I thought Kamikochi to be a remote retreat in the Japanese Alps. When I arrived at Kappa Bridge which was the base to venture out, I was shocked by all the tourist buses which jammed the parking lot. Apparently, for many Japanese, they lived close enough to make this a day trip. Luckily, the majority came just to take a couple of pictures at the bridge and then they were gone. Whoever stayed behind on the track were nature lovers who came for a day walk, or for a more serious hike. Also ran into a group of retirees who came to paint, each to their own. Regardless of the great number of vistiors who come and go, the place remains pristine. As is typical, the Japanese take great care to minimize their footprints, preserving nature at its best. The butterflies were hardly stirred by the presence of other life forms. Though my two nights stay was a bit short and, most of the time it was pouring, the experience was so pleasing to the senses that I remained in a dreamy stage upon returning home.