Aiming for a spectacular view from a fantastic route
June 24, 2023
Photographer / Natsumi Miura
On June 24th, we formed a team of four and climbed Mikasa Shindo (a difficult section with a maximum gradient of over 35 degrees) on a mountain to photograph the zebra snowfields of Mt. Hakuun.
This route is considered a habitat for brown bears, and is closed when the danger increases, so it is a precious route that can only be used for a few weeks, or in some cases, a few days.
Our backpacks, packed with filming equipment, cold weather gear, and other miscellaneous items, weighed about 25kg. We took the Mikasa Shindo trail and climbed through the sacred flower-filled Takanegahara, known as Kamuimintara (the garden where the gods play), to the base camp in about six and a half hours.
This route is considered a habitat for brown bears, and is closed when the danger increases, so it is a precious route that can only be used for a few weeks, or in some cases, a few days.
Our backpacks, packed with filming equipment, cold weather gear, and other miscellaneous items, weighed about 25kg. We took the Mikasa Shindo trail and climbed through the sacred flower-filled Takanegahara, known as Kamuimintara (the garden where the gods play), to the base camp in about six and a half hours.
Takanegahara
Narrow-leaved Urupu Grass (Takanegahara)
We finally arrived at the base camp and set up our tents. From there, it took another hour and a half to reach our destination, the Zebra Snow Valley on Mt. Hakuun.
We were exhausted from the journey while carrying filming equipment and cold weather gear, but the excitement of finally reaching our destination and the excitement of the upcoming shoot are indescribable.
We were exhausted from the journey while carrying filming equipment and cold weather gear, but the excitement of finally reaching our destination and the excitement of the upcoming shoot are indescribable.
Evening view of the zebra snowfields of Mount Hakuundake
I stayed at the summit for 10 hours to shoot from dusk until the sun rose.
In preparation for the bitter cold, I bundled up in warm clothes and kept taking pictures to capture the evening scenery, the starry sky, and the sunrise.
I was shooting almost without sleep, so I was so sleepy that I almost knocked over the tripod on which the camera was attached, and I was fighting the cold. Time passed, sometimes enveloped in mist and sometimes illuminated by moonlight.
As I was doing this, the moon set and a starry sky spread out before my eyes.
In preparation for the bitter cold, I bundled up in warm clothes and kept taking pictures to capture the evening scenery, the starry sky, and the sunrise.
I was shooting almost without sleep, so I was so sleepy that I almost knocked over the tripod on which the camera was attached, and I was fighting the cold. Time passed, sometimes enveloped in mist and sometimes illuminated by moonlight.
As I was doing this, the moon set and a starry sky spread out before my eyes.
Moonlit Zebra Snowfields at Mt. Hakuun
milky way
Then, as twilight arrived, we could see the Venus Belt glittering and descending, overlooking the beautiful Zebra Snow Valley.
Although the conditions were harsh, the beauty of that moment made my heart leap.
Although the conditions were harsh, the beauty of that moment made my heart leap.
Zebra Snowfield and Venus Belt
After taking photos of the sunrise, we finally descended to base camp.
There was still snow in the mountainous areas, so we had to wear crampons to descend the snowfields. Fighting sleepiness and being careful not to get our crampons caught on anything, the sight of us descending was a constant source of thrill and tension.
After taking a break at base camp, we had a simple but satisfying breakfast. Since we were focusing on keeping things light, we had a simple meal of French bread dipped in soup, but the deliciousness permeated our hungry bodies.
The conditions were tough: fatigue, lack of sleep, and a scorching hot day.
The descent was in harsh conditions, and our physical strength was completely at its limit, but the joy of overcoming such a challenge was priceless.
Still, the beautiful scenery burned into my eyes made me want to return next weekend.
This journey was a series of challenges, but it left many memorable moments and vivid impressions in my mind.
Of course, it goes without saying that I used a Markins ball head, which is said to have one of the world's highest load-bearing capacities based on its own weight, for the shoot.
There was still snow in the mountainous areas, so we had to wear crampons to descend the snowfields. Fighting sleepiness and being careful not to get our crampons caught on anything, the sight of us descending was a constant source of thrill and tension.
After taking a break at base camp, we had a simple but satisfying breakfast. Since we were focusing on keeping things light, we had a simple meal of French bread dipped in soup, but the deliciousness permeated our hungry bodies.
The conditions were tough: fatigue, lack of sleep, and a scorching hot day.
The descent was in harsh conditions, and our physical strength was completely at its limit, but the joy of overcoming such a challenge was priceless.
Still, the beautiful scenery burned into my eyes made me want to return next weekend.
This journey was a series of challenges, but it left many memorable moments and vivid impressions in my mind.
Of course, it goes without saying that I used a Markins ball head, which is said to have one of the world's highest load-bearing capacities based on its own weight, for the shoot.
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Natsumi Miura
Born in Kitami, Hokkaido. Started taking photos with a red compact digital camera to capture children and flowers in the garden. As the children grew up, subjects expanded to the sea and mountains, leading to a gradual immersion in the world of photography. Before long, driving around every week, immersed in taking photos from Friday night to Sunday night. Currently, takes photos of a variety of genres, including mountains, landscapes, animals, and portraits.
URL : onatsu-photo.com
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