Hakka Pass Lookout I want one more look at the lake before folding my map

In mid-October, I parked and unfolded my map. Hakka Pass is known as Lake Towada’s southern gateway. I’d come planning to admire the lake from here, but the lake in front of me was on a completely different scale from what I’d imagined from the map.

I checked where I was heading on the map, then looked up. The lake stretched out beyond the trees, with mountains visible on the far shore. I drew in a breath and forgot to let it out for a few seconds. I’d driven myself here, to a place with a view that stretched so far.

I tugged at the sleeve of my lavender jacket and started folding the map. But halfway through, I found myself looking back at the lake again. The Nakayama and Mikura peninsulas overlapped in the view. Until a moment ago, I’d known those landforms only by name; in front of me, they looked so much more three-dimensional.

I’d been so focused on the lake that I hadn’t noticed the autumn colours in the nearby branches. As the leaves moved in the breeze, the lake peeked through the gaps. I was standing in the same place, yet the view kept shifting a little. I went to take out my camera, then realised I was still holding the map.

At last, I put the map away and took another look from beside the car. I’m looking forward to the road down to the lake, but first I want to hold on to this view. Taking time at the pass before setting off again made Lake Towada feel like part of my own journey.