Kokuzo in the snow. Too pretty not to share.

As often happens when I look out the window here, I felt drawn to the hills this morning.

There was a fresh coat of snow on the mountains all around and I couldn't not go for a quick hike before work.

This area I went to is characterized by a viewpoint on a small hill which faces Mt. Asama, the Takamine Kogen and Yunomaru Kogen across the valley which the Chikumagawa meanders through.  

One of the first things I did when we moved here was to run to that viewpoint from home and back--about 10km.

Since then, I've hiked there about 20 times because it's so convenient.  Since I go there so often, I don't usually blog about it but today it was just too pretty not to share some pictures.

If any of you have been through Saku, you may know the Michi no Eki (rest stop) called Healthy Terrace Sakuminami.  Mt. Kokuzo is right behind there.  You could hike up it in about 30 minutes from the Healthy Terrace.

I usually start at the Tafuku Temple.

I don't stop at the viewpoint either.  I typically go as far as a certain triangulation point further up the trail.

I was on Kengamine a week or so ago.

I was on Yunomaru two days before.

That's all.

Caveman out.

 

Golden Week 2023, Saku City Balloon Festival

 

Saku City in Nagano holds a hot air balloon festival for 3 days every Golden Week.  It's neat!  There are races between the balloons.  Also, there is the chance for spectators to ride in a balloon.

Here is a Japanese link to the Saku Balloon Festival.

I got up early to travel the few miles to the venue.  I could have just stayed home and let the balloons come to me!

At night, there was a pyrotechnic display.  I stayed away from the crowds and watched it from Kokuzoyama, a viewpoint above the Healthy Terrace Michi no Eki.

Have a great Golden Week!