This early morning, around 3:30 a.m., Tabby and I were awakened by the sound of strong winds howling through the trees. The sky was a soft gray, and sunlight filtered gently through the trees, casting faint golden patches on the swaying ground. Branches moved restlessly and leaves danced in a frenzy, as if the whole yard had been stirred from a deep sleep. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the heavy heat of the past few days.
Despite the bluster, it didn’t feel like bad weather—just nature putting on a dramatic show. I felt oddly calm, watching the scene unfold with quiet appreciation.
Tabby stood by the door, ears twitching and tail flicking, clearly torn between curiosity and caution. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped outside, crouching low as the wind tousled his fur. I followed, walking through the gusts to check the outdoor furniture—table, chairs, and parasol—to make sure nothing would be carried off by the morning’s wild breath.
This morning is a bit windy. The trees are swaying gently in the wind, as if they’re whispering to one another. It feels noticeably cooler than yesterday, with a refreshing breeze brushing through the leaves. Summer still lingers, but today carries a touch of early autumn in the air.
Tabby is especially playful this morning, happily exploring around the deck and garden. His curious steps and flicking tail add a bit of life to this peaceful, breezy start to the day.
Yesterday, I spent time doing yard work, cutting weeds with a weed cutter. The buzzing sound of the machine as I worked under the summer sun. It was a bit tiring, but seeing the garden clean and neat afterward made it all worth it. There’s something satisfying about clearing out overgrown spaces and making everything look fresh again.
This morning began with a soft layer of fog around my area, wrapping the trees and hills in a gentle gray. As the fog lifted, the air turned calm and peaceful. The cicadas sang in the background while I sat on my wooden deck, sipping a warm cup of coffee. It was a quiet, slow start to the day―just the way I like it.
In the afternoon, friends came over after we enjoyed some fun matches at the Tateshina Public Tennis Court. I cooked teriyaki chicken and beef burgers for everyone. It was a simple gathering, but full of laughter, good food, and warm company― a perfect way to end the day.
Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳): An Accessible 3,000-Meter Peak Adventure
Mt. Norikura（乗鞍岳） is locared on the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefecturers. It’s a part of the majestic Chubu Sangaku National Park. The area is known for its dramatic alpine secenary, rich ecosystem and easy access to high elevation, making it a perfect destination for both experienced hikers and beginners looking for a mountain adventure.
Day 1 Timeline: Monday, July 28th
3:30 a.m. – Departed for Norikura Kogen Center in Nagano, which operates a shuttle bus service to Norikura Sancho Bus Terminal (Tatamidaira).
5:30 a.m. – Arrived at the Norikura Kogen Center parking lot. The drive was smooth, with little traffic, and there were plenty of parking spaces available.
7:00 a.m. – The first shuttle bus of the day departed. The ride to Tatamidaira, the trailhead, took about an hour. As the bus climbed higher into the mountains, the scenery gradually changed, with misty forests and mountain views welcoming us along the way.
8:00 a.m. – We began our hike with a walk through a field of wildflowers. Many different kinds were in full bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. The scene reminded Sachi and me of Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand, bringing back fond memories of our time there.
During the hike, we conquered several peaks around Mt. Norikura, including Mt. Fujimi (2,817 meters), Mt. Daikoku (2,772 meters), and Mt. Mao.
We were especially lucky to encounter a family of Raicho (rock ptarmigan)—a rare and special moment in the Japanese Alps. Many photographers come hoping for a glimpse of these elusive birds, but sightings are rare and truly feel like a gift from nature.
12:30 p.m. – We arrived at Katano-Sanso (肩の小屋) mountain hut, where we checked in, had a quick lunch break, and took a short nap to rest up before heading to the summit of Kengamine, the true peak of Mt. Norikura at 3,015 meters.
1:10 p.m. – We reached the summit of Kengamine! Standing at the highest point of Mt. Norikura, we were rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It was a short but exhilarating climb from the hut.
This photo captures several of the main peaks in the Norikura mountain range.
Day 2 Timeline: Tuesday, July 29th
3:30 a.m. – We woke up early and set out toward the summit to watch the sunrise.
The sky was filled with countless stars, and the weather was perfect for sunrise viewing.
We were lucky to witness truly stunning moments—the first light breaking over the horizon, the sky slowly changing color, and the surrounding peaks glowing in the morning sun. It was an unforgettable experience.
7:00 a.m. – We had breakfast at the hut, then packed up and began our journey back down the mountain.
On the way home, we made a stop at Shirahone Onsen (白骨温泉)—a famous hot spring known for its milky-white water and healing properties.
Soaking in the warm spring water was incredibly relaxing and the perfect way to relieve our tired muscles after the hike. It was a peaceful and refreshing end to our mountain trip.
Afterward
A big thank you to Sachi for sharing this two-day adventure with me.
