Story 02 — Above the Clouds
Above the clouds. Japan's mountain resorts.
The mountains of central Japan, lined with peaks of three thousand metres. Within them lie valleys and highlands anyone can walk.
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
KAMIKOCHI — Nagano
Kamikochi, beside the Azusa River
The Hotaka range seen from Kappa Bridge. The Azusa River flowing below is so clear you could count the stones on its bed.
In this valley closed to private cars, the scenery changes at walking pace.
Mountains do not belong only to those who climb them. They also belong to those who look up at them.
Photo: くろふね / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
HAKUBA — Nagano
Hakuba, the wall beyond the fields
In the spring paddies, the snow-streaked Northern Alps are reflected upside down. The scale of the mountains is best understood when set beside the calm of the village.
TATEYAMA — Toyama
Tateyama, morning at 2,450 m
Change along the Alpine Route to Murodo-daira. The cold air the moment you step off the bus, and a sky that feels almost too close.
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5
Destinations in this story
Places visited in this story
KAMIKOCHI
KamikochiNagano · Koshinetsu
A mountain scenic area at an elevation of about 1,500 m, set deep in the Northern Alps in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Along the Azusa River, beneath the Hotaka mountain range, lie Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond.
Mountains / Gorges / Forests
HAKUBA
HakubaNagano · Koshinetsu
Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. A mountain resort of farmland and villages set against the three Hakuba peaks, including Mount Shirouma at 2,932 m. A base for skiing in winter, and for climbing and the highlands in summer.
Mountains / Snowscapes / Highlands
TATEYAMA
Tateyama & MurodoToyama · Hokuriku
Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture. At Murodo-daira, the heart of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route at 2,450 m, the crater lake Mikurigaike holds blue water. Snow walls of Yuki-no-Otani in spring, alpine flowers in summer, autumn leaves in autumn.
Mountains / Lakes / Snowscapes
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