While the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom I returned to Tokyo and the Kansai area where I met some familiar faces. Also I visited the southern island of Okinawa for the first time.
Hiking a volcano in the Japanese Alps

Located deep in the mountains of Nagano prefecture, access to Kamikochi is not possible in Winter. The Azusa river delivers crystal clear water along the valley and with the surrounding mountains it is a great destination for hikers and day visitors at the same time.