Tateshina and Utukushigahara tour

There was a chance to visit this area (Nagano prefecture), 200 km away from north-west of Tokyo.

1. Weather Radar at the top of Mt.Kuruma
This area is called "Tateshina Heights (average height is 1200-1600m)", which is popular for summer resort and winter ski. Top of Mt. Kuruma(ca. 2000m) could be reached by cable lift. A weather radar was built. Such big radar is a good mark to fix position of hikers.

2. Yashima Marsh
To cycle around marsh will take one hour and a half.

3. Utsukushigahara Heights Museum
Many sculptures are on display at outdoor.

4. Dawn at Utsukushigahara
Utsukushigahara is a heights of average 2000m, and have a 360 degree view.
Many people were waiting to see sunrise.

5. Sunrise at Utsukushigahara
Sunrise time was 4:40 am. Weather was nice, and beautiful red sun could be seen through cloud.

6. View of top of Mt. Ouga-to (height; 2034m).
At the top of Mt. Ouga-to , a hotel 'Ouga-to hotel) and many radio-wave towers are seen.
Access to this area by private car is prohibited for protection of nature.
Many alpine plants are existed, and compose a natural field of flowers.
Owner of the hotel is a nature conservationist. He advocates the harmony of people and nature. According to him, if there is no human interference this area becomes just small bamboo bush.