A splendid day soaked in the sounds and majesty of alpine nature! The tour led by Hemi, a most friendly, engaging and knowledgeable guide, allowed me to have a most memorable outdoor encounter with Kamikochi, the northern Japanese alps, for my first visit to Takayama. He was creative and adaptive offering the group different options in view of the wet weather. He also recommended wonderful possibilities for a delicious lunch and dessert. We walked along nature trails, saw Taisho Pond, crossed Kappa Bridge and ventured to Myojin Pond. The company of stunningly tall trees, clear river waters, wild mushrooms, baby trout, wandering ducks, singing of birds like the Japanese thrush, bear bells, mist and clouds rising from the mountains and more uplifted my spirits and made for an intimate and rejuvenating time with creation as I listened to Hemi’s clear explanation of the history of how things came to be and the richness of what was around. Thank you very much Hemi for a most special day!