I kick-start every morning by going on a run with my son and two dogs to the local shrine — it gets my son started on his 4 km walk to school through the soon-to-be-harvested rice fields. Last month, I saw my first falling leaf of the year.
That was my first indicator that autumn was soon approaching. It was a moment of mixed emotions, but as I slowed to a walk with the dogs, I was filled with a happiness that the seasons were once again changing. The cool nights would soon change the colour of the mountains from the lush green of summer to the red, gold, and maroon of autumn as the deciduous trees prepare to shed their leaves for winter. I thought about how that same shrine — presently devoid of life — would soon be filled with shouts of joy, children’s laughter, and enka songs being sung during the Hakuba Harvest festival. This is one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year at local Shinto shrines across the Northern Japanese Alps. This festival is held to pray for a bountiful harvest in mid-October here in Hakuba.
The change of season also brings with it cooler weather and a great opportunity to explore the hills by mountain bike, climb to the top of a local peak, or even paddle a sturdy canoe across Lake Aokiko to enjoy the beautiful colours on display. There is so much opportunity here to get out and enjoy the vibrant colours, culture, and slower pace that autumn brings.
If you haven’t visited the Northern Japanese Alps outside of winter or travelled to Hakuba at all, this is a great time of year to do so. And Halloween here is always a fantastic time for the kids because they get to dress up in costume and go door-to-door trick-or-treating, just like in North America.
If you would like more information on all the fantastic things to do in the mountains of Nagano or assistance in creating a family getaway, do not hesitate to contact me personally or one of the other friendly English-speaking staff at the Evergreen Outdoor Center. We can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 0261-72-5150.
See you in the Japan Alps.
Dave Enright
EVERGREEN OUTDOOR CENTER
