Pix4Japan

2024-10-15

Sengokuhara Village

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Sengokuhara Village: Home to a Silver Grass Haven Beneath Mt. Hakone
金時山の麓に広がるススキ草原の町、仙石原

Sengokuhara Silver Grass Fields, nestled at the base of Mt. Hakone’s northern slope in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, offer a sweeping view of Mt. Ashigara to the north, quietly overlooking the peaceful resort town of Sengokuhara.

I arrived just before sunrise, just in time to catch the first rays of light spilling over the ridge of Mt. Hakone despite the forecast of heavy clouds.

The history of Sengokuhara stretches back to the early Edo period (1603–1700). Back then, plains of silver grass blanketed the landscape as far as the eye could see, sparking hopes that the land could support grain crops.

However, the volcanic ash soil and high humidity made farming unviable. Instead, the village turned to cultivating Japanese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis), essential for thatching traditional roofs.

While once vital to daily life, today Sengokuhara is cherished for its scenic beauty and proximity to Hakone’s popular resorts and tourist sites.

Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 06:46・2024/10/15
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8.0

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2024-09-25

Soleil Hill Beach

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A Coastal Canvas: Feeling the Passage of Time at Soleil Hill Beach
「ソレイユの丘砂浜で時を感じる」

My visit to Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill (長井海の手公園ソレイユの丘) in Yokosuka, Japan, with my border collie was originally planned around photographing fields of flowers and scenic coastal views. Since I was visiting on a weekday, I anticipated a quieter park, allowing me to explore at my own pace without the rush of crowds.

However, the intense summer heat had taken its toll, wilting nearly all the flowers in bloom. I set aside the idea of photographing the park’s interior and opted instead for a leisurely walk around its outer paths, as dogs aren’t permitted in the central areas.

At the southernmost edge of the park, I discovered a small trail that led down to the coast and onto Soleil Hill Beach—a secluded, dark-sand beach accessible only to park visitors.

Normally, I prefer shooting seascapes during early morning or evening light, when I can capture the softer hues of the blue or golden hour. Here, though, beach access is restricted to the park’s operating hours, so I had to work with the midday light. To compensate, I experimented with long-exposure shots, aiming to capture the gentle movement of the waves and the soft trails of foam as the water ebbed away from the shore.

One rock formation in particular caught my eye, part of the rugged coastline that defines much of the Miura Peninsula, south of Yokohama and Tokyo.

This peninsula separates Tokyo Bay to the east from Sagami Bay to the west. Looking into the geological history of these formations, I was intrigued to learn that many of the rocks along this coastline consist of alternating layers of pyroclastic sandstone and mudstone, which were deposited on the seafloor between 10 and 4 million years ago.

From around 500,000 years ago, tectonic forces and coastal uplift began exposing these ancient seabeds above sea level. The most recent uplift occurred in 1923, during the Great Kanto Earthquake, when sections of the coast rose approximately 1.5 meters.

The layers in these formations angle at an estimated 30 degrees, a reminder of the earthquakes and tectonic tilting that shaped this landscape, lifting some areas while lowering others. Over time, the natural striations in the rock have been softened by weather and waves, revealing a fascinating story of geological transformation.

Occasionally, when the sun peeked through the clouds, the water revealed dark hues of green and blue, adding depth and contrast to the scene against the otherwise muted, overcast sky.

It’s this interplay of colors and textures—the layers of rock, the subdued tones of the sea, and the hints of ancient history—that made this spot feel somewhat special.

Location: Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:02・2024/09/25
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP + 10-stop ND filter
28 mm ISO 100 for 1.0 sec. at ƒ/18

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Border Collie at Rest Stop

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Rediscovering Retro Japan: A Nostalgic Stop by Zushi Beach
逗子海岸近く、懐かしの休憩スポット「逗子海岸ロードオアシス」

On my way to Nagai Seaside Park Soleil Hill in Yokosuka, Japan, I stopped at a roadside rest area on Route 134, about 400 meters (1,300 feet) west of Zushi Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture.

This rest stop, called Zushi Beach Road Oasis, has a retro charm that took me back to my youth. It features a cozy restaurant reminiscent of company cafeterias from the 70s and 80s (Maruwa Shokudo) and 808Cafe10R, a small cafe also selling potted plants and succulents in small batches. Although the cafe was closed for lunch, its rustic display of signage, posters in the windows, and antique items from North America added a splash of life to the quiet atmosphere.

Inside Maruwa Shokudo, the simple Formica tabletops, stainless steel chairs, and no-frills decor brought back memories of company cafeterias where I used to have lunch back in the 80s, when a bowl of curry udon could be had for less than 200 yen!

I ordered a hearty dish made with locally sourced vegetables and fish—comforting and fresh. Meanwhile, my loyal companion, Dale-chan, happily waited outside, resting on a bench surrounded by succulents and a quaint Farmer’s Market sign.

Out on the terrace, I enjoyed my meal while Dale-chan indulged in some kibble and treats, making it a relaxing moment for both of us.

Though the sky was overcast, the view from Zushi Beach Road Oasis still held a quiet beauty, with calm waves lapping at the beach. On clear days, you can see the expanse of Sagami Bay stretching out beyond Zushi Beach—a peaceful sight that makes this stop well worth it.

Location: Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 13:58・2024/09/25
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10
Provia/Standard film simulation

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2024-09-11

Highland Pine Trees

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Enduring Pines: Nature’s Sentinels at Makiba Park
「まきば公園の松：自然が守るたたずまい」

Perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers expansive, lush pastures dotted with Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) and Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora).

