2021-01-27

Mt. Takao


This week's photo shoot takes us to Mt. Takao, which is located about 55 km (approx. 34 mi) west of Central Tokyo for some landscape and woodland photography in Japan.

Google Maps Links:
From the cable car terminus, you can take a 1.7 km walk (26 minutes) to the peak
Mt. Takao is a historically sacred mountain located about 55 km (approx. 34 mi) due west on the border of Tokyo Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture. With numerous temples, shrines, sacred objects including trees, and more with a history dating back more than 1,200 years.

There is so much history to learn, deeply held traditions to experience, and an oasis of nature to enjoy all on the footsteps of Tokyo Prefecture. As a sightseeing destination, Mt. Takao is super easy to access, and the climb to the peak is doable without the need for any special hiking or climbing gear. With two sets of cable cars that reach close to the peak, young families with babies, or elderly parents with limited mobility should have no problem accessing the top of the mountain.
As a photo shoot location, timing is very important if you want to avoid the crowds. Taking any one of the numerous trails other than Trail No. 1 will allow you to get off of the beaten path and give you closer proximity to natural woodlands, wildlife, and depending on the weather and lighting, you can have access to some beautiful panoramic views of the Tanzawa Mountain Range and the Tokyo metropolis.
Distant Mountain Range
https://goo.gl/maps/W3yyM1hV1arMKzqHA
Long exposure shot of the Tanzawa Mountain Range located about 19 km (12 mi) due west of Mt. Takao in Tokyo Prefecture.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Z0CrK5AzeGM
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
53 mm ISO 100 for 60 sec. at ƒ/11
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #Mountains #Tanazawa #MtTakao #MountTakao #hiking #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#風景写真 #冬の写真 #雪の写真 #高尾山 #丹沢山地 #東京都

Moss-Covered Tree Limb
https://goo.gl/maps/W3yyM1hV1arMKzqHA
Possibly the leaves of a Weeping Fern (Lepisorus thunbergianus) growing a the limb of an old, moss-coverd cherry tree at the peak of Mt. Tako.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Z0CrK5AzeGM
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
135 mm ISO 800 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/9.0
#MacroPhotography #WeepingFern #moss #trees #MtTakao #MountTakao #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#ノキシノブ #軒忍 #苔 #高尾山 #東京都

Lone Tree
https://goo.gl/maps/dbc5xszLLwtPBtt19
Small opening in the canopy allowed some evening light to reflect off of the moss that has enveloped the trunk of this lone tree.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Z0CrK5AzeGM
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
28 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/4.0
#LandscapePhotography #WoodlandPhotography #moss #tree #forest  #MtTakao #MountTakao #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#風景写真 #森の写真 #木 #森 #苔 #高尾山 #東京都

Suspension Bridge
https://goo.gl/maps/DzepyUiBxmnWcGUWA
Trail No. 4 on Mt. Takao is one of the more popular trails due to its relatively wide trails and its main attraction: Miyama Bridge.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/Z0CrK5AzeGM
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
60 mm ISO 100 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#LandscapePhotography #WoodlandPhotography #SuspensionBridge #forest  #MtTakao #MountTakao #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#風景写真 #森の写真 #見山橋 #森 #苔 #高尾山 #東京都
Below is a list of the equipment I take with me on photo shoots.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP
https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ
Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR
https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ
Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF
Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)
https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd
Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate
https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit
https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg
SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)
https://amzn.to/3axkn1w
PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter
https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS
Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal
https://amzn.to/32c0FFL
RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO
https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM
PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/39rwWwW
PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm
PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm
https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY
PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)
https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.
Creative Commons License
Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a
Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.
Posted by at No comments:

2021-01-04

Ouchi-Juku


Ouchi-Juku, an historical district of preserved thatch-roof buildings in Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture, was a post station on the pre-modern highway of Aizu-Nishi Kaido (130 km/81 mi) during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868). The post station provided travelers with inns, shops, restaurants, and more. 

