Beyond the forest of crimson autumn leaves, the rugged rock face of Tanigawa-dake's Ichinokurazawa, draped in snow, stretches out.

A close-up photograph of the rock face of Tanigawa-dake's Ichinokurasawa, bathed in the morning light and glowing red against a pale purple sky.

A scene where the snow-capped rock walls of Ichinokurazawa are illuminated by light and shadow above the autumn leaves in the valley and the grove of trees.

Early Winter at Ichinokurasawa — A Symphony of Autumn Leaves and Snow

Mount Tanigawa and Ichinokurasawa represent Japan’s most iconic rock faces, captivating climbers and photographers alike. This series captures the transition from autumn to winter, where forests still clinging to their autumn colors perform alongside snow-capped rock peaks. The ever-changing scenery, shaped by the morning glow and oblique sunlight, reveals a different expression with every passing moment, reflecting nature’s grandeur, harshness, and beauty.

Table of Contents

Autumn Foliage and Snow-Capped Ichinokura Valley
The rock face of Ichinokura Valley dyed in the morning glow
The valley floor shrouded in light and shadow

Autumn Foliage and Snow-Capped Ichinokura Valley

This vivid image captures the contrast between a forest still holding onto its autumn colors and snow-covered rock walls. It captures the transition from autumn to winter, highlighting the grandeur of Mount Tanigawa.

The rock face of Ichinokura Valley dyed in the morning glow

On an early winter morning, the sheer rock face of Ichinokurasawa glows crimson-purple in the dawn light. The rugged texture of the steep cliffs and the thin layer of snow convey both the harshness and beauty of Mount Tanigawa.

The valley floor shrouded in light and shadow

Morning light streams into the valley floor, enveloped by a forest of autumn leaves, creating a striking contrast between the snow-covered rock face and the shadows. This image emphasizes the dynamism of nature.