Pix4Japan

2022-11-08

Mt. Myojinyama

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

34 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/9.0

Teppo-Kinokashira| Myojinyama Mountain Peaks in Yamanashi Pref., Japan

Rising a mere 1,291 m (4,235.56 ft) above sea level, the peak of Myōjinyama Mountain (鉄砲木ノ頭 or 明神山）offers lovely views of Yamanako Lake to the west and grand views of Mt. Fuji to the southwest (on a clear day).

The mountain is basically composed of ancient mounds of volcanic pumice from Mt. Fuji’s most recent eruptions thus creating conditions that are not ideal for heavy tree growth but perfect for grassy species like susuki!

Sadly the pumice is unstable and is susceptible to heavy corrosion from hiking trails where the susuki plant life has been killed and can no longer hold the soil together sufficiently.

This small mountain is popular for novice hikers and suitable for paragliding. My main attraction to this mountain were the fields of susuki grass, which provide a golden, beautiful foreground to the vast landscape of Mt. Fuji and the heart-shaped Lake Yamanakako.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/16

Eastern Slope of Mt. Fuji

The Japanese pampas grass (susuki) in the foreground stands in stark contrast with the dark afternoon shadow cast across the eastern slope of Mt. Fuji.

I had hoped to catch a snow-capped Mt. Fuji, but the autumn sun had already melted the snow before I had a chance to visit the summit of Teppoginoatama (鉄砲木ノ頭)--also known as Myojinyama (明神山).

November seems to be the most popular time of the year to climb this small mountain as many people want to catch a shot of the golden pampas grass with a panoramic view of Lake Yamanaka to the northwest and Mt. Fuji to the southwest.

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

45 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/14

Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine (山中諏訪神社の奥宮)

The tiny Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Myojin (明神山) in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, and enshrines two deities dedicated to the safety of hikers and visitors to the summit and the fields of pampas grass.

Names of the enshrined deities are Takeminakata-no-Mikoto (建御名方命) and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto (豊玉姫命).

The date this shrine was established remains a mystery, but ancient documents make reference to the presence of the shrine on the summit of Mt. Myojin.

In 1841, the original shrine was moved to make way for land surveys carried out under the command of Lord Okubo of Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Many years later, volunteer historians and shrine officials discovered the original location of the shrine and returned it to the summit of Mt. Myojin where it resides today.

A festival is held on September 1st of each year to commemorate return of the shrine to its home and to pray for the safety of visitors to the shrine.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Classic chrome film simulation

Border Collie on Summit

She is taking a well-deserved break in the shade of tall pampas grass at the summit of Mt. Myojinyama with the peak of Mt. Fuji in the background.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/280 sec. at ƒ/2.2

Provia/Standard film simulation

Japanese Maples and Susuki Grass

Lone Japanese maples (momiji・モミジ・紅葉) located at the edge of a tight curve on Prefectural Highway 730 next to the parking lot of the trailhead where you can take a hike to the peak of Mt. Myojin (明神山）in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The early evening sun lit up this scene perfectly! It is possible to catch this shot with Mt. Fuji in the background, but you will have to be very patient (or arrive very early) and wait for a clean shot with no cars, motorbikes, or people in the shot.

After climbing to the summit, you can head down to Lake Yamanakako, which is only a six-minute drive from the trail head, or head in the opposite direction and visit the Fuji International Speedway, which is only a 15-minute drive from the trail head.

Highway 730 is a twisty road with tight curves and steep inclines and is the main mountain pass between Lake Yamanaka and Fuji International Speedway. This highway seems to be very popular among motorcycle riders and sports car drivers!

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Provia/Standard film simulation

Camera-Shy Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji was very camera-shy while I was at the summit of Mt. Myojin (明神山) in Yamanashi Prefecture. It was difficult to catch any clean shot where she wasn’t hiding behind cloud cover.

Fortunately, the late-afternoon sun helped bring out the golden tones of susuki (Japanese pampas grass).

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/420 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Provia/Standard film simulation

Pampas Grass & Lake Yamanaka, Japan

View of Lake Yamanaka (山中湖) from the trailhead that leads to the peak of Mt. Myojin (明神山）in Yamanashi Prefecture where you can enjoy lovely views of the lake and grand views of Mt. Fuji to the southwest (on a clear day).

Access to the trailhead is only a 45-minute drive from the Shin-Hadano Exit on the Tomei Expressway. The trailhead includes restrooms, picnic tables, and free parking.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/16

Provia/Standard film simulation

Sleepy Border Collie at the Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine

(山中諏訪神社の奥宮)

The tiny shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Myojin in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, which offers grand views of Lake Yamanaka (one of the Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji), and views of Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) with a foreground of waving fields of susuki pampas grass.

