After checking out from Karuizawa, drove uphill to the highlands in Nagano Prefecture. It was a sunny day after typhoon #21 had passed.
Komoro
Followed the Japan Romantic Road to Komoro to visit Kaikoen (懐古園) – a park famous for sakura.
Utsukushigahara Plateau Museum of Art (美ヶ原高原)
Followed the Venus Road and arrived at Utsukushigahra at 2000m where there is an open-air museum, akin to the one in Hakone Gora.
Before arriving at hotel in Tateshina Kogen, passed by Kurama-kogen @1600, Shirakaba-ko @1400m.
Melody roads along the Venus Line
I first heard it while ascending uphill from Komoro to Utsukusigahara Kogen @2000m and thought that might just be some random noise. However, when I was on the way descending to Kirigamine Kogen, the “Ode to Joy” melody (of Beethoven Symphony #9) was played out clearly.
What a nice surprise !
===> Tateshina Kogen ===>
May I know how far or time to drive to see these places from Karuizawa?
Komoro is the closest – roughly 30 min.
Utsukushigahara – probably 90 min due to many elbow turns to reach 2000m. Had lunch up there before visiting the sculptures outdoor.
arrived at Tokyu Hotel in Tateshina Kogen at around 1600.