The professionalism of the average Japanese bus driver always takes me by surprise. It's nice to know that I am in good hands on the windy, snowy roads that lead from Matsumoto to Takayama.
Passing by the entrance to the famed Kamikochi, some great views of the Japanese Alps can be had.
As is always the case in Japan, each season offers something different. Something special.
As you curve and climb through the various hills, small hamlets and villages sweep by. It makes for a nice glimpse of life in the mountains, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Although I love the mountain vistas, the rural areas are just as captivating.
The massive snowfall that this area sees each year means that rivers are plentiful. For much of the journey running water flows beside the road.
In addition to nature, there are great feats of engineering. Long tunnels and massive damns abound.
Filed under: Sightseeing, Travel Advice Tagged: | InsideJapan Tours, Japan, Japanese Alps, Kamikochi, Matsumoto, Mountains, takayama
I’ve done that journey a few times and I love it. Your B&W photos give an extra dimension to the images….even to the phot representing the different seasons of Japan!
Nice pics, thanks Superfat. It really is a great journey. That’s another great thing about a holiday in Japan. Often the journey from A to B is as much of a treat as B itself when you get there! I did the Nagoya to Takayama Hida Wideview train last year, and we had seats looking directly out over the driver’s shoulder (then out of the back of the train when the direction switched) – great views!