Nagano Prefecture’s Awe-Inspiring Mishaka Pond
Nagano is a picturesque inland prefecture located in the Chūbu region in the island of Honshu. Nagano prefecture spreads across the Central Highland known as the “Roof of Japan” with pristine mountain ranges that include most of the Kita-Alps, Northern Alps, Southern Alps, and Chu-Alps. Mt.Fuji, Mt. Norikura-dake, Mt. Nasu-yama, and the 3,000-meter-class Japan Alps Mountains to the west are connected to mountains in Nagano. Summer is a paradise of flora and fauna with lush alpine plants flourishing in the area. Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is regarded now as a world-class winter sports destination. Nagano can be conveniently accessed from the Shinkansen line to and from Tokyo.
The View from Kappabashi Bridge, Nagano Prefecture.
Mishaka-ike, or Mishaka Pond (御射鹿池), is one of Nagano’s must-see hidden natural jewels. Nestled in Chino City, it has been the inspiration for many artists. The pond’s simple, serene beauty has attracted not only many artists but also visitors who seek to discover the off-the-beaten-path places. Mishaka Pond was immortalized in the work of Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama in his 1972 painting, Midori Hibiku (緑響く; “The Green Echoes”). The pond is easily recognizable by the mirror-like waters that reflect the tranquil scenery of Mishaka-ike.
Mishaka Pond
Mishaka Pond is a haven for photo buffs. Nature’s four seasons are perfectly captured in the crystal clear waters. The area is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mishaka Pond was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 2010 as one of the top 100 ponds in Japan.
Related post:
Check out photos of KCP’s Summer Short-term 2012 students when they visited Nagano Prefecture. Deanna Nardy of the Japanese Anime and Manga Program tells us about the exciting Nagano excursion.
