The “Tetsunen-Sakura” that blooms at the foot of the famous Mt. Hakuba is in full bloom every year during Golden Week. The entire mountains of the Northern Alps far away are still covered with white silver, and agricultural work finally begins in Azumino. The contrast between the cherry blossoms that have started to bloom and the yellow genistas stands out, suggesting the late arrival of spring. A lot of carp streamers are relaxingly swimming above the river where the snow water makes a noise, and right this landscape is the only evidence of May. On the way to the Iwatake ski resort, I always enjoy drinking hot coffee at the “Shoya Maruhachi” cafe, which is a renovated old folk house.

名峰白馬岳の麓に咲く「徹然桜」は毎年ゴールデンウィークが見頃です。北アルプスはこの時期まだ全山が白銀に覆われ、安曇野の田畑もようやく農作業が始まります。桜も咲き初め、黄色いエニシダとのコントラストが遅い春の幕開けを飾ります。雪解け水が瀬々らぐ川には、張り巡らされた鯉のぼりが緩やかに泳ぎ、これだけが五月の証です。岩岳スキー場に向かう途中にある、古民家を改修したカフェ「庄屋まるはち」で熱いコーヒーを飲むのがいつもの楽しみです。