Pix4Japan

2024-09-11

Mishaka-Ike Pond

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Echoes of Green: A Journey to Kaii Higashiyama's Inspired Pond

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四季折々の美しい映り込み：静寂に包まれた長野の池

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 05:59・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/6 sec. at ƒ/9.0

I first came across this picturesque pond on Instagram, where a photographer kindly shared its name, the town it resides in, and the season of his visit. These details made it easy for me to plan my own trip, realizing it was less than a four-hour drive if I left at 1 or 2 a.m.

Nestled in the forested outskirts of Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Mishaka-Ike Pond is actually a man-made reservoir, serving the local farmers. The peaceful surroundings and its tranquil beauty instantly captivated me.

The drive to the pond was quite smooth; it only took around 30 minutes from the Suwa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway to reach the nearby parking lot. Surprisingly, the lot is larger than anticipated, accommodating about 30 cars. Visiting on a weekday at 5:00 a.m., the parking lot was empty, though I suspect weekends might see it filling up early.

According to an information placard at the site, this pond was the inspiration for the renowned painting Midori Hibiku (Echoes of Green) by Kaii Higashiyama (1908-1999). It felt special to stand before the very landscape that stirred such a work of art.

Perched at an elevation of 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet), the pond is widely celebrated for the stunning reflections of the surrounding trees and sky on its still surface. For photographers and nature lovers alike, the best time to visit is during the early morning hours, around blue hour or golden hour. At this time, before the sun climbs too high, the air is still and the water remains as smooth as glass, creating the perfect mirror-like reflections.

Do note, however, that access to the pond is limited to the northern shoreline. There are fences in place preventing closer access, but this restriction doesn’t take away from the serene beauty that stretches out before you.

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2024-08-13

Gazebo in English Garden

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Serenity in Bloom: The English Garden Gazebo's Summer Charm・緑あふれる都会の庭園：ガゼボで感じる夏の癒し」

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 17:09・2024/08/13
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 3200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10

The wooden gazebo, with its weathered white paint, at Yokohama English Garden provides a peaceful retreat from the summer sun, nestled beneath the draping branches of willow trees.

Visitors are enveloped in the fragrant aromas of blooming roses and herbs, accompanied by the soothing sounds of cicadas.

In spring, the garden offers a more exhilarating visual and olfactory experience, but summer has its own charm. The garden is much less crowded, allowing for greater freedom of movement and experimentation with photographic compositions. However, navigating the space can be a bit of a challenge since the garden isn’t as expansive as those often found overseas.

I plan to return once the weather cools in October to capture the beauty of autumn blossoms and enjoy the artful Halloween displays that the garden is known for.

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Envy Zinnia

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Exploring Summer Blooms: The Envy Zinnia at Yokohama English Garden・「バラ以外の魅力、ジニア（百日草）エンビーが咲く横浜イングリッシュガーデン」

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 16:56・2024/08/13

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

53 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Yokohama English Garden may be famous for its roses, but to ensure there's always something beautiful in bloom, even when the roses take a break, the garden features a delightful variety of other perennials.

One of the standouts during the hot summer months is the Envy Zinnia, a unique flower with lime-green petals that offer a refreshing contrast to the season’s heat. These zinnias, introduced by the American seedhouse Bodger Seed in the late 1950s, add vibrant character to the garden with their tall, upright stems and layered blooms.

Zinnias are part of the vast Aster family, making them cousins of the familiar daisy. Native to Mexico, where wild varieties with orange and yellow daisy-like flowers flourish, zinnias were first discovered by the Spaniards in the 1500s and brought back to Europe. Today, they are beloved for their resilience and versatility, thriving in everything from city gardens and patios to parks and public spaces.

The Envy Zinnia is a perfect fit for places like the Yokohama English Garden, where it adds color and charm to the urban landscape. These sturdy, heat-tolerant flowers bloom in the peak of summer, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a splash of floral beauty even in the hottest weather.

So, if you're visiting Yokohama, I highly recommend stopping by the garden. Whether you're an avid gardener or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Envy Zinnias—and the garden’s other floral treasures—are sure to make your visit a memorable one.

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Union Jack

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Sitting Pretty with the Union Jack・英国の風、横浜イングリッシュガーデンのユニオンジャックベンチ

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 16:29・2024/08/13

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

45 mm ISO 400 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/4.0

In addition to the gazebo, several wooden, stone, and concrete benches were scattered throughout the garden, making it a delight to sit and relax while soaking in the vibrant colors, fragrant aromas of flowering plants, and the gentle hum of insects thriving in this urban oasis.

