Colors of My Heart

Mitarai Keikoku located in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is a nature-rich valley that becomes beautifully adorned with vibrant autumn foliage each year.  The best time to view the fall colors is typically from early to mid-November. During this season, the emerald-green streams, cascading waterfalls of various sizes, and the vivid reds and yellows of the trees create a truly breathtaking landscape. Well-maintained walking trails and suspension bridges allow visitors to enjoy the harmony of waterfalls and autumn leaves as they stroll through the gorge. In particular, the view from the suspension bridge—looking down at the waterfall framed by colorful foliage—and the reflections of the leaves on the crystal-clear water are especially popular among photography enthusiasts. During the peak season, the area becomes quite crowded with tourists. To avoid the crowds, I arrived in the middle of the night, took a short nap in the parking lot, and then enjoyed photographing the gorge in t...

Mount Odaigahara, located on the border between Nara and Mie Prefectures, is a highland region rising to approximately 1,695 meters above sea level. It is counted as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and is renowned for its rich natural environment.  Blessed with an exceptionally humid climate—said to receive the highest annual rainfall in Japan—the area is home to moss-covered forests and ethereal misty landscapes, making it a beloved destination for hikers and photography enthusiasts. The highest peak in the region is Mount Hidegatake, which offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view from its summit. On clear days, visitors may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.  The early morning hours, when the sky is painted with the hues of sunrise, create a mystical atmosphere and make this spot especially popular among photographers. Another highlight is Masakigahara, a plateau scattered with dead fir trees. When enveloped in fog or frost, the area transforms into a...

Daijagura is one of the most popular scenic spots in Mt. Odaigahara, located in Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Perched on a dramatic cliff at an elevation of approximately 1,550 meters, this rocky outcrop juts out over a vast gorge that plunges hundreds of meters below. The sheer scale and raw power of nature here leave visitors in awe. The word “gura” is an archaic term meaning “rock wall,” and the name Daijagura reflects the rugged terrain of the area. This viewpoint marks the end of the Higashi-Ōdaigahara Nature Trail, situated on the eastern side of Mt. Odaigahara. It takes about an hour and a half on foot from the visitor center to reach Daijagura, passing through picturesque highlands such as Masakigahara and Ushiishigahara. These areas offer seasonal beauty throughout the year, making the hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers. The observation point at Daijagura resembles a rocky stage protruding into the sky. A safety chain is installed at the t...

A large population of Japanese deer inhabits the Ōdaigahara area, and it is possible to observe them in the moss-covered forests and highlands. These deer mainly feed on bamboo grass and other plants and typically move in groups.  When I visited Odaigahara, I was fortunate enough to encounter wild Japanese deer. As there were no other people around me at the time, the deer remained calm and unafraid, allowing me to take several photos from a distance using a telephoto lens.  Their grazing has led to a decline in the undergrowth and young trees, which has had an impact on the forest ecosystem. For this reason, although the deer are wild, measures such as the installation of deer-proof fences and population control are being implemented. Feeding the deer is strictly prohibited. Nikon F2 Photomic AS Ai Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm F4s Kodak Gold 100 It was the first time in my life that I had ever seen a wild deer, so when I first encountered her, my heart was pounding, and it was h...

Mount Ontake, rising to an elevation of 3,067 meters, is a majestic standalone peak straddling Kiso District in Nagano Prefecture and neighboring Gifu Prefecture. Revered as one of Japan’s foremost sacred mountains, it is known for its spiritual significance and striking natural beauty. The summit area comprises several peaks, including the prominent Kengamine, while the mountain’s slopes are adorned with dense forests and cascading waterfalls. It also serves as a vital source for the Kiso River system. Ontake has long been a center of mountain worship, with its opening to ascetic practice traditionally dated to the year 702. During the Edo period, the Kurosawa and Otaki routes were established, allowing ordinary people to undertake pilgrimages to the summit. Even today, the sight of pilgrims clad in white robes and carrying ritual staffs ascending the summer trails remains a vivid expression of enduring faith. At the summit stands the inner sanctuary of Ontake Shrine, while its lower ...