I spent a night and two days visiting the World Heritage site Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and the early summer scenery of Kamikochi. I had previously visited Shirakawa-go in February for the winter illumination, but this time I was able to capture a shot from a snow-covered path that hadn't been cleared. It was my first visit to Kamikochi, and hiking from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge while listening to the babbling of the Azusa River and the chirping of the Japanese bush warbler was a refreshing experience. Despite being a weekday, both Shirakawa-go and Kamikochi were bustling with tourists. (July 27–28, 2023)

Day 1
Depart from JR Shin-Osaka: 7:54 AM, Shinkansen Kodama 708 (Green Car)
Arrive at JR Nagoya: 9:02 AM
Depart from JR Nagoya: 9:39 AM, Hida 5
Arrive at Takayama: 12:14 PM
Shirakawa-go, located in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, was designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District by the Japanese government in 1976 and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The area is renowned for its traditional architectural style known as “gassho-zukuri,” characterized by thatched roofs built in a steeply pitched, triangular shape. This design is thought to be inspired by the shape of hands joined in prayer. The steep roofs are also practical for the snowy climate of Hida Takayama, helping to reduce the labor involved in clearing heavy snow and facilitating drainage in the region's heavy rainfall. Shirakawa-go offers a glimpse into Japan’s rural past and features picturesque landscapes that change with the seasons. I had previously visited in February to capture the winter snow scenery, and this was my second visit. The summer scenery of Shirakawa-go was equally delightful.
                           【Hotel Associa Takayama Resort】




Day 2
Kamikochi is a scenic area located in the southern part of the Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture, along the upper reaches of the Azusa River, and is designated as a national cultural property. It lies in a sedimentary plain approximately 10 km long and up to 1 km wide, from Taisho Pond to Yokoo, nestled in the valley of the Hida Mountains. Its landscape, reminiscent of the Alps, makes it famous as one of Japan's premier mountain resorts. Despite being at an altitude of 1500 meters, its flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, adding to its popularity.
I disembarked at the Taisho Pond bus stop and started the hike. The reflection of the surrounding mountains in the lake was like a mirror, and I was captivated by its beauty. Walking along the lakeside, I was enveloped in a serene silence, where only the sounds of nature could be heard, allowing me to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Leaving Taisho Pond, I entered a hiking trail surrounded by forests. Walking through the refreshing dappled sunlight, I could feel the blessings of nature. The chirping of the Japanese bush warblers and the babbling of the Azusa River provided a pleasant soundtrack, creating a wonderful experience that refreshed both body and mind.
The hike ended at Kappa Bridge, an iconic symbol of Kamikochi. The "Kappa Bridge" spanning the clear stream is a significant landmark. Built in 1891, the bridge is 37 meters long, 3.1 meters wide, and blends beautifully into the mountain scenery. The view of the Hotaka Mountains and Kappa Bridge is outstanding. Although the area around the bridge was bustling with tourists, I felt it was a place where one could share the joy of being in nature.
The hiking experience in Kamikochi was an excellent opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature and refresh away from the noise of daily life. The route from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge offers a diverse range of experiences suitable for beginners and advanced hikers alike, and it is packed with attractions for nature enthusiasts. I was grateful for the blessings of nature and had a day that truly refreshed my spirit amidst the stunning beauty of the great outdoors.
Depart from JR Takayama: 15:34, Hida 16
Arrive at JR Nagoya: 18:06
Depart from JR Nagoya: 18:43, Shinkansen Kodama 739
Arrive at Shin-Osaka: 19:51