Winter Escape

    Japan welcomed this year with an increase in CoViD - 19 cases and eventually the declaration of a second state of emergency. This was contrary to what most of us hoped for last year. Stricter border controls were once again implemented and a plea to business establishments to lessen their operating hours was announced. A lot of people are losing their jobs and it is becoming more difficult to find a steady income that can provide more than enough.

    The stress of being in the midst of all these chaos can be really intense. We read and hear on the news about some people getting involved in illegal activities just to get by. Indeed, people are becoming more desperate to survive. I reckon It's human nature to desire to live.

    In an effort to stay sane and keep grounded, many of us turn to a variety of activities. Some start new hobbies and others discover hidden skills. I, for one, ventured into visiting places that are least popular during certain seasons. 

USUZUMI ZAKURA

(Usuzumi Zakura in Winter)

    The Usuzumi Zakura is one of the three great cherry trees of Japan. The tree is said to be over 1500 years of age and is believed to have been planted by the the 26th emperor of Japan in the 6th century (Visit Gifu). It stands in solitary in the Neodani Valley in Gifu Prefecture. It is mostly popular among local and international travelers during the Spring season. In Winter, however, the impressive cherry tree transforms into a magnificent snowscape.

(Shrine: A house of prayer just beside the Usuzumi Zakura)

(The whole ground covered in snow)

(When we visited the Usuzumi Zakura, there were no people around except for this care taker. His job is to...

ACCESS

Usuzumi Park is about an hour and thirty-minute car drive from Nagoya shi via the expressway. Winter tires are a must during Winter as the road can be really dangerous. However, You can also take the train from Nagoya Station via Tokaido Line going to Ogaki Station and transfer to Tarumi Tetsudo (Motosu) going to Motosu Station. From Motosu Station, make another transfer to Tarumi Tetsudo going to Tarumi Station. Usuzumi Zakura is just a 15-minute walk from the station. 

GUJO HACHIMAN CASTLE

Gujo Hachiman Castle is located on Hachiman Mountain, still in Gifu Prefecture. The castle stands majestic on top of a hill overlooking the town below the valley. Gujo Hachiman Castle holds a bitter sweet history. It was built in 1559 and was torn down during the Meiji Era in Japan's attempt to modernize. It was, however, reconstructed in 1933 using wood. Though the area is particularly attractive during the autumn season, it becomes more magically enchanting during winter.

(Pathway going to the castle. Take note that one has to trek about 20 minutes to reach the castle.)

(The castle from a different perspective.)

(The castle from behind these tree branches covered in snow is just a wonderful sight.)

ACCESS

From Nagoya, the castle is an hour and thirty-minute car drive via the expressway. If you are coming from Gifu (Minokami shi, for example), it is just a 45-minute car drive via the expressway. If you go by train, take the Tokaido Line from Nagoya Station.