Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + ND Filter
58 mm ISO 100 for 30.0 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Scarf of Soft Clouds Enveloping Mt. Fuji
Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:42 on November 15, 2023
At an elevation of 1,167.8 m, a breathtaking sight of Mt. Fuji unfolds from the rooftop/terrace of the Koyodai Observatory in Yamanashi Prefecture when gazing southward.
I reached this vantage point with a 30-minute hike from the lower parking lot near the trailhead, allowing me to ascend to the summit amidst the captivating autumn foliage, the aroma of the mountains, and the melodic calls of birds.
For those seeking a less adventurous approach, especially if accompanied by children or elderly family members, driving up the narrow dirt road to the second parking lot adjacent to the observatory is an option. However, I observed several vehicles having to reverse down the road to accommodate descending traffic.
The Koyodai Observatory (紅葉台展望レストハウス) is, in fact, a concrete rest house constructed over 50 years ago by Mr. Imoto Miura (85), a local farmer. Mr. Miura envisioned that such a location would attract visitors seeking to appreciate the breathtaking view from Koyodai. The rest house, managed by Mr. Miura and his wife Yoko, boasts a souvenir shop and a simple restaurant on the first floor. Access to the rooftop terrace (observatory) is available for a nominal fee of 300 yen per person. Visitors receive a hand-drawn map detailing the names of the mountains and lakes visible from the terrace.
Upon payment and reaching the rooftop, the peak was partially concealed by gently drifting clouds, creating an ethereal scene. After patiently waiting for a couple of hours, I managed to capture a photograph where the clouds resembled a soft, white, fluffy scarf caught on the right side of the peak, fluttering to the left in the wind.
This unique shot was made possible through a combination of luck, patience, and a 30-second exposure using an ND1000 filter, providing a 10-stop reduction in light. The filter was stacked in front of a circular polarizer.
At the base of the peak, a landscape unfolds with numerous tree groves, farms, factories, houses, and expansive natural forests, creating a picturesque panorama in early November as the autumnal foliage reaches its peak color.
Visit the Pix4Japan blog for Google Maps links and helpful references for further reading (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20231115-koyodai).
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
45 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Autumn's Tapestry with an Azure Canopy over Distant Peaks
Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:11 on November 15, 2023
Enduring chilly temperatures, I patiently waited for the dispersal of the cloud cover. Finally, nature relented, revealing a breathtaking spectacle as sunbeams streamed through the parting clouds, casting a warm glow upon the peaks of Mt. Ryugadake and Mt. Kenashi. If you look closely, you can see sunlight reflecting off the surface of Lake Mototsu, situated to the right of the two small summits.
To capture this view, you need to gaze southwest from the rooftop terrace of the Koyodai Observatory in Yamanashi Prefecture.
For those planning to embark on a journey to this location, I've detailed access points such as the nearest bus stops and the two primary parking lots in my latest blog post, accessible here: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20231115-koyodai.
In addition to practical information, I delve into the quaint history of the observatory in a quick two-minute read, and for those craving a deeper understanding, I've included links to all my source materials. Join me in exploring the beauty and history that converge at Koyodai Observatory.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 100 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/10
Golden Accents on Mountain Ridges: Kagikake Mountain Range and Aokigahara Forest
Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:17 on November 15, 2023
After a chilly and cloud-covered morning and afternoon, the thick clouds gradually retreated into the horizon, revealing a lovely scene as the warm early evening sunlight cast dark shadows and enveloped the landscape in a golden hue.
This shot was taken looking west from the Koyodai rooftop terrace, where after the clouds dispersed, the Kagikake mountain range came into full view with its foothills leading down into the enchanting Aokigahara Forest plain.
A 7 km (4.35 mi) foot trail, known as the Kagikake Pass (1,589 m/5,213 ft), winds along the ridge of the Kagikake Mountain range stretching from the southwest peak of Mt. Odake to the northern peak of Mt. Onigatake. Additionally, there are two trails from the pass that trace the ridges of the foothills down to the Aokigahara Forest plain.
The Kagikake Pass is particularly enchanting from late October through mid to late November when the autumn foliage is at its peak, transforming the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Moreover, during clear skies, the Kagikake Pass offers unobstructed, grand views of the majestic Mt. Fuji to the south, adding another layer of awe to the already stunning landscape.
Nearest Access:
Take the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station, and take the bus to Koyodai-Mae bus stop. From there it is a 20- or 30-minute walk along a dirt road to the peak.
Get off the Chuo Expressway at the Kawaguchiko Interchange and take Route 139 towards Lake Motosuko for about 15 minutes.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/11
Momiji Autumnal Leaves & Mt. Fuji
Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:58 on November 15, 2023
Using the Pentax “Pixel Shift Resolution II” feature, I captured four full-resolution photos of this scene from the 2nd floor landing at the Koyodai-Tenbodai Rest House. These shots, processed in-camera, synthesize the 4 shots into a single, super-high-resolution composite image. This not only enhances the resolving power but also eliminates false color, reduces high-sensitivity noise, and significantly improves overall image quality.
Positioning your tripod in the left corner of the landing on the 2nd flat of stairs provides an unobtrusive vantage point for capturing the breathtaking scene. The Japanese maple tree visible from the second floor of the Koyodai Observatory Terrace adds a captivating foreground element, complementing the vibrant autumn colors in the lower mid-ground of the scene.
For more in-depth information on the history of the Koyodai-Tenbodai Rest House, optimal parking locations, and nearby bus stops, check out my blog post. I hope to guide you through planning a visit to this off-the-beaten-path site, offering a serene experience away from the typical tourist crowds:
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