A Friday Dip
The weather right now is extremely hot in Nagano. I’m seriously melting into a pile of goo. I’ve been planing this trip for almost 2 weeks and can NOT wait anymore!! Been dreaming about it everyday and it’s been driving me craaaaaaazy.
Atera Keikoku Ravine
Until FINALLY!! the time had came to go up to Kiso. There, a gorgeous little valley called, Atera Keikoku Ravine.
A breathtaking scene like the ones you would normally see in magazines. The air is fresh,the ground is clean, the sky is blue and, mountains are high, high, HIGH!. I love you Kiso!
We went during Japan’s Obon weekend. Luckily, we decided to go on a Friday, because otherwise, I`m pretty sure that place would have been packed like sardines in a can of tomatoes.
We arrived there at 10:00AM and, took the last parking spot near the camping ground!.There is a lot of activities to do there, such as, water rafting, swimming, fishing, BBQ, hiking and exploring, sightseeing, Onsen, just to name a few.
There are waterfalls, and also an old shrine.
I chose to do what I had planned to do for weeks. JUMP IN THE RIVER!! because the river ran through the mountains, it was cool, fresh and OMG, SUPER CLEAN!.
I`ve never seen such a clean, turquoise blue river before until, now. Because it is a running river, in some areas the water is fast moving. But, there are a lot of spots along the river where the flow is slower, and more ideal for swimming.
Let me just say…just because it does not look deep, does not mean its shallow!
The water depth varies from spot to spot but, it can get pretty deep. I am 162 cm (5ft 2in) in height and the spot I swam at can go above my head.
Kiso has many things to offer, it’s truly a breath taking place to visit, full of history and beauty. To fully enjoy this place, you have to go there and explore for yourself. I’m sure Kiso will not disappoint anyone.
My only advice is…go before the rush (holidays). It’s a popular travel destination for a good reason. Leave early, so you won’t be screwed with finding a parking spot.
