My mother-in-law suggested we hike up Mount Tado in Mie Prefecture.

I did not know what to expect.

I was mostly surprised that Mie Prefecture was less than an hour away from our home.

Just for a morning hike.

But I usually follow her suggestions.

I cannot compete with a lifelong local who has hiked countless mountains in Gifu and beyond.

She is a living treasure of experience.

So we drove along the Kiso River toward the foot of Mount Tado.

Then we started the trail hike together.

Including Chappie, her Beagle of course.

The hike up was steep.

I had brought my drones with me, which made my backpack much heavier than necessary.

I suffered on the way up.

My own mistake.

But honestly, I enjoy a physical challenge.

Once we reached Mount Tado’s highest viewpoint, I was completely dazzled by the scenery.

The Nōbi Plain stretched endlessly below us.

The Kiso River.

The Nagara River.

The Ibi River.

All visible from a single viewpoint.

Even Nagoya City could be seen in the distance.

And far beyond that, the snow-covered mountains of central Japan rising along the horizon.

I could even see the sea where the three rivers eventually flow into Ise Bay.

Central Japan in full glory from a single mountaintop.