五色温泉スキー日記Ski Diary at Goshiki Hot Springs

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What you'll learn

The narrator and his two friends, Koike and Kobayashi, travel by train to Goshiki for a skiing trip. They endure a crowded train and arrive at a snowy, serene inn. After checking in, they practice skiing on a nearby field.

The group continues skiing. They meet Kōichi, the innkeeper's son, who teaches them advanced techniques. The narrator reflects on the beauty of the pure white snow and how it cleanses the world.

The group attempts to climb the back mountain in strong winds and snow. The climb is treacherous, and they eventually turn back. The descent is also dangerous, with deep soft snow causing falls.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～しかない N2Expresses that there is no choice but to do something; 'have no choice but to'
  どうしても起きられない。杖はどこまでももぐるし身体ももぐる。どうしても三分以上はもがかねばならない。
• ～に違いない N3Expresses strong conviction that something is true; 'must be', 'no doubt'
  無暗と騒ぐので四方で迷惑したに違いない。
• ～ざるを得ない N1Expresses that one cannot help but do something; 'cannot avoid doing'
  谷が実際にひかえているのだからおじけざるを得ない。
• ～としたら N3Expresses a hypothetical condition; 'if it were the case that'
  雪の塊があるなと思ったら板谷の停車場に着いていた。

Cultural notes

• 五色温泉 (Goshiki Onsen)A hot spring resort in Yamagata Prefecture, known for its snowy landscape and skiing. The name 'Goshiki' means 'five colors', likely referring to the changing colors of the water or the surrounding nature.
• 炬燵 (Kotatsu)A traditional Japanese heated table, covered with a blanket, that provides warmth in winter. It is a common feature in Japanese homes and inns during cold months.
• スキー文化 (Skiing Culture)Skiing became popular in Japan in the early 20th century, especially in mountainous regions like Goshiki. The text describes the enthusiasm for the sport and the camaraderie among skiers, including interactions with foreign skiers from Austria and Germany.

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Topics & grammar

Articleessaycomedyadventurecravinghumorousaozora bunkoしか〜ないshika nai · only / nothing but〜に違いないni chigai nai · must be / no doubt