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.
Stunning winter scenery from the summit of Mount Tengu-Dake, captured in a video by Sachi-san.
Summary of the Trip; Feburuary 15th,2025
4:30 a.m. – Departed for Shibunoyu Onsen Ryokan. Parking information: The lot opens at 6:00 a.m., with space for about 30 vehicles. The fee is 1,000 yen per day, payable in advance at the ryokan.
6:30 a.m. – Started hiking. It took about 30 minutes to reach the first fork, where the trail meets the Karasawa Kosen route. Another 30 minutes later, We reached the second fork, eventually arriving at Shirayuri Mountain Hut around 8:00 a.m.
8:15 a.m. – Began the real climb. We traversed two sections of rocky terrain along the ridge, moving up and down before safely making our way through the forest. Beyond this point, the trail grew steeper, with no trees—only deep snow and rocks.
9:30 a.m. – Reached the summit of East Tengu-Dake2,640m The most challenging part of the climb was near the summit, where the terrain became even steeper and more technical. Using crampons and ice axes, we carefully navigated the rocky slopes, relying on our hands for support and placing each step with caution. A single slip could have resulted in serious injury. Despite the difficult conditions, we successfully reached the summit at 9:30 a.m. without any incidents.
10:30 a.m. – Reached the summit of West Tengu-Dake (2,646m) After reaching East Tengu-Dake, we continued our traverse to West Tengu-Dake, following the ridge for about an hour, with a descent and another climb. From the summit, Sachi and I enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains—a truly picturesque sight.
Afterword
Thank you, Sachi-san, for all your hard work and effort in preparing for this trip. This time, we completed an almost non-stop round trip in just seven hours. I know it was a tough challenge, and you ended up feeling unwell from exhaustion. However, despite the difficulty, you never once fell behind my hiking pace.
To Satoko-san Unfortunately, you decided to sit this one out as it didn’t match your skill level, and we completely respect your decision. Our meetup welcomes hikers of all levels, and Sachi and I are always happy to support you. We look forward to seeing you at the next event!
To my students, Hanami and Satake I will keep my fingers crossed for you guys. Good luck with the entrance exams!
I usually wake up around 3:30 a.m. and start my morning with a smoothie made from an apple, a banana, and some vegetables. After that, I brew a cup of coffee and enjoy it on my drive to work.
On my way to my workplace, I often spot a family of deer along the roadside. Other wildlife, like raccoons and minks, occasionally make an appearance as well. The scenery is breathtaking—apple orchards, rolling hills, and distant mountains create a beautiful backdrop for my commute.
Snowy Morning Cleanup and A Frozen Lake Walk:Saturday, Feb. 1st
The weather is beautiful this morning—crisp, clear, and perfect for getting outside. I spent a good hour shoveling snow and tidying up around my house. With over 50 cm of snow piled up, and nearly 100 cm where it had slid down from the roof, it was quite the workout! But there’s something satisfying about clearing fresh snow under the bright winter sky.
After that, I took a short walk to Lake Megami, just five minutes away. The entire surface was frozen solid, transforming the lake into a natural ice track for fun winter driving. Seeing the vast, icy expanse under the clear blue sky was a stunning sight—another reminder of how beautiful winter can be.
Last weekend, on January 25th, I decided to hike Mount Kurumayama. The weather that day was absolutely perfect, and with the mountain being so close to where I live, it felt like the ideal choice for an outdoor adventure.
Mount Kurumayama, standing at an elevation of 1,925 meters, is the highest peak on the border between Chino City and Suwa City in Nagano.
I drove to the trailhead parking lot, just 30 minutes from my home. It seemed like everyone else had the same idea—the lot was nearly full when I arrived!
While the weather was beautiful, mountain conditions at 1,925 meters can be unpredictable. Clouds rolled in and out around the summit, creating a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere. From the top, I was blown away by the stunning 360-degree panoramic views—it was truly a picturesque sight to behold.
The phrase “Every cloud has a silver lining” is a metaphorical expression reminding us that even in difficult, dark, or challenging situations, there is always some positive aspect or opportunity to be found. It encourages optimism and hope, suggesting that hardships or tough times will eventually lead to better outcomes or valuable lessons.
Last week, a strong winter weather system accompanied by a cold air mass swept through the Sea of Japan coasts and the Hokuriku region, including my home in Nagano. It brought record-breaking snowfall, and I found myself struggling to remove the heavy accumulation of snow. However, after the storm passed on Saturday, January 12th, it left behind clear blue skies and revealed a stunning winter landscape blanketed in pristine white snow.
Seizing the opportunity, Sachi and I decided to climb Mt. Tateshina that morning. Equipped with crampons, an ice pickel, a full-face mask, and goggles, we braved the winter conditions for an unforgettable hike that lasted 4 hours and 30 minutes. It seems every mountain lover in the area had the same idea—when we arrived, the trailhead parking lots were nearly full. But the breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment made all the effort worthwhile.
Sometimes, nature itself demonstrates the essence of “the silver lining.” The storm was tough, but the beauty it left behind was unforgettable—a reminder that even in challenging times, something wonderful can emerge.
Special thanks to Sachi for accompanying me on this memorable climb.
