Karuizawa Azaleas: Early Summer Blooms in the Japanese Highlands - 24th May 2026
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Karuizawa
English Japanese
The highlands of Karuizawa awaken gently in early summer, and among the first signs of the season are the vivid blossoms of the native azaleas.
Their deep orange petals catch the soft morning light, glowing like small flames scattered across the quiet landscape. Walking through the cool air of the plateau, I found these flowers blooming with a quiet confidence, as if announcing the arrival of a new season without raising their voice.
Their deep orange petals catch the soft morning light, glowing like small flames scattered across the quiet landscape. Walking through the cool air of the plateau, I found these flowers blooming with a quiet confidence, as if announcing the arrival of a new season without raising their voice.
The contrast between their fiery color and the surrounding fresh greens creates a moment that feels both energetic and serene. Standing before them, I felt the unique rhythm of Karuizawa—unhurried, spacious, and filled with a natural elegance that invites you to pause.
These blossoms, brief yet brilliant, remind me that early summer here is not defined by heat or intensity, but by a gentle warmth that slowly spreads through the land. In their presence, the season begins not with noise, but with a soft, glowing breath of color.
As I drove through the quiet forests of Karuizawa, surrounded by deep, vibrant greenery, I found myself slipping into the pleasant illusion that I was driving through Ascot in England. The richness of the foliage and the calm, dignified atmosphere of the landscape created a sense of familiarity, as if the two places were quietly connected across distance and time.
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/25s / F5 / ISO100 / 0.0
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/50s / F5.6 / ISO100 / 0.0
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/40s / F5.6 / ISO100 / 0.0
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/50s / F5.6 / ISO100 / 0.0
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/25s / F5.6 / ISO100 / 0.0
Nikon D5500 / AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II / 1/160s / F4 / ISO100 / 0.0
Camera : Nikon D5500 at DPREVIEW
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高原の遅めの春の雰囲気が良く再現されています。
ReplyDelete優しい季節！。
観光地としての軽井沢は、舗装や屋混みの所為で、避暑地としては厳しくて、夏は暑いですけれど。
The late spring atmosphere of the highlands is beautifully recreated.
What a gentle season!
As a tourist destination, Karuizawa (excluding the villa area in the back) is not ideal as a summer resort due to its paved roads and crowded shops; it gets quite hot (Not so cool) in the summer, I think so.
コメントありがとうございます。今回訪れた場所は軽井沢でもかなり中心地から外れた場所でとても快適でした。新緑の中をドライブするとその緑の濃さと湿度の高さから、まるでイギリスのアスコット周辺を走っているような錯覚を覚えました。
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. The place I visited this time was quite far from the center of Karuizawa, and it was very pleasant. Driving through the fresh greenery, the intensity of the green and the high humidity made me feel as if I were driving around Ascot in England.