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2022-10-26

Central Yokohama Streets

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.5

Eterna/Cinema film simulation

Wine Bistro Nature

Established in October 2009, this restaurant is located on the shores of Ooka River, a river that is lined with cherry blossom trees and extends all the way from Kamiooka to the Port of Yokohama.

The restaurant is located within walking distance of 5 different train/subway stations making it very convenient to access.

Many years ago when I arrived in Japan (nearly 40 years ago), this river was heavily polluted and noxious and no one would dream of setting up an eatery that features views/access to the river’s edge.

Nowadays, the water is clean, the waterfowl have returned, fish have returned, and paddle boarders make their way up and down on the river on the weekends.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/350 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

The Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line runs through the cities of Yokohama, Tokyo, and Saitama, for a distance of 76.8 km (47.72 mi), and is primarily a commuter line with trains stopping every two or three minutes during peak hours.

Even with such a tight schedule, we can regularly see freight traffic including tanker cars using the same tracks as the commuter lines.

Tourists visiting Yokohama will be best served using the Negishi Line to visit Yokohama Station, Sakuragicho Station, which is the gateway to the Minatomirai waterfront district, and Ishikawacho Station, which is the gateway to Yokohama Chinatown, Yamashita Park, and Motomachi Avenue.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11

Classic Chrome film simulation

Golden Hour Skyline

The large, 32-story building on the left bathing in the evening sunlight is the newly constructed Yokohama City Hall (2020).

I visit one of the cafes in the building almost every day after work to chill out and decompress before heading home. In addition, there is a small supermarket, a few restaurants, a convenience store, a drug store, a bakery, a barber shop, a post office, art exhibitions, free Wi-Fi, a souvenir shop, and more besides the normal administrative offices on the upper floors.

The promenade on the eastern side of the building has benches nestled between regularly planted greenery of in-season flowers where you can relax and enjoy views of the waterfront skyline or watch small cruise boats slowly passing by as they head out into Tokyo Bay.

Reassuringly, the upper floors of the building are also designated as an evacuation area in the event of a tsunami. Hopefully, I will never need to make use of such facilities.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11

Provia/Standard film simulation

Mother & Toddler

At the end of this street, if you turn left at the intersection there is a child day care center for working moms. Is she going there to maybe drop off this child? Or maybe she has a younger child and is on her way to pick up that child?

She’s not dressed up, nor is she using a baby stroller, which is what most Japanese mothers would use when going out with friends or family with young children in tow.

In dense urban areas of Yokohama like this neighborhood, dropping off or picking up a child in a car isn’t allowed due to lack of parking, so we can see moms and kids walking from home to drop off kids at the daycare, or walking home after picking up the kids from day car after work.

That said, the majority of families, especially single-parent families, do not have cars due to lack of sufficient parking, and the high costs associated with owning a car (regular safety inspections, annual taxes, high-cost of parking, etc.).

On the upside, if you live in an urban area, most people can easily get by without the use of a car since many necessary shops are within walking distance and public transportation is incredibly efficient and inexpensive.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 1250 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Classic Negative film simulation

Neighborhood Police Box

A little old lady making her way past a typical urban police box (koban/交番) near Sakuragicho Station in central Yokohama, Japan. Note the police officer’s bicycle on the right, which has a little white box behind the bicycle seat for documents the officer will use when doing work on-site, including passing out parking tickets.

Although there are police stations like what you’d find in the West with administrative offices, jailing facilities, etc., most interactions with the police in Japan occur at your local koban, which are spread throughout the city and are often located in convenient areas where there is typically a lot of foot traffic.

The sign on this koban shows what police station has jurisdiction over this koban, and then lists the name of the koban:

“Kanagawa Prefecture Isezaki Police Station”

“Sakuragicho Station-Front Koban”

If you ever lose your wallet, bag, camera, etc., on a park bench, on the street, etc., please visit the local koban first. If the lost item is found by a Good Samaritan, this is where they will take your item in hopes of finding the owner.

Before the advent of cell phones with maps, I often used kobans to ask the police for help whenever I got lost and needed some directions in finding my way back home. I have also been fortunate to have my wallet returned to me by a stranger who turned it into the local koban.

2022-10-10

Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Boat

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 170 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Records dating back to the Heian Period (794 to 1185) make reference to so-called pleasure boats used by nobles where they enjoyed poems, music, and dining on rivers and ponds.

During the Edo Period (1603 and 1867), the use of pleasure boats expanded to include samurai, their families, and aristocrats. It was during this period that the current design of roofed boats with red lanterns became popular.

Nowadays, yakatabune boats are enjoyed by both locals and international tourists. You can enjoy special cruises in spring where boats sail up rivers lined with cherry tree blossoms. During summer, you can take a cruise out into the Port of Yokohama to enjoy unique, uncrowded views of the many summer fireworks displays.

