Momosuke bridge, Nagiso

This is the oldest wooden suspension bridge in Japan.

The Nakasendo trail has been documented in woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) by Hiroshige Utagawa and Keisai Eisen in “the Sixty-nine stations of the Kisokaido”, on display at the Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum of Art. The common name for the Kisokaido is Nakasendo, a postal route connecting Edo with Kyoto, constructed under shogun Tokugawa.

SKY ABOVE

earth below

kizuki: KAMOSHIKA, a rare goat antilope

Due to their quiet, solitary, and elusive nature, they are often considered "spirits of the forest" or "phantom animals". Encountering a Kamoshika or Japanese serow in the wild is seen as a sign of good luck for years to come. Kamoshika are known for their ability to nimbly navigate steep, rocky mountain slopes and deep snow with ease. According to google, because the Japanese word ochiru means both "to fail (an exam)" and "to fall," students often use omamori (charms) with kamoshika hoofprints to wish for sure-footedness and luck in passing their exams. While not a central figure in ancient Shinto creation myths, the kamoshika is a deeply respected and mystical animal in Japanese folklore and a “Living National Treasure”, embodying the wild, untamed spirit of the mountains and bestowing luck upon those who are fortunate enough to spot its elusive form. I feel really lucky indeed to have been able to see one so up close and for such a long time.