One bench that particularly caught my eye was this white bench adorned with a Union Jack. Although I knew the Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, I was less familiar with its origins.

According to the official website of the British Royal Family, the flag is a blend of three different flags, with subtle changes made over the years: the cross of St. George, patron saint of England since the 1270s; the cross of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland; and the cross of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

For me, the wear and tear on this particular bench, with its peeling paint, adds a charming touch and nostalgic-like vibe, perfectly complementing the character of this English garden.

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Mid-Summer Blossoms

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 15:57・2024/08/13

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

68 mm ISO 640 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/4.5

The first shot captures what appears to be a classic sunflower, standing resilient despite beginning to slightly wither under the intense summer sun. I was drawn to this particular bloom because it stood a little apart from the other sunflowers, whose leaves had darkened considerably. Nestled slightly in the shade, I could isolate it from the surrounding foliage, allowing it to shine as the star of my composition.

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 16:16・2024/08/13

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

105 mm ISO 2500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/11

I’ve encountered this particular rose in numerous parks and gardens throughout Yokohama. Though I haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact variety—perhaps a Blush Rambler, Blushing Knockout, or Peach Lemonade—its charm doesn’t escape me. Despite my limited botanical knowledge, I’m captivated by its simplicity, with petals that gracefully transition from deep pink to almost white, and delicate yellow structures at its center.

Location: Yokohama English Garden, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 16:22・2024/08/13

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

105 mm ISO 1600 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/9

Perhaps a Marigold or African Marigold—though I admit to being quite ignorant about flowers and gardens. What I do recognize, however, is when a beautiful tapestry of color and light fills my frame. This garden, with its clusters of diverse flowers growing side by side or across the path, allowed me to focus on a single bloom with fresh petals, while the greens, pinks, yellows, and oranges of other flowers in the background created a warm, festive atmosphere—like Christmas lights in the middle of summer.

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Yokohama English Garden

Yokohama English Garden: Wind Chimes and Toy Windmills

横浜イングリッシュガーデンのトンネル「風鈴と風車」

During the annual “Summer Festival,” which runs from June 25th through September 12th, visitors can experience a unique art display that beautifully marries tradition and whimsy.

This installation features quintessential Japanese wind chimes (風鈴・furin), each adorned with vibrant strips of paper, alongside playful, colorful toy windmills.

As you stroll through the lush so-called “Rose Tunnel,” the gentle breeze sets off a soothing symphony of glass chimes, while the windmills spin in a joyful dance of color.

This delightful combination makes the summer heat feel a bit more bearable, turning your walk into a relaxing experience.

References:

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

37 mm ISO 640 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Location: Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 15:43・2024/08/13
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Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

48 mm ISO 3200 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/7.1

Location: Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 15:50・2024/08/13
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Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

105 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Location: Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 15:52・2024/08/13
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2024-07-17

Miyagase Dam

Miyagase Dam・宮ヶ瀬ダム

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcoNXTCpUdgf7ZLu9

Shin-Ishigoyabashi Bridge・新石小屋橋

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 320 for 1/420 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/du7686Xyu1grKnQ76

Miyagase Dam Spillway・宮ヶ瀬ダムの放水路

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 320 for 1/680 sec. at ƒ/3.6

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNrWt2hMkyyeEeP27

Nestled about 60 km west of Tokyo, the Miyagase Dam offers a nice blend of natural beauty and engineering feat. Just a two-hour drive via the Chuo or Tomei Expressways, this impressive structure is easily accessible from the bustling cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Located in the town of Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, the dam has convenient parking at several lots within walking distance of the dam, with parking fees starting at a modest ¥500.

This was my first visit to the dam, but my fifth visit to the Lake Miyagase area. I fondly recall my first visit to the area in the early '90s when I would drive my Nissan Silvia (RS-X/S12) along the winding roads of Kiyokawa and Tsukui villages. Back then, residents were being relocated to make way for the dam, which eventually submerged several villages beneath the deep waters of Lake Miyagase, which was finally formed in 1998. This visit, however, wasn't for a photo shoot but a nostalgic reunion with old friends from the '80s.

Miyagase Dam provides ample resources in English and other languages, enhancing accessibility for international tourists. For detailed maps and references, please see the links below:

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