* This article was written based on an interview conducted with the park ranger in October, 2019.

Since his career began as a park ranger four years ago, Tatsuya Oshima has  worked at two of Japan's national parks: Yakushima National Park in Kyushu  and Chubusangaku National Park in central Japan. He thoroughly enjoyed his  time in Yakushima, maintaining hiking trails and facilities, but being  assigned to Chubusangaku was lucky; it is a place where many park rangers  dream of working.

Inspired by Nature

Oshima was inspired to become a park ranger while studying ecology at  university. In his fourth year, he was part of a group that was researching  endangered plant species in the Minami Alps (South Alps). As part of their  work, the group brought endangered alpine plants down from higher altitudes  to the base of the mountains and were able to cultivate them successfully.

Above the Clouds

What Oshima loves most about his job, he says, is seeing people amazed by  nature, and the smiles on their faces when they visit the park. He can  relate. One of his most inspiring experiences working in Chubusangaku was  climbing to the top of Mount Yarigatake (3,180 m), Japan's fifth tallest  mountain. It took about eight hours to climb up from Kamikochi, but when he  got to the summit in the afternoon, the peak was shrouded in clouds. He  couldn't see anything but white. Determined to see the legendary views, he  made a second attempt the next day, when the weather was clear. The views  from the narrow ledge of the summit were impressive beyond words—with the  Hotaka mountain range and Mount Fuji in the distance.

But you don't have to be a hard-core climber to enjoy the Japanese Alps.  One of the most popular mountains to hike is Mount Yakedake, an active  volcano, considered the “back door” of Kamikochi. It is possible to start  the hike from the Nakanoyu trailhead and hike down another route to Tashiro  Bridge in Kamikochi. Yakedake can be done as a day hike or an overnight  trip with a stay at a traditional Japanese mountain hut.

Be an Early Riser

Wherever you hike in the park, Oshima recommends starting your day very  early to ensure that you can arrive at your destination with plenty of time  to spare. When staying in a mountain hut or camping on the ridge, it is  especially desirable to check in by 3:00 p.m. Many hikers outside of Japan  may not be used to this schedule, but this is the norm in the Japanese  mountains. Thunderstorms are quite common at high altitudes in the  afternoon, especially in summer—getting caught in a storm is the last thing  you want to happen while exposed on the mountain face. And if you plan on  ordering dinner a the mountain hut, it is best to arrive early as dinner is  typically served at 5:00 p.m.

Must-See Kamikochi

Among the many beautiful places in Kamikochi, Oshima's favorite spot is  Dakesawa Marsh. Oshima says, “Although every part of Chubusangaku National  Park has amazing scenery, this is where I would take a first-timer.” This  marsh, fed by water from snow melt from the Dakesawa Valley, is only a  15-minute walk from Kappabashi Bridge along the Azusa River towards  Myojinike Pond. It's a serene place with views of Mount Roppyaku and clear  streams where you can see fish swimming from the wooden walkways. It's  easily accessible and you'll feel totally immersed your surroundings.