At the beginning of this chapter, the author pretty much describes the weather system of Japan's snow country.

The heavy snowfalls of Japan's snow country are caused by moisture-laden clouds bumping up against the mountains along the backbone of Honshu and releasing their moisture under the influence of westerly winds blowing off the continent or down from Siberia.

The most popular pilgrimage in Japan is the Shikoku Pilgrimage, also know for its walking staffs and stamped certificates. You don't need permission to go on the Shikoku Pilgrimage and it has become a popular tourist activity.

Labels: 12 kingdoms, black moon, fantasy, japanese, translations