S10 · E35

Mountain Views, Life Insights

Every autumn, people from across Japan flock to a large observation area about 1,600 meters above sea level in the mountainous village of Achi, Nagano Prefecture. The picture-postcard views include forests of vibrant autumn leaves, starry skies and a sea of clouds. Many visitors arrive in the wee hours so they can reach the summit and watch the morning sunrise above the horizon - often making a wish as the new day dawns. For 3 days, we asked people why they come here and what is going through their minds as they soak up the views.