( 13 ) 



their' direction and character and gradually come to present 

 their convex sides towards the ocean. 



The prevailing north-west wind of the winter s\vee[5lng 

 across the Sea of Japan is loaded with moisture. When it 

 strikes against the mountain barriers lying along the sea coast 

 at various distances, it at once unlpads its moisture Where 

 the barrier stand near the coast and directly face it, heavy 

 precipitations are always the result. 



Above all others, the provinces of Kaga, Echizen, Etchu, 

 Echigo, Uzen, Ugo and Mutsu are known for the heaviest 

 snowfall in Japan. The depth of snow near the sea-coast; 

 reaches over 3 feet, while it increases to 9-13 feet at the foot o. 

 the mountains. 



Snowstorms accompanied by cold north or north-west 

 winds is one of the characteristic features of Ura- Nippon in 

 winter.; For about five months from November to March dull, 

 rainy or snowy weather always prevails. Rivers, streams, low. 

 paddy rice fields are flooded, the fields often remaining 

 submerged in water during the whole winter. 



The cold wind from the frozen Continent becomes mucli 

 drier in passing to the other side of the mountains. So, the 

 south or south-east side or the so-called " Omote-Nippon " 

 regions are always scanty in rain and snow in winter. The 

 valleys of the interior of Central Japan, especially those of 

 Kai and Shinano Provinces have therefore cold and dry 

 winters. 



Generally speaking, the Pacific Belt and the interior 

 valley regions of Central Japan, being quite shot out from 

 influence of humid winds, always have clear weather during the 

 winter months. 



So, it is not an uncommon thing for a traveller to see the 

 striking contrast of weather in the two belts when he arrives 

 on his way from Echigo to Tokio, at Mikuni Pass, the 

 watershed in Ceritral Japan. 



. In the summer the contrary is the case. The prevailing 