The Japanese red pine, or akamatsu, is a coniferous tree native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. Known for its distinctive reddish bark, this resilient tree has long been valued in Japan for its practical uses. Its wood, which burns with intense heat, makes an ideal fuel for pottery kilns. Additionally, its durable, lightweight, and rot-resistant qualities have made it a preferred material in traditional construction.

In particular, akamatsu has been a staple lumber species in the building of old temples and shrines, where it was often used for beams due to its strength and resistance to decay. This resistance to rot also made it essential in ancient bridge-building, as submerged akamatsu wood withstands the test of time better than most other types of timber, thanks to its high resin content.

The tree’s resin not only enhances its durability but also contributes to its reputation as an excellent fuel source. It burns hot and clean, leaving minimal ash, which made it ideal for high-temperature pottery kilns. In the past, this resin was even collected to make votive candles, with the resulting soot carefully preserved to create high-quality ink. Historically, akamatsu was also a favored source of charcoal.

Standing in the cattle-grazing pastures of Makiba Park, I feel a deep sense of awe looking at these majestic pine trees. Their tall forms and weathered branches show resilience and a strong connection to this land, having been preserved and protected for generations. It’s humbling to see these trees left untouched, rising proudly against the landscape—a reminder of nature’s endurance and the respect that has allowed them to thrive here in the open fields.

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 13:16・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/7.1

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Highland Cattle Pasture

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Chasing Light and Shadows at Makiba Park

「牧場と夏の空：北杜の牧場風景」

Perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers a serene escape into nature.

Expansive pastures, dotted with peacefully grazing cattle, unfold against a backdrop of lush mountain ranges, creating a tranquil, panoramic landscape that invited me to pause and savor the beauty of the highlands.

The cattle here are mostly Japanese Black, one of the four prized breeds known as wagyu, along with Holstein dairy cows. Near the visitor parking area, a restaurant serves up locally-sourced highland vegetables and dishes featuring succulent beef. This beef, made tender through a unique diet of wine lees—the nutrient-rich byproduct of fermentation—is a specialty of the region.

Despite free admission, the park sustains itself through proceeds from restaurant sales and grazing fees paid by local ranchers, with profits supporting the broader community.

To be honest, I'm not much of a foodie, so I completely bypassed the restaurant. I was far more drawn to capturing the dramatic summer skies, where afternoon light broke through cumulus clouds, casting alternating patches of light and shadow over the lush pastures and verdant mountain ranges beyond.

I hope to return in winter to capture this landscape transformed by a blanket of snow under clear, deep-blue skies.

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 13:04・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
63 mm ISO 200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10

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Makiba Park Grazing Sheep

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A Breath of Fresh Air: Finding Renewal at Makiba Park’s Lush Hilltop Pastures

都会を離れてリフレッシュ！牧場で過ごす癒しのひととき

Makiba Park, a prefectural ranch perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is home to a variety of livestock, including sheep, goats, cows, and ponies. Here, visitors can get up close to the animals and even have the chance to pet some of them.

For me, however, the real allure lies in the gently rolling hills and lush, grassy meadows—scenes that are almost impossible to come by when living amidst the urban sprawl of Tokyo.

During this visit, I was curious to see if my border collie, Dale-chan, would show any instinctive interest in the grazing livestock, especially the sheep and cows that occasionally wandered over to the fence, seemingly intrigued by the sight of a dog. But Dale-chan, a true city dog, showed no interest whatsoever in the animals. It was a funny and endearing reminder that she's a city pup at heart!

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 12:51・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 1600 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/9

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Makiba Park

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Makiba Park: Exploring a Mountain Plateau under Summer Skies・南八ヶ岳の麓、夏空の下、高原牧場で

Located atop a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in the Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group (南八ヶ岳・Minami-Yatsugatake), Makiba Park offers stunning views of an expansive mountainous landscape. This volcanic group, a chain of inactive volcanoes along the Nagano and Yamanashi Prefecture border, is home to this scenic ranch and open pasture.

In this photo, I was captivated by the billowing cumulus clouds and the interplay of light and shadow across the landscape, with the distant Yokosan (Mt. Yoko) mountain range adding depth to the scene.

Just a 3-hour drive from Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway, this park is about 170 km (106 mi) northeast of central Tokyo. Visiting on a weekday meant fewer visitors, giving me and my border collie, Dale-chan, the freedom to explore the ranch leisurely. We followed the approximately 3 km (1.73 mi) trail that loops around the entire property, perfect for a peaceful walk with a furry friend.

Though it was summertime, the high altitude kept the air refreshingly cool, making our exploration comfortable and enjoyable.

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 12:17・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 200 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/11

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2024-10-15

Sengokuhara Village: Home to a Silver Grass Haven Beneath Mt. Hakone金時山の麓に広がるススキ草原の町、仙石原

2024-09-25

A Coastal Canvas: Feeling the Passage of Time at Soleil Hill Beach「ソレイユの丘砂浜で時を感じる」

Rediscovering Retro Japan: A Nostalgic Stop by Zushi Beach逗子海岸近く、懐かしの休憩スポット「逗子海岸ロードオアシス」

2024-09-11

Enduring Pines: Nature’s Sentinels at Makiba Park「まきば公園の松：自然が守るたたずまい」

Sengokuhara Village: Home to a Silver Grass Haven Beneath Mt. Hakone
金時山の麓に広がるススキ草原の町、仙石原

A Coastal Canvas: Feeling the Passage of Time at Soleil Hill Beach
「ソレイユの丘砂浜で時を感じる」

Rediscovering Retro Japan: A Nostalgic Stop by Zushi Beach
逗子海岸近く、懐かしの休憩スポット「逗子海岸ロードオアシス」

Enduring Pines: Nature’s Sentinels at Makiba Park
「まきば公園の松：自然が守るたたずまい」