We had so many memorable moments—including laughing at an elderly man, probably around 80 years old, who piled an enormous amount of rice into his bowl, then went back for two more rounds! It was unbelievable, and we couldn’t stop laughing.
This morning, I’m enjoying a quiet and peaceful time on my outdoor deck. The sky is completely clear-no clouds, no wind-just the soft warmth of the sun shining down. It’s a calm and beautiful start to the day, perfect for Marine Day, a national holiday here in Japan.
As always, Tabby, my cat, woke me up early. After a refreshing shower and a hot cop of coffee, I stepped outside to soak in the atmosphere. The air is still, the trees are lush and green, and the only sounds I hear are birds singing and cicadas buzzing. Summer is alive all around me.
Tabby is wandering freely on the wooden deck, curious and content, blending perfectly with the peacefull rhythm of the morning. I’m listening to the redio quietly in the background, with the parasol gently casting shade over the outdoor chairs. Everything feels still, grounded, and full of simple joy.
It’s small mornings like this that remind me how lucky I am to be surrounded by nature and quiet moments.
Kamikochi is a pristine highland valley situated in the heart of Chubu Sangaku National Park. Known as the gateway to Japan’s Northern Alps, it is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear Azusa River, and diverse alpine flora and fauna. Konashidaira, a scenic area within Kamikochi, serves as the perfect base for climbers heading into the Northern Alps, offering easy access to trails and tent sites.
🗓 Dates: August 9th (Sat) – August 11th (Mon), 2025 📍 Destination: Chubusangaku National Park, Nagano, Japan ⛺ Meeting Point & Time: Kamikochi Visitor Center, 8:00 AM, August 9th
On Friday, April 4th, the ground is snow-covered in the morning as well. Snowflakes blanket the trees, creating a beautiful scene. Still, I can’t help but wonder when spring will finally arrive here. Hey, Tabby, what are you thinking about?
I didn’t reach the summit of Mount Karamatsu-Dake again. Over the past two years, I’ve attempted the climb four times in winter, but each time, I had to turn back midway due to bad weather.
The hike started off well—my body felt good, and the snowy trail, packed down by many hikers, provided a steady path. The weather was unstable, but now and then, patches of blue sky would break through.
As I climbed, discomfort crept into my leg and back. Pain spread through my left thigh joint and lower back, and with each step, my leg grew heavier. I barely made it to Maruyama Cairn at 2,434 meters, but the summit was still over 200 meters of elevation away. I decided to push on a bit farther to see how my leg and back would hold up.
In the end, this was my fifth attempt to reach the top, but once again, I had to turn back—not because of the weather this time, but because of my own physical condition.
Afterword
Mt. Karamatsu-Dake continues to challenge us, but we embrace and enjoy the journey. Although we didn’t reach the summit this time, we still had a great adventure and look forward to our next exploration!
We had about 10 cm of fresh snowfall early Saturday morning, but Sunday brought clear, pleasant weather. I took the opportunity to visit Tateshina Onsen and had a wonderful, relaxing time. It takes my mind off work, mentally and physically.
“Kosaino-Yu” offers three distinct onsen experiences:
Kashikirino-Yu – A private bath for exclusive use
Adauchinono-Yu – A serene retreat for women
Miharashino-Yu – A scenic bath for men
Nestled in the forested Shirakaba Highland at an elevation of 1,250 meters in Chino, Nagano, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons.
During winter, the open-air onsen is surrounded by a stunning blanket of snow, creating a magical and tranquil atmosphere. Soaking in the warm waters while taking in the snowy landscape is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate the body from the winter chill.
5:00 a.m. – Departed for Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan, Nagano. 7:30 a.m. – After checking in at the ryokan, we took a shuttle minivan to the trailhead at Kama Tunnel. There was a small stall at the trailhead where hikers could grab a coffee, beer, or a quick bite. 7:45 a.m. – Started our hike toward Kappa Bridge and Konashidaira. We passed through two tunnels: Kama Tunnel (1,200 meters) and Kamikochi Tunnel (600 meters). Both tunnels had a moderate incline, making for a steady uphill walk.
9:30 a.m. – Reached Kamikochi Bus Terminal and continued for another 15 minutes to arrive at Kappa Bridge.
From the bridge, we enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the Northern Alps mountain range and the crystal-clear Azusa River winding through the valley. At the Konashidaira campsite, two groups had pitched their tents on the snow-covered ground, clearing some snow and piling it around for insulation. Sachi and I took a short lunch break there.
2:30 p.m. – Returned to the ryokan. The spacious, modern lobby had large windows offering a clear, panoramic view of the mountains. The ryokan featured both indoor and open-air onsen baths, available 24 hours a day for guests to enjoy anytime.
We enjoyed a Japanese ryokan-style dinner featuring seafood, meats, and all local specialties.
Afterword
Thank you, Sachi-san, for everything you did—booking the ryokan and driving all the way there. Our next adventure will take us to Mount Karamatsu on March 28th.
