Ibukiyama Driveway Summit flowers and a detour for herb soft serve

I drove up the Ibukiyama Driveway and parked at the summit car park. When I opened the door, a cool breeze met me, so different from the air down at the foot of the mountain. I’d come for the distant view, but the little flowers beside the trail caught my eye, and I stopped almost as soon as I started walking.

Japanese meadowsweet bloomed beside the trail, and the flower fields stretched beyond the rope fence. I looked up from the flowers, and Lake Biwa came into view beyond layer after layer of mountain ridges. I’d climbed so high, I thought—and for a while, I couldn’t say a word.

I took a bite of herb soft serve while admiring the view. I held the cone in one hand and cupped the other underneath, but the top started to droop while I was looking out at the lake. I thought the cool air up here meant I could take my time with it!

Oh, it’s about to drip! I hurried the cone to my mouth, only to nearly tip it in the process. I wanted to take my time with the flowers and the lake, but first I had to concentrate on eating. It made me laugh at myself: a moment ago I’d been gazing at the scenery, and suddenly my eyes were fixed on the melting soft serve.

Once I’d finished eating, I looked out toward Lake Biwa again. With both hands free, I could take my time watching the flowers sway in the breeze. It was strange to see the vast lake in the distance and tiny flowers at my feet, all within the same view.

On the way back to the car park, I looked back at the spot where I’d stopped earlier. The drive up to the summit was lovely on its own, but the part I remember best is the walk after I got out of the car. Next time, maybe I’ll try eating my soft serve first and admiring the view afterward.