The Joy of Repeat Travels
Autumn in Japan, same trees, same colors but different leaves.
I spend two to three days in the Oku-Nikko and Lake Yunoko area in Tochigi Prefecture in mid-October every year when the fall colors are usually at their peak. I find great joy but, more importantly, comfort in seasonal repeat travels/hikes.
I hike the same trails each year. There are always new things and sights that catch my attention. But I also enjoy the comfort of hiking in familiar surroundings. Even before the hike, I can picture every step and each awe-inspiring sight that lay ahead of me.
With a start at the Ryuzu Falls, twenty minutes into the hike, a tree trunk hosting a bush with red leaves will greet me. They will be guarded by two large trees, one featuring yellow leaves and the other still hanging on to the green leaves of the summer. This scenery will put the first big smile of the hike on my face, the joy of seeing the familiar "faces" and confirming that they are still in good shape. I will soon reach the first intersection, where the trail sign will inform me of several route options. After a brief (and honestly unnecessary) pause, I will, each year, decide to walk toward Odashirogahara Marshland and save Aka-Numa for the return hike.
I will soon arrive at the section with hundreds of maple trees on both sides, my favorite section of the trail. By this time of the year, the maple leaves will already be yellow and shine like gold on a sunny day. I will spend at least ten minutes photographing the golden forest (that I, very un-creatively, named as such) and regretfully think of my tripod sitting at home (knowing all too well that I will have the same regret next year).
Within five minutes, I will arrive at a section where the trail will require a very short descent, and on the right side, there will be a tiny hill. Right before the hill, I will (a little anxiously) look up to confirm the well-being of the large tree branches, each featuring different leaf colors, red, yellow, and green, joining each other and forming a bridge. Against the backdrop of a forest where green is still the dominating color, the colorful scenery created with the collective efforts of a handful of tree branches will always feel like an oasis.
About an hour later, the sight of a giant cedar tree will be my cue for the trail's end. The beautiful cedar will look its best on a rainy day when the moss covering its roots will feature shinier tone of green.
After a lengthy break by my favorite tree, I will soon reach the tiny beach by Lake Yunoko. I will salute the picnickers and the photographers (and their tripods) who often park there for long hours enjoying the reflection of the autumn colors on the blue lake.
I love Oku-Nikko. And I love the autumn season.
A great joy is sharing a favorite place with someone else.