighting I’ve ever taken. :)