Snow Country Study Guide

The story opens with a man named Shimamura on a train bound for a resort town in the snow country of Japan. Shimamura is taken by a girl's voice, which he says rings out clearly. The woman, who he will later learn is named Yoko, is accompanied by an ill gentleman. The man's name is Yukio and he is the son of a music teacher in the village where Shimamura is bound. Shimamura does not know all these things as they are traveling but notes the way the girl attends the man's needs. When his scarf slips from his face, she hurriedly replaces it and covers him again when his coat leaves his legs uncovered. Shimamura wonders about their relationship and comes to the conclusion that they are husband and wife. He feigns interest in the scenery outside the train window but really watches the reflection of Yoko. (read more)