Nowadays, the village has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and seems to be a popular tourist destination. Visiting this site allows you to step back in time and enjoy an experience somewhat similar to what travelers would have experienced hundreds of years ago. Except for the souvenir shops, most of the original inns and restaurants are still providing the same services they did during the Edo Period.

Here are some links to websites with more details and useful access information:

Ouchi-Juku Guide: Japan’s Dream-like Fairytale Village Covered in Sparkling Snow

Fukushima | Ouchi-Juku | Minamiaizu

Ouchijuku - Historic Town in Fukushima Prefecture

Ouchi-Juku | Remnants of the Edo Period

Address:
Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima-ken 969-5207
〒969-5207 福島県南会津郡下郷町大内

Google Maps:

Google Plus Code:
8VJ6+P2 Shimogo, Fukushima

Historical Town under Blanket of Snow
Photo Shoot Location: 8VP6+6P Shimogo, Fukushima
Ouchi-Juku, a district of preserved thatch-roof buildings in Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture, was a post station on the pre-modern Aizu-Nishi Kaido highway (130 km/81 mi) during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868).
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/HjUuaFwShjg
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
36 mm ISO 100 for 1/10 sec. at ƒ/29
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #OuchiJuku #Fukushima #Japan
#風景写真 #冬の写真 #雪の写真 #大内宿 #福島県

Border Collie in Snow
Photo Shoot Location: 8VP6+5J Shimogo, Fukushima
Dale-chan the border collie taking a rest after chasing snowflakes on a mountain slope overlooking the historical town of Ouchi-Juku, in Fukushima Prefecture.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/HjUuaFwShjg
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
78 mm ISO 100 for 1/15 sec. at ƒ/6.3
#WinterPhotography #dog #pet #BorderCollie #snow #winter #Japan
#冬の写真 #雪の写真 #犬 #ボーダーコリー #愛犬

Gate to Shrine
Photo Shoot Location: 8VM6+F8 Shimogo, Fukushima
Torii gate to Takakura-Jinja--a shinto shrine built for the deification of Prince Mochihito who died in battle (circa 1180).
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/HjUuaFwShjg
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
18 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/4.0
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #ToriiGate #OuchiJuku #Fukushima #Japan
#風景写真 #冬の写真 #雪の写真 #鳥居 #大内宿 #福島県

Snow-Covered Ditch and Field
Photo Shoot Location: 8VJ6+C5 Shimogo, Fukushima
A winding drainage ditch at the bottom of snow-covered fields that surround Ouchi-Juku—an old post town providing travelers with restaurants, shops, and inns for travelers during the 1600s to mid-1800s.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/HjUuaFwShjg
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
60 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #ditch #snow #OuchiJuku #Fukushima #Japan
#風景写真 #冬の写真 #雪の写真 #土水路 #大内宿 #福島県

Snow-Covered Tree and Woodland
Photo Shoot Location: 8VJ6+C5 Shimogo, Fukushima
An abstract black-and-white shot of the woodland that surrounds the small mountain valley surrounding Ouchi-Juku located in Fukushima Prefecture.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/HjUuaFwShjg
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
78 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/32
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #tree #woodland #snow #OuchiJuku #Fukushima #Japan
#風景写真 #冬の写真 #雪の写真 #木 #森 #大内宿 #福島県

Below is a list of the equipment I take with me on photo shoots.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP
Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR
Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)
Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit
SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)
PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter
Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal
RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)
PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)
PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)
PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm
PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe: 


"Winter Birds" composed by LoTo and performed by Epidemic Sound.
“Winter Solstice” composed and performed by Gavin Luke.
“Il Reste Du Temps” composed by Patrik Almkvisth and performed by Lo Mimieux.
“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.
Creative Commons License
 Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a
 Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
 Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.
Posted by at No comments:

