Did you know that Japan has its own “Swan Lake” ?
In the cold winter months of Niigata, countless swans migrate to a lake called ” Hyoko” . Before sunrise on freezing mornings, bundled-up visitors quietly gather to witness their arrival. In the stillness of the dawn, one by one, swans descend onto the water with graceful precision. What elegance they have. Before you realize it, the entire surface is crowded with swans and ducks. As the sky gradually brightens, the soft morning sun reveals a breathtaking, dreamlike scene that leaves people in awe.
If this were a lake filled with crows, it might be intimidating…but when it’s filled with swans, the world becomes nothing short of beautiful.
Once the sun rises, the swans begin to take off one after another. They glide across the water, run a few steps, and lift into the sky. Some fly in neat lines, as if heading off to work for the day.
Pairs of swans preen each other—perhaps married couples or sweethearts—before taking flight together. Countless small dramas unfold in this otherworldly setting.
After fully immersing yourself in this surreal experience, you head home, passing endless rice fields where flocks of swans can be seen pecking at the ground in several spots.
It is an unforgettable experience.
If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend waking up early and witnessing this mystical world for yourself.
Thank you for reading. I’ll keep sharing little moments from my life in Japan — from my garden, kitchen, and everyday reflections. See you in the next post!
by WANOKA
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