Oct 23, 2014 - 1 min read

Translucent Norikura Highlands

Picturesque scenery of Ichino-se Green Park

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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I waited for the surface of the water to stop rippling at 'Maime Pond' inside Ichino-se Green Park (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Take a walk through this forest of yellow trees to reach 'Zengoro-no Taki Waterfall', one of the three main waterfalls of Mount Norikura (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Splashing 'Zengoro-no Taki Waterfall' (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

High sky in autumn with the wind creating these streaks of clouds...it's a piece of art! (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Although the lower bush is a bit annoying, I couldn't go home without taking photos of this big red maple tree with the Norikura mountains in the background (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

I waited for an eternity, but the mischievous breeze didn't allow me to take photos of perfectly still trees reflected on the water surface (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The final farewell to the big maple tree before going home; the weather was deteriorating and the mountains were starting to look a bit hazy (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The final spot I explored on my last visit to Norikura Highlands on Octber 23, two years ago, was Ichino-se Green Park.

This camp site is crowded during summer, but in autumn there weren't many people here. You can take your time and take photos without bothering other tourists while appreciating the great views. The air and water here are as clean and translucent as they are at 'Three Waterfalls' or 'Ushidome-ike Pond'.

Here, I can see my favorite reflections of scenery on water everywhere. Probably due to global warming, in Japan, not only in urban cities but also in country villages, when I take photos the scenery often becomes hazy even during fine weather. But here, everything is clear! I would love to live here forever!

Autumn Colors of Norikura Highlands 1. Freezing Dawn at Norikura Highlands 2. Mount Norikura in Golden Hue 3. Translucent Norikura Highlands