Winter Magic in the Land of the Rising Sun (4/34)

Vast mountain ranges, fascinating animals and an unspoiled wilderness - such natural landscapes are rare in Japan and virtually unknown here in Europe. From December to March, nature in the north of Japan is frozen in an icy spell of bone-chilling cold, for four months a magical winter landscape of breathtaking beauty emerges. For numerous animal species this snow paradise is not merely a refuge - it is only under these Arctic weather conditions that they actually thrive. The film team observed the enchanting nature in the north of Japan during two winters. They captured exceptional pictures of dream-like mountain landscapes, of rare sea eagles, of cranes performing their mating dances and of snow monkeys frolicking in the curative warmth of the hot springs.

For 4 months northern Japan is frozen into a magical winter landscape of breathtaking beauty. In these Arctic weather conditions certain animals actually thrive. The film team spent two winters here and captured exceptional pictures of dream-like mountain landscapes, of rare sea eagles, of cranes performing their mating dances and of snow monkeys frolicking in the curative warmth of the hot springs.