The Abundant Fresh Air of Tateshina and Kirigamine Highland

Located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture, Tateshina and Kirigamine Highland
boast numerous attractive and extremely varied spots. One of Japan’s leading summer
retreats, Tateshina is well known as a scenic place and has many hotels and otherfacilities. The adjacent Kirigamine, meanwhile, is rich in natural beauty, such as
highland and ponds, and attracts many visitors.

Mishaka Pond
Video: https://youtu.be/mhP4fSYs7QoIHCSA Café

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Although Mishaka Pond is an artificial tarn completed in 1933 and built to provide
irrigation for farming, first-time visitors are moved by its mystic atmosphere. The trees
encircling the pond and the ripples from two ducks paddling across the tranquil surfaceof the water seem to combine to create a picture painted by nature. The name of the pond
originates in a legend about deer being shot for offering to the god deified at Suwa GrandShrine. Over time, it became the foremost tourist spot in Tateshina.

Paddy Fields of Chino
Video: ：https://youtu.be/3mTzzrnC31ILeaving Mishaka Pond and going down the highland, I came to an expanse of vivid
greenery. Orderly paddy fields stretch out into the distance, looking just like a welldesigned building. When seen from above, they appear extremely beautiful.

Kurumayama
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At 1,925 meters, Kurumayama mountain is the highest peak of Kirigamine. In winter it
is a crowded ski slope, and in summer also you can use the lift to go to the top and enjoy
hiking and other activities. The 360-degree panorama from the summit is truly
magnificent. Down below, Lake Shirakaba looks like a puddle of water formed between
the mountains.

Venus Line
Video: https://youtu.be/DEO5nC6NPlg

Venus Line is a 76-km tourist route stretching from Tateshina to Kirigamine. Apparently
it was a toll road at first, but now it is toll-free. Since there are no utility poles or othereyesores in the vicinity, Venus Line offers really wonderful views as it winds across thehighland. Seen from above, it appears even more beautiful. The cars look just like dinkytoys.

Shirakoma Pond
Video: https://youtu.be/Wbx3Qxc_cLM

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International Hospitality and Conference Service Association (IHCSA)Driving along Marchen Road in the direction of the Yatsugatake mountains to the northof Tateshina, I came to a large carpark. A few minutes’ walk through the forest at theside of this carpark brought me to Shirakoma Pond with its impressively still surface.
Shirakoma Pond is the largest tarn in Japan located at a height of 2,000 meters or more.
There are hotels and other facilities catering to the many sightseers who visit.

Lake Shirakaba

Video: https://youtu.be/Pg0_j96WCmc

Like Mishaka Pond, Lake Shirakaba, which can be seen from the summit ofKurumayama, is an artificial lake. Because the water flowing from the Yatsugatake
mountains is very cold and therefore not suitable for irrigation, several artificial ponds
were built to warm the water and use it for farming. Lake Shirakaba has boating andother tourist facilities and is popular with visitors.

Kirigamine Marshland

Video: https://youtu.be/uQORCtseoXw

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Kirigamine Marshland, which has been designated by the state as a natural monument,
covers a vast area of 133 ha at the foot of Kurumayama. The grassland is said to have ahistory of 10,000 years and is the habitat of diverse vegetation. Entry is prohibited, butviewed from Venus Line, the mystical beauty of the grassland is impressive.

Kirigamine Fujimidai Lookout
Video: https://youtu.be/5zKnwYFLMbU

Located along Venus Line, Kirigamine Fujimidai Lookout has a large carpark and drivein facility. From one corner of the carpark, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. Afterthe pleasant drive on Venus Line, I took a break here and enjoyed the splendid view fora while.

Lake Suwa
Video: https://youtu.be/lHlCJOD3TnIIHCSA Café

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After leaving Tateshina and Kirigamine Highland, I headed in the direction of LakeSuwa. Climbing the hill on the eastern side of Lake Suwa, I came to Tateishi Park, which
offers a splendid view of the lake. Rising 934 meters above sea level, this scenic spot has
been selected as one of the 100 best night views in Japan. Maybe because of a breeze, thechanges on the surface of the water were beautiful.

Postscript
Nagano Prefecture has a host of scenic spots. Even in the small area of Tateshina andKirigamine, the number of picturesque places is amazing. And befitting a highland
district, the series of crisp impressions reconfirmed to me that this is the perfect time of
the year to visit. From Tokyo, it is only two hours away by train. This area is a precious
oasis where one get away from the city and enjoy some really fresh air.

Photos and text: Arata Matsumoto, Sharata and Adwise, Inc. (http://www.sharata.net/)(Sharata supplies 4K videos of outstanding scenery in Japan so that as many people aspossible can enjoy it.)IHCSA Café

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