By 工藤瑛志 / Eishi Kudou
This video beautifully captures the seasonal transformation of rural Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), highlighting the vibrant life of summer wildflowers and grass under the gentle Japanese sun. As summer deepens, the landscape bursts with color—from the shimmering rice stalks and golden barley swaying in the breeze to the delicate clover (shirotsumekusa) blooming at your feet. Filmed during the golden hours of morning and evening when the light is most appealing, this video provides a calming, immersive experience of Japan’s countryside.
Viewers are treated to serene scenes that evoke nostalgia for summer in rural Japan. The video’s focus on natural sounds, soft lighting, and slow cinematic movements allows audiences to truly appreciate the small wonders—fields of crops, natural meadows, and wild flora that define the rural landscape of Shinshu. This region, situated in central Japan and better known as Nagano, is famous for its mountainous terrain, fresh air, and picturesque rice paddies.
Through careful and skilled cinematography, creator Eishi Kudou guides you through Shinshu’s countryside, emphasizing the simple yet profound beauty of everyday Japanese landscapes. There are no bustling crowds or urban noise; instead, the video invites viewers to decompress and reconnect with the slow rhythms of the countryside. For travelers seeking an authentic sense of rural Japan, this video offers a window into the region’s aesthetic charms, encouraging slow travel and a deeper connection with nature.