2021-01-02

Miho-no-Matsubara

Southwest Slope
View of the southwestern slope of Mt. Fuji as seen from the westbound Fujikawa Service Area on the Tomei Highway.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
68 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/13
#LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #Fujikawa #TomeiHighway #MountFuji #MtFuji #Japan
#風景写真 #富士山 #富士川ＳＡ #東名高速道路 #Pentax

Border Collie at Rest Stop
Pulled over at  the westbound Fujikawa Service Area on the Tomei Highway to give her a short potty break and let her stretch her legs. (Fujikawa SA: approx. 3 hours southwest of Tokyo).
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
135 mm ISO 400 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5.6
#dog #pet #BorderCollie #Fujikawa #TomeiHighway #Japan
#犬 #愛犬 #ボーダーコリー #富士川ＳＡ #東名高速道路 #Pentax

Driftwood on Beach
Driftwood on the shore of Miho-no-Matsubara Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture with Mt. Fuji off in the distance (43.56 km/27.06 mi north-north-east).
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
88 mm ISO 400 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/14
#driftwood #beach #MihonoMatsubara #Shizuoka #MtFuji #Japan #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan #naturephotography
#流木 #海岸 #三保松原海岸 #富士山 #静岡県 #海景写真

Concave Wave
Pacific waves on the coast of Miho-no-Matsubara Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture at sunset.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
68 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/6.3
#waves #beach #MihonoMatsubara #Shizuoka #sunset #Japan #seascapephotography #naturephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#波 #海岸 #海景写真 #三保松原海岸 #静岡県

Sunset Light
Light from the setting sun shining on the upper portion of Mt. Fuji as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
135 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #WinterPhotography #MountFuji #MtFuji #Shizuoka #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#風景写真 #富士山 #冬の写真 #静岡県    

Rusty Chain
Chain on top of concrete breakwater blocks that line a portion of the coast that sticks farthest out into the ocean.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
135 mm ISO 12800 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#chain #concrete #rust #RustyChain #ConcreteBreakwater #MihonoMatsubara #Shizuoka #Japan #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#鎖の輪 #防波堤 #海岸浸食防止 #海景写真 #三保松原海岸 #静岡県

Rusty Marker Post
This old, rusty marker stands about chest-high atop large concrete “cubes” that are about the size of a small car and are lined up to form a bulkhead along a portion of the coastline that is jutting out into the sea. Mostly likely, the light on top of the marker flashes during rough seas to either aid ship navigation or to prevent ships from running aground.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
135 mm ISO 6400 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#marker #bulkhead #seawall #erosion #navigation #marker #Shizuoka #Japan #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#海 #護岸 #灯標 #海岸 #海景写真 #三保松原海岸 #静岡県

Stump on Breakwater
Maybe this stump was once part of a fence to keep beachgoers safe, or maybe it held up a sign to keep folks away. Embedded in a block of concrete the size of a small car, this stump will remain until the constant ravages of wind, water, and ice further erode it into a mere stubble.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
230 mm ISO 12800 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/5.6
#wood #stub #stump #ConcreteBreakwater #MihonoMatsubara #Shizuoka #Japan #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#木の切り株 #防波堤 #海岸浸食防止 #海景写真 #三保松原海岸 #静岡県

Crests of Turquoise Blue
With no recent heavy rains or typhoons washing debris into the Pacific Ocean, waves rolling in from Suruga Bay were a beautiful, clear, bluish green. Unlike a tropical beach however, frigid winds blowing onshore made my fingers numb as I struggled  to time shots of cresting waves without a tripod.
Portfolio: https://pix4japan.myportfolio.com
Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
120 mm ISO 12800 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/4.5
#crest #waves #beach #MihonoMatsubara #Shizuoka #sunset #Japan #seascapephotography #naturephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan
#海 #波 #波頭 #海岸 #海景写真 #三保松原海岸 #静岡県
Creative Commons License
 Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a
 Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
 Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.
Posted by at No comments:
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