Snow Trekking in Aomori

Our trekking continues through the snowy landscape. 

This lake is partly frozen, creating a special seasonal view. 

The access road is blocked. Only hikers with a guide are allowed to enter during the winter months. 

Where my fellow Americans would say ''stay warm,'' Japanese people often use the expression ''Don't catch a cold!''

Several small streams litter the landscape, connecting some of the lakes. 

Our guide points out rabbit tracks. Some animals have adapted to the cold and are still out and about even in the cold. 

The first part of the snow trekking is easy and can be done without snow shoes.

You will see several lakes along your trekking adventure. 

This path is so wide because it is actually a road when not covered in snow. 

More of the beautiful forest.

This is one trekking adventure that won't have a lack of scenery. 

This small pond of water has almost been swallowed by the winter. 

One of the guides explains how to put on the snow shoes. 

Walking in snow shoes can feel a bit awkward at first, but soon they will become your best friends. 

A frozen lake seen through the trees. 

The red dot on the map marks where you are snow trekking. While many people consider it as part of the World Heritage Site of Shirakami Sanchi, that doesn`t begin until the dark green area. 

There really is something in the water. Due to the composition of water in Ao Ike, the pond almost never freezes, even in the dead of winter.