Pix4Japan

2024-03-20

Dragon Cave

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Dragon Cave: A Place of Reverence, Pilgrimage, and Sacred Tradition

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan

Timestamp: 10:32・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

28 mm ISO 100 for 0.6 sec. at ƒ/10

Ryugu-Doketsu, or “Dragon Cave” in English, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. Designated as a nationally recognized natural monument, its origins trace back to the Jogan eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864 CE. During this cataclysmic event, lava flows engulfed the region, cooling and solidifying over time to form intricate natural caverns through the process of erosion.

Dragon Cave, and several others located throughout the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest are greeted by a display of nature's craftsmanship. Ice caves, where icicles stubbornly refuse to melt even under the summer sun, and rozen lava flows, captured in time, serve as a silent testament to the tremendous power unleashed by the volcano centuries ago.

The mystique of Ryugu-Doketsu Cave, a lesser-known gem, is waiting to be discovered. Nestled amidst moss-covered rocks, this intimate cavern offers a passage to another realm, connecting to a tranquil lake beyond its depths. At its entrance stands a modest shrine, home to Toyotamahime, the Goddess of Water, revered by locals for generations.

Senoumi Shrine, as the shrine is known, holds a special place in the hearts of worshipers who make pilgrimages to this location. Officially registered with the Shrine Agency, its name pays homage to an ancient legend of a dragon god dwelling within the cave. In times of drought, villagers would gather here, seeking divine intervention in the form of rain.

For adherents of the Fujiko sect, dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji, Senoumi Shrine is more than just a place of worship—it is a sacred sanctuary steeped in history. With roots stretching back to the Edo Period, pilgrims flock to its hallowed grounds, offering prayers and reverence to the mountain that looms majestically nearby.

As visitors, it is our privilege to share in this sacred space. When visiting Dragon Cave and Senoumi Shrine, let us honor the traditions of those who came before us. Show respect to pilgrims in prayer, observing their rituals with quiet reverence. And as they depart, may we pause to reflect on the timeless bond between humanity and the natural world—a bond that finds its truest expression in places like Dragon Cave.

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Aokigahara Twisted Flora

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Twists of Nature: Discovering Aokigahara-Jukai's Beauty

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan

Timestamp: 09:39・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

88 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Nestled on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji lies the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest, also known as the "Sea of Trees," standing at an elevation of 1,014 meters (3,327 feet). This remarkable forestscape is renowned for its extraordinary display of trees, which twist and contort themselves as they strive to find purchase in the shallow soil covering ancient lava flows.

The challenge for these trees is evident: the thin layer of soil above the hardened lava makes it difficult for their roots to penetrate deeply, leading to unique adaptations. While many trees manage to grow upright, external forces such as wind and snow often twist their trunks or cause them to lean under their own weight.

Adding to the mystique of this landscape is the abundance of moss and lichen, which blanket the jagged edges of the lava rock and soften its contours. These vibrant green accents lend a mystical aura to the forest, enhancing its natural beauty.

The origins of this captivating forest date back to the Jogan eruption of 864 CE, which blanketed the region in lava flows that eventually cooled and solidified, forming the foundation for what would become the Sea of Trees. Despite the thin layer of soil—only about 10 centimeters thick—life found a way. Lichens were among the first organisms to colonize the barren landscape, followed by moss and grasses, gradually building up the soil over time.

What makes Aokigahara-Jukai truly exceptional is its ability to support the growth of trees despite the challenging conditions. The nearby Pacific Ocean plays a crucial role, with ocean winds carrying moisture inland, providing the necessary hydration for moss and, ultimately, the trees themselves.

Predominantly populated by hinoki cypress and southern Japanese hemlock, both evergreen species, the forest presents a spectacle of intertwined roots spreading laterally across the rocky terrain. As trees reach a certain height, their precarious root systems can no longer bear their weight, leading to a fascinating landscape of fallen giants.

This forest, shaped by the direct influence of Mount Fuji, offers a glimpse into nature's resilience and creativity. Even as visitors traverse its designated trails, they are treated to the splendor of an ancient growth forest, where each twist of a tree trunk and each patch of moss tells a story of adaptation and survival.

