The surrounding trees are reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water at Mishaka Pond, creating a fantastical look. This is an agricultural reservoir used to raise the temperature of the cold water from the Yatsugatake Mountains, and in order to preserve the environment, it is not possible to enter the bank. (Chino City, Nagano Prefecture) (30-second exposure)
Dawn had not yet broken. My shadow stretched from my feet, illuminated by the moonlight. The only sounds were the gentle flow of water and the occasional chirping of birds. As sunrise approached, the landscape began to glow. Using long-exposure photography, I tried to gather as much light as possible to capture the scene. The result was an ethereal image of Mishaka Pond, with the larch forest along its shores reflected in the still water.
Unique Ecosystem and Seasonal Beauty
Mishaka Pond, located near the base of the Yatsugatake Mountains at an altitude of around 1,500 meters (4,920 ft), is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Built as an agricultural reservoir in the early Showa period (1926–1989), it warms the cold mountain water to support rice cultivation in the Sasahara district, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) downstream.
The pond's water source, Shibukawa River, is highly acidic. This prevents fish and aquatic plants from flourishing, contributing to the pond's clear water. However, a species of moss called Jungermannia vulcanicola thrives in this acidic environment. It covers the pond bed, giving the water its distinctive deep green hue.
Throughout the year, Mishaka Pond captivates visitors with its seasonal beauty. In autumn, the pond is adorned with foliage, and in winter, it is blanketed with snow.
Cultural Impact
Mishaka Pond inspired the famous painting Green Echoes (1982) by Japanese artist Kaii Higashiyama. The white horse in the painting is said to represent the artist's heart. The pond gained widespread fame in 2008 when it was featured in a commercial with actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, leading to a surge in tourism.
Role in the Community
Meanwhile, the population of the Sasahara district has declined to about 40% of its peak, now standing at 229 residents. A member of the city's tourism and community council remarked, "I want people to grow more fond of our village through tourism." He is actively promoting relocation to the area through guided walks and the restoration of traditional houses.
The council member stated, "Mishaka Pond is indispensable to Sasahara's agriculture — it is a lifeline. To continue protecting it, we need to increase the number of successors involved in its maintenance and management."
This stunning mountain vista is valued not only as an important agricultural resource but also for its crucial role in the community's development.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Yasushi Kawamura, The Sankei Shimbun
