Oirase Keiryu 奥入瀬渓流

Oirase Keiryu is the most charming stream I have seen. This stream has a strong current and many forms, from a magnificent 20-meter waterfall, to a bubbling stony brooks, a wide river bend, to a cascade of white torrents. This stream is truly a delight to spend time with. As this stream flows down the green valley, it leaves a trail of ever-changing water impressions that mesmerizing to watch.

Majestic beeches, oaks and the palmate-leafed horsechestnut trees spread their branches to form a leafy cathedral that filters in gleams of sunlight over its ever-flowing water. When the wind blows, you can see a thousand of shade of green in its quivering leaves.

I did not know that such picturesque and postcard-perfect river really exist outside of, well, postcards!

I had taken this trip as a part of Hoshino Resort's 100-Stories trip project, and you can read a version of this blog entry in Japanese at: http://www.hoshinoresort.com/100stories/reports/079/

Sengataki 仙娥滝

During this trip, I went on nature walks and saw two gorgeous waterfalls.
The first waterfall that I visited is Sengataki (仙娥滝) at Karuizawa. On the say to the waterfall, we saw these gorgeous crown-like ferns growing on the valley slope.



I love how when I stand and take a deep breath underneath these waterfalls, I can smell plumes of mists that carries with it the scent of moss and wet earth.





At the base of Sengataki are small boulders overgrown with watercresses and other wild aquatic plants. You can see the roots of these plants growing exposed without soil,  clinging onto the stone and feeding from the pure water of the fall. They look more beautiful than jewels.