A Walk through Midagahara at Mt. Gassan’s 8th Station Summer Clouds Reflected in the Marsh Pools

I stopped beside one of the pools on the Midagahara trail. There was water between the grasses, and low grassland stretched out beyond. I’d always thought a mountain trip meant looking up at the great peaks. But here, the scenery close to my feet kept drawing me in. When I noticed clouds reflected in the pool, I spent longer looking down at the water than up at the sky.

I looked up at the sky, then back at the pool. It was the same cloud, but framed by the grass and slender stems around the pool, it looked like a different cloud altogether. As it moved, its reflection changed shape, too. I’d planned to take a photo and move on, but I wanted to see what shape the cloud would take next. I hadn’t realized that waiting like this was one of the pleasures of coming to the mountains.

When the breeze came through, I drew the collar of my jacket closer with one hand. It was a summer morning, but up here, I was glad to have a light jacket on. After the grass tips swayed, ripples spread across the water and softened the clouds’ outlines. A moment ago, their outlines were crisp. Now the whole view had changed. Still holding my collar, I found myself wanting to watch it all unfold.

I’d heard there are many alpine plants here, with flowers to see from June through August. The grassland looks like one broad sweep, but there are little differences when you look closely. I’d been watching the pools, but then my eyes wandered from the trail to the grass tips. I started wondering what I’d spot next, and the path ahead looked exciting again.

A boardwalk loops through the marsh. Just knowing the path continued between the grasses made me want to see the next pool, too. I’d been telling myself I should go higher just because I’d made it to Mt. Gassan’s 8th Station. But right now, I want to stay here in the marsh. I’d rather linger by the pool in front of me than add another destination.

Before leaving the pool, I compared the clouds in the sky with their reflections one last time. I want to remember them as they looked in the sky and on the water. After coming back down the mountain, I’m planning to make time for Shonai’s mugikiri noodles, too. I hear they’re made with wheat flour, and now I’m looking forward to that first bite after the walk. Clouds up on the mountain, local noodles back in town. I want to savor every part of today’s trip.