Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Captivating Asagiri-Kogen: A Journey to Mt. Fuji's Northwestern Flank
Location: Asagiri-Kogen, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 11:54・2024/02/28
Nestled in the northern reaches of Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, lies the picturesque Asagiri-Kogen, a highland plateau perched at an altitude of 700 to 1,000 meters on the northwestern flank of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji.
Before delving into the allure of Asagiri-Kogen, it's important to clarify a common misconception perpetuated by various online sources published in English, including Wikipedia. Despite erroneous claims placing the plateau on the southwestern side of Mt. Fuji, a simple check on Google Earth or consulting Japanese-written sources reveals its true location to be on the northwest side.
For those seeking definitive evidence, a glance at my accompanying photo, showcasing the Osawa-Kuzure (Osawa Collapse) nearer to the peak's right side, confirms this fact. Such a view could only be captured from the northwest vantage point, further confirming Asagiri-Kogen's true orientation.
The charm of Asagiri-Kogen is its lush expanse, seated at the northwestern foot of Mt. Fuji. The plateau offers an even more breathtaking panorama of the iconic volcano than similar views from the nearby Lake Tanuki (as explored in my previous posts).
If you’re lucky, visitors may be greeted by a pastoral scene of dairy cows leisurely grazing in the expansive pastures scattered across the plateau. The fertile volcanic ash soil, coupled with cooler summer temperatures and ample space, fosters an ideal environment for dairy farming. It's a testament to nature's bounty and the relationship between land and livelihood in this region.
The name "Asagiri-Kogen" (朝霧高原) translates to "morning fog highland." This moniker stems from the thick fog that blankets the plateau during the months of May through August, shrouding the landscape in a thick veil during the early morning and evening hours.
Asagiri-Kogen welcomes visitors with several experiences to enjoy. Hiking trails meander through lush forests, offering glimpses of nearby waterfalls and panoramic vistas. The area is also home to a few paragliding schools for the more adventurous visitor!
References:
- Google Maps: Asagiri Plateau (朝霧高原)
- Volcanic Ash Soils: Genesis, Properties and Utilization (English)
- NPO Asagiri Furusato Sosei Network: Guide to Asagiri-Kogen (Japanese)
- Ministry of the Environment: Fuji Hakone Izu National Park (Japanese)
- City of Fujinomiya: Northern District (Japanese)
- Asagiri-Kogen Paragliding School (English)
- Sky Asagiri School (English)
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