The Lady Reflected in the Water Mirror — A Fantastical Morning at Odashirogahara, Nikko

A solitary white birch stands in Oshirogahara, Oku-Nikkō—commonly known as the “Lady.” After heavy rains, water temporarily pools across the marsh, creating the fantastical landscape known as “Lake Odashiro.” From the purplish mist before dawn, to the soft light of sunrise, and then the pure radiance after the sun rises. The ever-changing colors and reflections on the water’s surface, amidst the silence, resonate within the heart like a symphony played by nature itself.

Before dawn ― Enveloped in purple silence

The air before dawn is cold, and mist blankets the entire marsh. A faint light filters through, casting the silhouettes of birch trees in a fantastical glow. A mystical moment, as if time itself has stopped in the silence.

Dawn ― A water mirror dyed in the morning glow

The mist gradually thins as the dawn light envelops the marsh. Sky and water merge into one hue, while birch trees stand at the center of nature’s painting. The most beautiful moment, where the stillness and warmth of dawn coexist.

After Sunrise ― The Lady Enveloped in Light

The morning sun melts the mist, bathing the entire marsh in golden and purple light. Birch trunks catch the rays, and amidst the stillness, the breath of life can be felt. A pristine moment symbolizing the transition from dawn to morning.