Page 27 - RCI-FlipBook-pacific

LANGUID STROLLS
If conquering mountains is not up your alley, you have the option of breathing in the mesmerising charm of Lake Shirakaba in Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi- National Park. Take a leisure stroll to where Mount Tateshina meets Mount Kirigamine. There are pedal boats for cruising on
the gleaming lake surface reflecting blue skies, white clouds and rolling mountains. Adding to Tateshina’s allure are two other spectacular water bodies, Lake Tateshina and Lake Megami. Cycle by the scenic lakesides or ice-skate in a nearby rink to feel cool winds breeze through your hair.
SAKURA BLOOM
Head further north of Lake Tateshina to discover Shokoji, a Buddhist temple built in the 1970s. History and culture aside,
Shokoji temple is remarkably popular
for the full riotous bloom of hundreds of cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom, otherwise known as Sakura, is Japan’s unofficial national flower. This spectacular beauty only lasts a few weeks, so make sure to bring your best dress and camera
if you’re visiting Tateshina between late April to early May.
ART ALLURE
Museums not to be missed are the Ito Modern Art Museum, Rene Lalique Museum and Tateshina Teddy Bear Museum — exhibiting over 5,000 teddy bears from all over the world. The latter attracts a surprising number of adults everyday. While Tateshina is sprinkled with distinguished exhibitions and galleries, pay special attention to the Yatsugatake Art Museum. This 1980s odd-shaped building is hidden in a densely forested slope of the mountains, near Haramura village. With an intention
to seamlessly introduce a man-made building into a natural environment, Architect Togo Murano designed the space using 25 identical domes. The museum exhibits works by famed sculptor Takashi Shimizu, and Kakusen Tsugane; both artists of Haramura. It also
showcases Yatsugatake craftsmen at work, such as quilt making, dyeing, weaving, sakiori weaving and earthenware.
MANICURED LANDS
Horticulture lovers will lose track of
time in Barakura English Garden, the
first authentic English Garden to open in Japan in the summer of 1990. Founded by Mr. Hohei Yamada, the garden is thriving with 5,000 variants of plants. The most stunning exhibition is that of 180 varieties of old roses displayed gracefully round the year. Catch the annual world-renowned Barakura Flower Show and rub shoulders with renowned horticulturalists, garden designers, musicians and artists from around the globe. Barakura English Garden is accessible with a 20-minute ride on the bus from Chino Station or driving via Suwa Interchange.
TIP: Climbing experts advise beginners to plan for summertime hikes because the temperature
at higher altitudes tend to drop significantly as night falls. Remember to pack your warm clothing, waterproof gear, a topographic map and plenty of drinks for hydration.
ENDLESS VACATION 25