Shibata in the Winter

Lots of snow...it's March now and the snow has finally started to disappear--which means I can ride my bike again, hazzah! This picture was taken right outside my apartment complex. I also threw in a picture of the Sea of Japan as a bonus...not the friendliest bit of water I've ever come across; it tried to swallow my friend and I on our first visit.

The New Year in Niigata

Here are some photos of Hatsumoude, the first shrine visit of the new year, in this case from Niigata City. Lots of people and food; more like a festival than anything else.