Increasingly, Aokigahara-Jukai is drawing the attention of nature photographers and fine artists, drawn to its otherworldly charm and the myriad shapes formed by tree roots and moss intermingling with volcanic rock.

In the heart of Aokigahara-Jukai, nature's handiwork unfolds in myriad forms, inviting explorers to uncover the hidden wonders of this enchanting forest.

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Aokigahara-Jukai Forest

Faithful Companion Deep in Moss-Covered Sea of Trees

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan

Timestamp: 09:06・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

45 mm ISO 25,600 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/6.3

I explored Aokigahara Forest (elevation 1,014 m / 3,327 ft) nestled on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, accompanied by my border collie for an early morning photo session, evading the crowds that typically flock to the hiking trails later in the day.

Access to the forest is convenient, just a short 2-hour drive via the Chuo Expressway from central Tokyo (depending on traffic). The trailhead boasts ample free parking and is also accessible by bus for those opting for public transportation.

Adjacent to the forest lie the Fugaku Wind Cave and the Narusawa Ice Cave. However, since these attractions charge a fee, prohibit pets, and open later at 9:00 a.m., they were not feasible options for me, considering my early arrival with my border collie.

Formed by the Aokigahara Lava Flow originating from Mount Fuji in 864 CE, the forest floor spans approximately 30 square kilometers (12 sq mi). Over 1,100 years, the lava cooled and solidified, enabling the growth of lichen and moss, creating a unique ecosystem.

The terrain, characterized by thick layers of uneven lava rock, presents a challenge for trees to establish deep roots, leading them to spread outward across the rock's surface, relying on the sparse topsoil available.

A notable feature of the forest is its porous lava bedrock, which absorbs sound, enhancing the solitude experienced within this pristine wilderness.

Locals refer to Aokigahara as Jukai (樹海), or “Sea of Trees” in Japanese, which aptly describes the lush, untouched landscape, fostering diverse flora and fauna. The forest hosts a plethora of mammals, birds, insects, conifers, broadleaf trees, and shrubs, as detailed in its Wikipedia entry.

Beyond its natural allure, the Sea of Trees has captivated folklore and popular culture, inspiring numerous novels, TV shows, and films in Japan. According to local legends, yurei, tormented ghosts, are said to haunt the area.

Regrettably, the forest's association with suicide has attracted sensationalism from traditional and social media, spurring a surge in dark tourism. Such visitors, who typically go off trail and trample the plants and litter the forest with trash, have prompted calls among some locals to close the forest to the public in an effort to preserve the sacredness of the forest.

Fortunately, the forest remains open to the public, inviting exploration of its cultural heritage and appreciation of its natural beauty, a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of Mother Nature.

Visitors are urged to adhere to designated trails, as the forest's landscape makes navigation challenging should you get lost. Moreover, as a national natural monument, the Aokigahara Sea of Trees is safeguarded by the Cultural Properties Protection Act, mandating respect for its preservation and conservation.

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2024-02-28

Ideboku Dairy Cows

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Nurturing Tradition: Ideboku Farm's Artisanal Approach to Dairy Farming

Location: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 13:37・2024/02/28

The Ideboku Farm is a meticulously maintained boutique dairy farm. Here, cows are milked to produce the milk used in manufacturing gelato, yogurt, and artisan cheeses. These products are then sold at a shop conveniently located next to the milking parlor. Other shops can be found throughout Shizuoka Prefecture, with one shop each in Kanagawa Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture.

Unlike the large dairy farms I am more familiar with in the States, this dairy farm is the antithesis to industrial farming. The dairy products produced here are mostly sold within the local community at boutique shops and served to children at local school lunch cafeterias.

The farm is located right next to other semi-rural houses. Due to efforts to keep the stalls clean and change fresh sawdust regularly, the stalls attract very few flies, and there is no smell of cow manure that nearby neighbors might complain about.

Although my photo only shows Holsteins, the farm also raises Jersey and Brown Swiss cows.

