Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 320 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Family on Windy Beach
Location: Miho-no-Matsubara Beach (Shimizu Beach), Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:36 April 5, 2023
Miho-no-Matsubara Beach, also known as Shimizu Beach, is located on the Miho Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. This beach offers stunning views of Suruga Bay, ships sailing into Shimizu Port through Suruga Bay, and on a clear day, offers lovely views of Mt. Fuji.
As per the local lore, the beaches once had white sands. However, during the construction of the nearby bullet train line in the late 1950s, an excessive amount of white sand from the nearby Abe River was used. Over time, the sea swept away the layers of white sand on the beach, and no new white sand from Abe River was available to replenish the white sand that was carried out to sea. This resulted in the current black volcanic sand on the beach.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 320 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/9
Border Collie on Windy Beach
Location: Miho-no-Matsubara Beach (Shimizu Beach), Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:42 April 5, 2023
My border collie, captured here frolicking on the black sandy beach of Miho-no-Matsubara on the Miho Peninsula, is an energetic girl, always eager to chase after the incoming waves and bark at the foamy residue that lingers as the waves recede back into the ocean.
While the beach offers sweeping vistas of the Izu Peninsula and Mt. Fuji to the north-northeast on clear days, visiting on an overcast day can obscure these stunning views. Yet, there are perks to exploring the beach on a dreary weekday: few other visitors to contend with, plenty of vacant parking spaces at the nearby visitors center, and most importantly, my furry companion can romp around off-leash to her heart's content.
Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or a lively day out with your furry friend, Miho-no-Matsubara beach offers the best of both worlds.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 640 for 1/640 sec. at ƒ/11
Mt. Fuji Overlooking Suruga Bay
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:36 April 5, 2023
In this photograph, my aim was to showcase the colossal size of Mt. Fuji as she towers over a container ship sailing towards Shimizu Port through Suruga Bay.
To capture this shot, I began my journey from the Miho-no-Matsubara pine tree grove, a popular destination for tourists visiting the Miho Peninsula. I walked along the coastline towards the north for about 10 minutes until I reached an artificial breakwater that protrudes into Suruga Bay.
During low tide, this breakwater offers a safe and unobstructed view of Suruga Bay, the city of Shimizu, and Mt. Fuji. The concrete structure of the breakwater provides a secure base for use with a tripod for shots with a lower ISO and longer shutter speed.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 640 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/11
Fishing on Tetrapods
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:06 April 5, 2023
In the aftermath of devastating typhoons and tsunamis, Japanese shorelines underwent a transformation of concrete during the economic high-growth postwar period. Tetrapods, concrete structures used to prevent erosion, now cover or alter nearly 50 percent of Japan's 35,000 kilometers (22,000 mi) of coastline. This proliferation of tetrapods has opened a newly-developed leisure-sport culture of ana-zuri (hole-fishing) among the tetrapods. However, this activity can be dangerous as falling among the tetrapods would likely result in cries for help being unheard amidst the crashing waves.
Despite these efforts to control nature, the power of natural disasters remains uncontrollable. This photograph illustrates man's desire to subdue nature, even under the watchful gaze of Mount Fuji, an active volcano. Unlike tetrapods, however, no amount of technology or engineering can tame the ferocity of a volcanic eruption from Mount Fuji, a sobering reality to consider.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
63 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/11
Mt. Fuji Towering Over Coastal Concrete Barrier
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:19 April 5, 2023
Typically, when people think of Mt. Fuji, they imagine a breathtaking snow-capped mountain set as a backdrop of natural beauty. This may include freshwater lakes, rows of flowerbeds, expansive beaches, or high-elevation shots of city lights. However, for me, the scene has a distinct street-photography vibe.
As I gaze upon the majestic mountain, I am struck by the juxtaposition of man-made structures that have contributed to the destruction of the once white sands of this particular beach. It's a stark reminder of the impact humans have on the environment, and how our actions can last for centuries to come.
Despite this destruction, Mt. Fuji remains one of Japan's most important symbols of natural beauty and is revered by adherents of the native belief system of Shintoism, where the mountain is considered one of the more important gods.
The scene before me is a testament to the complexity of human-nature interactions and the importance of respecting and preserving our natural surroundings. It serves as a reminder that we must strive to strike a balance between our modern way of life and our responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 200 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5.6
Unexpected View at End of Access Road
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:30 April 5, 2023
The Miho Peninsula, renowned for its stunning Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, is a hidden gem that offers much more than what meets the eye. To truly experience the beauty of the peninsula, one must venture beyond the crowded tourist spots and explore the trails that wind through pine trees along the coastline.
On this photo shoot, I headed north along the coastline from the pine grove, covering a distance of approximately 3 km (1.8 miles). After some time, I came across a service road that led me to an old airstrip. While Miho Airport is no longer operational and a significant portion of the runway has been eroded by the ocean, the airstrip still serves as an off-field landing site for helicopters involved in disaster prevention, firefighting, or rescue operations.
