Text by Alex
Located in the Dried-up Lake (Hakuba) Cirque of the Hida Mountains (also known as the Northern Alps) in Nagano Prefecture, this area is a prime spot for viewing mountain autumn foliage. The leaves undulate along the mountainside, creating a rich and varied tapestry of colors, with the spectacular "three-stage coloration" being especially renowned.
▲ (Photo by 10_made_to_be @Twitter)
The so-called "three-stage coloration" refers to the striking contrast formed by the white snow on the peaks, the red and yellow autumn leaves, the evergreen trees, and the blue sky—symbolizing the changing of the seasons. Such a scene is rarely seen in nature. Moreover, during the autumn foliage season, the snow melts during the warmer daytime temperatures, meaning the "three-stage coloration" view is fleeting and even more cherished.
▲ (Photo by 10_made_to_be @Twitter)
A cirque is actually a valley formed by glacial erosion. The Hakuba Cirque has a diameter of about two kilometers, with its base at an elevation of 2,300 meters. Its highest point is Mount Hotaka, Japan’s third tallest peak at 3,190 meters. Nearby are also Mount Hakuba-dake (3,106 m) and Mount Kitahotaka (3,106 m), collectively known as the Hotaka Range—all iconic sights within the Chubu-Sangaku National Park.
▲ (Photo by abe_camera_motte_go @IG)
The Hakuba Cirque is also a popular camping destination, especially during the autumn foliage season when the valley suddenly transforms into a “village of tents.” One Japanese hiker once noted that in a particular year, there were as many as 1,000 tents in the cirque, not to mention fellow hikers staying in the nearby mountain huts, making the mountain crowded. However, the soft lights glowing from the small tents at night create yet another magical and breathtaking scene.
▲ (Photo by abe_camera_motte_go @IG)
▲ (Photo by kaz2202as @IG)
▲ (Photo by te2rook @IG)
▲ (Photo by yuki37r @IG)
▲ (Photo by yur_321 @IG)
▲ (Photo by yur_321 @IG)
▲ (Photo by yur_321 @IG)
▲ (Photo by yuki37r @IG)
▲ (Photo by yamaboy_take @IG)
Source: Zekkei Japan