Holsteins are specifically raised for their relatively thin milk, which has a fat percentage of 3.6% and non-fat milk solid content of 8.7%, making Holstein milk best suited for drinking. They are also known for being able to milk quite fast, reaching a maximum rate of 3 kg of milk per minute.

Jersey cows are known for producing rich milk with a fat content of over 5% and non-fat solid content of over 9%, making Jersey milk ideal for making butter and ice cream. Jerseys produce smaller quantities of milk, averaging 3,500 kg per year.

Finally, the Brown Swiss is a very rare and valuable breed of cow in Japan. When processed into dairy products, Brown Swiss milk is said to have the best flavor, a smooth texture, and low fat and high protein content, giving it a light yet deep flavor, making this milk most suitable for cheese and drinking.

This dairy farm was a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Not only was the gelato mouth-watering, but seeing up close the clean barns and healthy cows that seemed very healthy and stress-free offered me a nostalgic journey, reminding me of my upbringing on a dairy farm.

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Chojagatake Mountain Range

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/8.0

From Lake Tanuki to Mountain Peaks: Exploring the Chojagatake Range

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 09:24・2024/02/28

From the northeastern shore of Lake Tanuki, a panoramic view of the Chojagatake Mountain Range unfolds before us. This range forms the western ridge of a basin that stretches from Chojagatake in the west to Mount Fuji in the east.

The basin encompasses the charming city of Fujinomiya, which boasts a few golf courses and camping sites but primarily consists of vast stretches of farmland and tree plantations. Many of Fujinomiya's farms are irrigated with the waters of Lake Tanuki, as depicted in the accompanying photo.

At an elevation of 1,336 meters (4,383 feet), Mt. Chojagatake hosts a popular hiking trail, offering adventurers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji's western flank. This 10-kilometer (6.2 mi) trail meanders from the shores of Lake Tanuki southward to the summit of Mount Tenshigatake, a journey typically taking about 5 hours to complete.

Although it's feasible to hike the trail in a single day, it presents significant challenges. With steep ascents totaling around 654.7 meters (2,148 feet) in elevation gain, the trail earns its classification as "challenging." It's ideally suited for seasoned hikers equipped with proper hiking gear, adept at reading topographic maps, and eager for an adventurous experience.

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Tanuki Lake Campsite Observation Terrace

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

63 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/10

Tanuki Lake Campsite Observation Terrace at Western Flank of Mt. Fuji

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 10:47・2024/02/28

The Lake Tanuki Campsite boasts two campsites and a nearby parking lot with a capacity of 200 vehicles. Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, covered barbecue spaces, and more.

The campground consists of a grassy area on the southern shore of Lake Tanuki, nestled in close proximity to the Asagiri-Kogen Highland Plateau on the northwestern flank of Mt. Fuji in the small city of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture.

According to the campground's website, there are approximately 350 Yoshino cherry trees and wild cherry trees that come into full bloom in spring. Early summer brings the enchanting sight of fireflies around the southern side of the lake near the campgrounds.

During your stay at the lake, you can enjoy fishing, row boating on the lake, taking a leisurely stroll around its shores, which offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, and cycling with a rental bicycle on the well-maintained promenade that encircles the lake.

In late autumn, as the air becomes drier, you can relish in the clear nighttime skies perfect for stargazing.

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Ideboku Sakura

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/750 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Astia/Soft film simulation

A Serene Encounter: Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji at Ideboku Dairy Farm

Location: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 13:28・2024/02/28

Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Ideboku Dairy Farm and Cafe, early blooming Kawazu-Zakura cherry blossoms graced the parking lot. As I stepped out of my car, the delicate petals fluttered in the breeze like a delicate dance in the cold early spring air. From the right angle, one can capture their ethereal beauty juxtaposed against the majestic silhouette of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

In this shot, I feel the Kawazu-Zakura blossoms carry the message of spring's imminent arrival, with hues of pink and white delicately painting the scene against the azure sky. However, the gentle breeze caused the branches to sway, making it challenging to capture a focused shot at first. Despite the initial difficulty, I persisted in my attempt to encapsulate the essence of these two symbols of Japanese culture: the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji.