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Drawing inspiration from the themes of nature and the four seasons, I've contemplated how to best enjoy the height of summer. On scorching days, I am drawn to the refreshing coolness of higher altitudes.

To be candid, if you venture into the Japanese countryside, you can encounter stunning landscapes unique to each region, be it mountains, seas, rivers, or valleys. On this particular occasion, I chose the Hida Mountains. For many Japanese, they are better known as the Northern Japanese Alps. Several of these mountains have been revered since ancient times, and some are designated as part of Japan's national parks. Thanks to its alpine climate, it remains cool even in summer. One can witness unique flora here, making these mountains especially beloved by hikers.

My inspiration for this location was influenced by a particular painter. Why not consider a journey that lets you revel in nature while seeking a profound respect for it?

He is celebrated as a nationally renowned traditional Nihonga artist known for numerous pieces, including the notable painting "Vibrant Green."

More about Kaii Higashiyama

Kaii Higashiyama was deeply passionate about landscape painting. He is said to have traveled on foot to various places to draw inspiration for his artwork. Many of his pieces are based on real places but reimagined through his unique perspective. Perhaps he once walked amidst landscapes like these.

The image above is of the Mishaka Pond, located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. The Nagano Prefectural Art Museum's annex regularly exhibits a collection dedicated to Kaii Higashiyama.
https://nagano.art.museum/english

The Suwa area is home to several unique architectural structures. The image above is a work by architect Terunobu Fujimori. The interior is designed as a tearoom. While it's typically closed to the public, it opens during specific tour times.
https://chinotabi.jp/activity/918/

Apart from this, the area also houses other notable structures such as the Takasugi-an (which translates to "the teahouse built too high"), featured in TIME's 'top 10 precarious buildings,' and the Hikusugi-an (meaning "the teahouse built too low"), seemingly buried into the ground.

Terunobu Fujimori, a native of the neighboring area, has also designed the Jinchokan Moriya Archives—a facility archiving historical documents of the Suwa Taisha. His architectural designs often incorporate copper roofs and earthen walls, developing intricate textures over time. Finding fascination in formations untouched by human hands might be a distinct trait of Japanese culture, not just limited to architecture. It's truly intriguing to witness art pieces shaped by the forces of nature.

Suwa Taisha has a long-standing history and is often cited as one of Japan's oldest shrines. Its significance is highlighted by mentions in Japan's most ancient surviving texts and its rituals, which are completely unique to this shrine. This makes it stand out even among the numerous shrines across Japan. The deities enshrined here symbolize wind and water, emphasizing a deep-rooted reverence for nature in its religious beliefs.
https://instagram.com/suwataisha.official?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

The image depicts Mt. Karamatsu, considered beginner-friendly among the peaks of the Northern Alps. However, adequate equipment is crucial, so please exercise caution. Intense sunlight is another concern, largely because the mountain exceeds the forest limit.

On this trip, I explored through several locations in Nagano Prefecture. The Northern Alps, including the previously introduced Kamikochi area, hold a special place in the hearts of hikers in Japan. This mountain range crosses Toyama, Niigata, Nagano, and Gifu Prefectures and is designated a national park. Notable peaks like Mt. Hotaka provide a majestic yet rugged landscape. Unique to Japan, the Northern Alps feature peaks exceeding 3,000 meters characterized by sharp, blade-like ridges due to their geological traits. These mountains captivate hikers not just for their beauty but also for the challenges they present.

As of 2023, Japan boasts 34 national parks. Stretching from the southern reaches of Okinawa to the northern expanses of Hokkaido, these parks conserve unique terrains and ecosystems, with countless breathtaking views awaiting your exploration. Additionally, some of these areas hold spiritual significance, offering a glimpse into Japanese spirituality. For instance, mountains like Mt. Fuji and Mt. Aso are revered as sacred entities. Meanwhile, places like Mt. Togakushi and Kumano Sanzan were chosen for spiritual training and pilgrimage. Such spots might inspire you, or perhaps not, but there's no doubt that ancient Japanese people held these sensibilities dear.

In the following video, you'll be able to delve into the allure of national parks from various regions.
At One with Nature National Parks of Japan
https://biz.jibtv.com/programs/at_one_with_nature/

A stamp rally app introducing various national parks and spots throughout Japan is available. If you're planning to tour your favorite places, this app can be a helpful reference for crafting your route.

Japanese National Park Stamp Rally
https://www.env.go.jp/nature/mankitsu-project/stamp-rally/

For this journey, I set a theme and explored locations associated with mountains. Through these visits, I experienced locales that evoke a sense of tranquility, openness, and solemnity. Perhaps artists felt these same particular emotions, drawing passion from them. Such feelings might be the wellspring of their deep respect for nature.

And as hoped, I was able to enjoy several pleasantly cool days.

To visit the Nagano Prefectural Museum of Art, taking the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo Station allows for a swift arrival at Nagano Station in approximately an hour and a half.
For those interested in exploring Suwa Taisha or the architectural wonders of Terunobu Fujimori, an express train from Shinjuku will get you to Kamisuwa Station in roughly two and a half hours.
Situated close to Kamisuwa Station, Matsumoto is home to Shinshu Matsumoto Airport. With connections to Kansai International Airport and New Chitose Airport, it's easily accessible even from far-off places.