Nature walks in Nagano prefecture (part two)

 Day 2: Morning

After checking out of the hotel we all boarded the bus and made about a 40 minute drive to Aburagi Birin.  When we arrived we were divided into two groups and each group was assigned a local tour guide. We (Emi and I) were in group "B" and this was our guide. By-the-way, I noticed that both guides were carrying anti-bear spray!

This place is on the side of Mt. Ontake and these are Reijin-hi monuments. These monuments are all over the side of Mt. Ontake and as I understand it, if one has gets on of these monuments after they day their soul will return to Mt. Ontake.

Now, we are on the hiking trail to see a beautiful waterfall. 

I think the average age of the members of our tour group is 72 years old. There must be magic in the air because we are marching through the forest like people half that age.

We cross bridges, we climb steps, we  are always going up hill... 

...we march forward in search of the waterfall. 

And, at last we arrive! This is it. Because of the trees and the narrow trail this is about as good a view as one can get of the waterfall.

On the slippery narrow trail we pass by group "A" and head for a closer look at the waterfall.

Getting closer doesn't make the view any better, however the atmosphere is greatly enhanced. 

Say hello to Emi! She enjoys being surrounded by the green trees and the sound of the water.

Well, we came, we saw and now we head back to the bus. As the magic wears off we return to our normal ages.

Next stop is small Michi-no-eki.

Nice place. While most people went to the small farmers market I went to the visitors center/museum.

The Mt. Ontake slide show was very interesting. Here are a few of the slides.

This is a picture of Mt. Ontake after a recent volcanic eruption!

Day 2: Afternoon 

After lunch and a long drive up to a high altitude in the Yatsugatake mountains we arrived at our final destination of our Nagano nature walks tour.

Welcome to Shirakoma Pond and the Moss Forest.

This place is amazing! 

The moss forest is incredible. 

The trail is easy to walk and the scenery is something one needs to see to believe. 

There is no way anyone will leave the trail to walk in the woods. It would be almost impossible walk in the moss forest. 

The trail is well maintained. Simple walking shoes are good enough, hiking boots are not necessary.

We have arrived at Shirakoma pond.

Such a scenic place. Also, the weather is nice and cool.

It's time to start walking back to the bus. 

Moss grows everywhere in the forest.

This place makes me happy, I can't stop smiling.

Other members of our group are ahead of us. We prefer to walk slowly and to enjoy the forest for as long as we can.

I decided to take one picture in black & white for the fun of it.

The afternoon sunlight started to change and it made the forest look more like a painting than a photograph.

So, we're back at the beginning of the trail. And, it's time to take pictures of each other before we get on the bus and start the long drive back to Yokosuka.

This is the visitors center and store in the parking lot. Next to it is a pay toilet; nobody pees for free around here! Anyway, I would love to return to Shirakoma Pond and the Moss Forest in the future. This is one of the nicest nature walks I've ever been on!

This was a great trip... except for the long (really long) ride home in heavy traffic!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Nature walks in Nagano prefecture (part one)

This time we're on a two day trip to Nagano prefecture. We'll travel there by tour bus and visit 4 sights that are high above sea-level; we hope the weather will be cooler at the higher altitude. 

Day 1, first stop: Mishakaike Pond

To start with we have arrived at the pond, this is our tour bus and thankfully the weather here is much cooler than back in Yokosuka.

The pond is beautiful.

Per the internet: A water mirror reflecting the seasons.

In the inner side of the Mountains, just below the peak of Mt. Tengu-dake, there is a picturesque little pond which has inspired many a Japanese artist.

On a clear and windless day, the still waters of Mishaka Pond reflect the surrounding scenery like a mirror. This pool of water turns a verdant green in summer, a bright yellow in autumn and a translucent white in winter.

The pond is not very big, we can walk from one end to the other in less than ten minutes. That's okay because it's so beautiful that it's best to just stay in one spot for a while and enjoy the beauty and peaceful atmosphere before moving to the next spot.

This is Akamatsu (Japanese red pine tree). I like Akamatsu.

Unfortunately there is no trail that goes around the pond. We are limited to just one side of the pond.

This place is very well maintained. 

There is a stream at the far end of the pond where the pond water overflows and heads down the mountain destined for rice paddies.  

The time is running out and the bus will soon be departing.

Just enough time for me to take a picture of Emi.

Then Emi took a picture of me.

And, then a stranger kindly offered to take a picture of the two of us together!

 Day 1, second stop: Kozenji Temple

Well, well, well... this is nice!

Per the internet: Kozenji Temple sits at the base of the central Japanese Alps in Komagane City. With a history of over 1,200 years, it is considered the most sacred site in Southern Nagano, and its temple grounds have been designated a national landmark of Japan.

I have to say that this is one of the nicest Temples I've ever visited.

One of the features of Kozenji Temple is the beautiful green moss. There is moss growing everywhere.

All these tall trees are spectacular.

This is the temple.

While Emi went to the temple to pay her respects I continued to walk around and take pictures.

Every direction I look has incredible scenery.

Another nice thing is that it's not crowded here today.

It's so peaceful here.

I can't remember the last time I saw so much beautiful green moss.

It's like a lush green carpet.

Everyone respects the moss, nobody walks on it.

Well, sadly it's time to head back to the bus. It's been a long day and now we must drive to the hotel.

In part two we'll be visiting a waterfall and a virgin forest!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike