Nagano Prefecture is beautiful everywhere in the fall! Of all the places, Happo Pond in Hakuba is the most enchanting.
This is an easy hiking trail because the ski lifts take you halfway up the mountain, so even children can “reach the summit”! The scenery changes constantly along the way. One moment the sun is shining brightly, and the next you're surrounded by clouds and mist. When the mist clears, the view before you is truly moving!
I brought bread and bananas for lunch, but ended up carrying them all the way back down untouched. With views of the Northern Alps along the trail and the colorful fall foliage right in front of me... I'm not kidding—you'll definitely be just like me and “forget all about eating and sleeping”!
Happo Pond | Review by 蘇自強
Other Reviews by 蘇自強
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Kumano Kodo Path
Kumano Kodo is the path leading to the three Kumano Mountains (Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Mt. Nachisan Seiganto Temple). While Kumano faith was rising, noble families used this path to come to Kumano, which was later spread to the general public.
Are the pressures of work and life leaving you physically and mentally exhausted? Then take a trip along the Kumano Kodo. I guarantee you'll feel energized again!
Spring. I chose the easiest route, from Daimonzaka to Kumano Nachi Taisha. This stone-paved path is easy to walk and takes hardly any effort.
Along the way, I happened to meet Mrs. Saito and her child, who were dressed in Heian-period clothing. They spoke softly to each other the whole way, warmly and proactively greeted travelers, and often smiled at each other. Their parent-child relationship was truly admirable.
The quiet ancient trail is perfect for walking slowly. Surrounded by the forest, your body, mind, and spirit can find healing. Saying I was “reborn” would be an exaggeration, but saying I found “relief” definitely wouldn't be. You really should give it a try! -
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Aomori Nebuta Festival
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held in central Aomori City between August 2 and 7 every year and attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. With records dating back to the late Edo period (around 1842), this historic festival is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a huge festival that practically everyone knows. As the Shinkansen was about to arrive at Shin-Aomori Station, the child sitting behind me could hardly wait to get off and even showed me his Nebuta mask!
Although I’ve visited Aomori many times, unfortunately I still haven’t had the chance to see the festival in person. However, the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE next to the station also offers a very immersive experience. The colorful, vibrant Nebuta floats in all kinds of designs are truly impressive!
I sincerely hope that someday I can attend and see this fascinating festival in person! -
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Shirogane Blue Pond
The Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei is famous as the top tourist attraction in the area, captivating visitors with its vivid blue. This man-made pond unexpectedly formed when water accumulated behind a dam that was constructed to prevent volcanic mudflows from Mt. Tokachi. The surreal blue of the pond, combined with the surrounding lush nature and dead larch trees, creates an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale.
After traveling across that endless expanse of land, the moment I entered the “Blue Pond,” I was truly amazed! I got up early and arrived at the “Blue Pond” before the crowds appeared. The air was fresh, the water was deep blue, and the dead trees were reflected in the pond... Although it isn't very large, standing here and admiring the unusual scenery made me reluctant to leave for a long time!
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