When the cherry trees in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture start blooming, Hajimu Miyamoto of the Azumi Village tourist association begins to feel excited -- and a little nervous.
Excited, because after five months' hibernation under a heavy blanket of snow, the narrow 8-km switchback, the only road to Kamikochi Village (a subdistrict of Azumi), reopens each year in late April.
A little nervous, because the village, situated at 1,500 meters amid the dazzling scenery of Japan's Northern Alps, will once again become a magnet for visitors. Many come simply to enjoy the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views, strolling along the river or in the woods; for others Kamikochi is the starting point for challenging ascents of the 3,000-meter peaks rearing up all around.