Adjacent to the airstrip, I found a take-off and landing zone for powered tandem paragliding. Although I don’t think I could muster the courage to take to the skies with my camera, the idea of soaring thousands of feet above the peninsula and capturing aerial shots of Mt. Fuji is undoubtedly tempting!
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/8
Historical Concrete Lighthouse
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:39 April 5, 2023
Constructed in 1912 using reinforced concrete, the Miho Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Japan that has remained in its original form. While many other older lighthouses made of inferior materials were destroyed in earthquakes or typhoons, the Miho Lighthouse still stands tall and operational, providing valuable assistance to ships sailing into Suruga Bay en route to Shimizu Port. In 2012, the lighthouse celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Adjacent to the lighthouse is the entrance to the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route and walking path, which extends all the way to the renowned Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove. Bicycles can be rented for the nominal fee of only 500 yen per day!
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
88 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/8
Reclamation of the Coastline
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 16:02 April 5, 2023
Prior to the 1950s, the Miho Peninsula's beaches received a natural supply of material, including white sands, from the Abe River through coastal currents. However, in the late 1950s, the river was excessively dredged to obtain materials for infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Shinkansen bullet train line. As a result, the coastline suffered a significant loss of material, which led to its shrinkage and posed a threat to nearby homes, industries, schools, and the iconic Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove.
To combat this issue, a long-term restoration project was launched in 1989, aimed at restoring the Miho Peninsula shoreline to its former state. Today, significant progress has been made in elevating the shoreline, but much work remains to be done, particularly in restoring the white sands, which has yet to commence.
This photo displays the results of the raised shoreline in the foreground, under the watchful eye of the majestic Mount Fuji in the background. The ultimate goal of the restoration project is to restore the beach to its former beauty of white sands and turquoise waters. It is my sincere hope that I live long enough to witness this transformation.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
88 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10
Mt. Fuji alongside Majestic Pine Trees
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 16:11 April 5, 2023
Location No. 8, featured on maps available at the Miho-no- Matsubara Culture & Creativity Center and other maps located throughout the park, offers a prime opportunity to capture a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji alongside the majestic pine trees.
This spot is referred to on the maps as “Scenic Spot from Kamagasaki.” Unfortunately, while attempting to set my tripod for a shot, I found that my desired angle was occupied by a high school boy and girl who were deeply engaged in each other's company. Not wanting to interrupt the young lovebirds, I settled for this composition as I was quickly losing light with evening shadows quickly approaching.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
58 mm ISO 400 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/8
Haguruma Shrine and Nobori Banners
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 16:31 April 5, 2023
The exact year of establishment for Haguruma Shrine, a branch shrine of Miho Shrine (refer to previous posts), remains unknown. The shrine is situated adjacent to the Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine tree, which according to legend, was where a celestial maiden hung her robe.
This sacred tree is highly venerated as a patron deity of marriage, music and dance, farming, sea voyages, and bountiful catches. Visitors often leave flat, oval stones with their wishes inscribed on them at Haguruma Shrine, believing that their desires will be granted. As a result, the shrine is surrounded by numerous such stones. It is also believed that one may encounter their significant other by paying a visit to this shrine.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
100 mm ISO 100 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/5.6
Old Pine Tree of Legends
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 16:38 April 5, 2023
The Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine tree, estimated to be around 200 years old, plays a prominent role in the Legend of Hagoromo. According to the legend, a celestial maiden visited the nearby beach and draped her shimmering golden feathered robe, known as hagoromo, on the pine tree before taking a swim. This fascinating tale continues to be retold in a noh theater performance called “Miho Hagoromo Takigi Noh,” which takes place near the legendary pine tree at night by a large bonfire in October.
In the present day, the Hagoromo-no-Matsu pine tree and several others on the Miho Peninsula are meticulously observed and monitored for their health to ensure that they continue to thrive for future generations. This highlights the importance of conservation and preservation efforts in sustaining these significant natural wonders.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/10 sec. at ƒ/9
Twisted Dragon-Like Pine Tree
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 16:42 April 5, 2023
After departing from the Miho-no-Matsubara visitor center and following the path leading to the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove, you will encounter several ancient pine trees cordoned off for their preservation. As you proceed, a breathtaking sight of numerous majestic pine trees will greet you. Unlike those found in the mountains that grow vertically, the trunks and branches of these trees twist outwards, almost parallel to the ground, and abruptly curve or stretch upwards to the sky.
Visitors often liken the appearance of the branches to dragons soaring towards the heavens. The Ebi-no-Matsu (海老のマツ) tree shown in this photo, which means “Shrimp Pine” tree, receives its name because of its resemblance to a colossal shrimp flipping its tail.
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