Elude the city swelter this summer and enjoy a refreshing respite in Japan’s Northern Alps!
We all enjoy summer for lots of different reasons; be it Sunday afternoon barbecues, the prospect of a vacation, or simply the opportunity to soak up the outdoors. However, as I am sure we can all agree, sometimes our summers here in Japan, especially in urban centres, can feel less like enjoying the sunshine and Frisbee and more about feeling hot, humid, and flustered! Inevitably, living and working in warm temperatures in a busy city takes its toll during the summer months, and at some stage we all need a break!
Fortunately, due to Japan’s diversity in climate and landscape, we can retreat into its Northern Alps and take a few days to refresh and restore ourselves. The mountains, some still holding snow and permanent snow fields, lend us some of their cool air and fresh water, while the forests, lakes, and rivers keep the surroundings gorgeously green and full of life. The lush landscape around us is largely thanks to the waterways we have here, and the part they play in maintaining the wildlife and environment. Hakuba is home to Lake Aokiko, perhaps a name you have encountered before, which claims the title of Japan’s third cleanest and clearest lake! One of the reasons for this is that no motorboats are allowed on the lake, meaning that you can float around at your leisure without the rumble of a boat engine, grease in the water, or having to constantly peer around to check that you are not in the path of an oncoming wake boarder!
Another reason for Aokiko’s purity is that it is fed by hundreds of natural springs. A testament to this comes in the form of the curious little creatures that come out at night, giving us a glimpse into their unique world; I am talking of course, about fireflies. Imagine yourself in a canoe, gliding silently across the surface of the lake after the sun has retired for the day. The only noise and light around you come in the form of paddles swirling the water and the twinkling of stars and fireflies. Venturing onto the lake after sundown is a surreal experience, it could not be further removed from the hustle and bustle of urban living.
As well as our lovely Lake Aokiko, which can be enjoyed by canoe, kayak or voyager canoe all summer long, we have two rivers whose cool, clean waters keep us replenished and relaxed. The Himekawa or “Princess River,” begins its 40km journey to the Sea of Japan here in Hakuba; its source is nestled into a cluster of shaded trees that are alive with wildlife and vibrancy. It is a fantastic spot for a stroll or picnic. The backdrop to our second river, the three peaks of Hakuba, with the source of the Matsukawa concealed high up in them, ensures that the air around the river is always pleasant. The banks of the Matsukawa are big and grassy, trapping its microclimate of cool air and consequently making it a great place to enjoy being outdoors in summer.
Escaping to Hakuba for a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation is an ideal way to break up the routine of daily life and get away from summer’s sizzling heat. To enjoy the best of Hakuba and all that it has to offer you this summer, Evergreen Outdoor Center is ready to show you exactly why WE love this area, and why we have been operating outdoor tours here for the past 13 years. Come and see for yourself the allure of the area and why more and more people are coming to enjoy this little piece of paradise in the midst of a long, hot summer. — NADINE WILDING
