By: Alex
Summer has just begun, but waves of heat have repeatedly hit, making it hard to breathe. Kota, a post-00s university student who loves hiking, was lucky enough to visit one of Japan’s most popular summer retreats—Kamikōchi in Nagano Prefecture—to take in some fresh, cool mountain air.
Early summer in Kamikōchi pic.twitter.com/n9i5gJesXn
— こた (@kota_draw) June 15, 2021
▲ “Early Summer in Kamikōchi”
Standing on the Kappa Bridge, the trees along the Azusa River are already covered with fresh green leaves. The river water is a brilliant turquoise, crystal clear and shimmering. Gazing at the distant peaks, you can see (from right to left) Mount Yake, Mount Maehotakadake, Mount Hotakadake, and Mount Nishihotakadake still dotted with patches of snow. Although everyone can only see the photos, they can still feel a refreshing coolness from the high mountains.
Kamikōchi is recommended in the new green season.
— こた (@kota_draw) June 16, 2021
I think the most beautiful place in Japan is here. pic.twitter.com/XsHf2Obvv9
▲ “The best time to visit Kamikōchi is during the new green season. I think the most beautiful place in Japan is here.”
Kota is currently studying graphic design at university. He has many hobbies, but he especially loves the colors blue and green. All the photos of Kamikōchi this time were taken with an iPhone. He hopes to keep improving his photography skills so he can capture even more beautiful images in the future. As for netizens in Japan, most have been unable to travel far or go out due to the state of emergency. Seeing Kota’s photos of Kamikōchi moved them deeply, giving them that feeling of “finally being back in the countryside!”
▲ (photo by kota_draw @Twitter)
▲ (photo by kota_draw @Twitter)
▲ (photo by kota_draw @Twitter)
Kota also had an unexpected bonus on this trip: due to the pandemic, the number of visitors to Kamikōchi has significantly decreased, so there are fewer “extras” in the photos, making the scenery feel even more like a fairyland. For those who would still like to enjoy more early summer views of Kamikōchi, you can watch the video produced by the YouTube channel Discover Nippon. Filmed on May 31 and June 1, it takes viewers through core spots such as the Kappa Bridge, Lake Myojin, and Lake Taishō. Although background music has been added, the clear live audio is preserved — definitely worth a watch for anyone who loves Japan’s natural beauty.
Source: Kota