The ship in this shot, Suzuyoshi #10, has a capacity of 45 passengers, serves traditional Japanese cuisine that includes sushi, sukiyaki, tempura, and udon noodles, and has an onboard karaoke system.

Although relatively inexpensive, cruises on the boat in this photo are not for travelers on a tight budget with a two-hour lunch cruise costing 6,500 yen (approx. $45 USD), and a three-hour dinner cruise costing 14,500 yen (approx. $99 USD).

2022-09-28

Yokohama-Bashi

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.4

Classic Negative film simulation

Yokohama’s Oldest Covered Market Street

I am not a fan of big shopping malls, Costco, etc. Although I have never been to a farmer’s market, the closest equivalent for urban neighborhoods in Japan might be the classic shopping arcades called “shotengai”. Such shotengai can be found throughout Japan, although their numbers are dwindling as shoppers transition to the shiny glitz of shopping centers with huge parking lots.

Shotengai, on the other hand, are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles, are full of specialty shops including cafes, coffee shops, green tea shops, shops selling traditional bed linen (futon shops), elderly lady’s fashion shops, wig shops, cheap fruit shops, high-end fruit shops, fresh seafood, Korean spice shops, Chinese noodle shops, Japanese noodle shops, pharmacies, liquor shops, Japanese liquor (osake) shops, pachinko (gambling) parlors, barbers, hairdressers, comic book shops, used-book shops, street-food stalls, bakeries, restaurants, bars, and much, much more.

Tourists don’t visit this particular shotengai since it is off the beaten path. The shotengai caters mostly to locals including a mix of Japanese, ethnic Koreans and Chinese, and the occasional westerner who might live nearby.

On this photo shoot I enjoyed chatting with various shop owners who were asked to pet my border collie. In our conversations, I learned that some owners have been running their shops in the family for over 70 years!

This is the side of Japan I love the most: older generations of down-to-earth, hard-working, entrepreneurs with an in-depth knowledge of their particular market and wares, and their open attitude to sharing their wisdom related to the local neighborhood and life in general.

The Yokohama Bashi Street Market organically grew into a proper market over time between 1868 and 1912. The market was destroyed in WWII fire raids, and rebuilt in 1948 with various improvements over the years.

2022-09-27

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park

Pentax K-1 II + D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6

37 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10

Red Spider Lilies

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in the small town of Hidaka in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is most famous for its park of red spider lilies that blossom during the same week as the autumnal equinox.

Pentax K-1 II + D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6

105 mm ISO 6400 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10

Crimson and Green

Most of the trees in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park (Saitama Prefecture, Japan) stand upright offering visitors to the park a lovely canopy of shade when viewing the red spider lilies.

In this shot, however, I focused on an old tree in the middle of the lilies that was growing at an angle. I love how the tree emerges from the field of lilies and is winding its way upwards towards the sunlight. I also love how the green moss stands in stark contrast with the crimson lilies.

Pentax K-1 II + D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6

105 mm ISO 1600 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10

Red and White

Although most of the red spider lilies in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park (Saitama Prefecture, Japan) are of a fantastical crimson creating a magical scarlet carpet under the tree canopy, there are a few white spider lilies growing here and there.

When taking up-close shots like this one, be forewarned that spider lilies are actually poisonous to eat and can cause a rash if you touch them. Don’t let that stop you from bringing children as this will be a good opportunity to teach children to not to touch them, since they can grow wild along sidewalks, near cemeteries, etc.

Pentax K-1 II + D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6

105 mm ISO 100 for 1/15 sec. at ƒ/8

Above the Rest

This is the last shot of a four-part series of the red spider lilies on display at the Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in the small town of Hidaka in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

This scene caught my eye as the one lily seems to have outgrown its neighbors to stand above the rest. At this angle, the dark bark of the tree helps isolate the lily as it would have been lost among the other lilies at any other angle.

I hope to visit this park again during spring to catch canola flowers and cherry tree blossoms.

2022-09-21

Lake Miyagase

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/340 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Provia/Standard film simulation

Bridge over Mountain Lake

Located about 62 km (approx. 39 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the Niji-no-Ohashi Bridge, a reversed Lohnse arch bridge, crosses Lake Miyagase in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture. This man-made lake is one of the major sources of water for home, industrial, and agricultural use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

This shot was taken at Toriihara Park, which is located high up on the northern shoreline of the lake and has been developed to provide visitors with grand views of the lake, the mountains, and Niji-no-Ohashi Bridge.

2022-08-31

Yamashita Park and Minatomirai

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Cyclist Napping with His Dog

A bicyclist is taking a nap with his dog in the shade of trees in Yamashita Park, Yokohama, Japan.

In Japan at least, it’s good manners to take off your shoes or sandals when using a mat on the ground at a park or beach so as to not soil the top side of the sheet or blanket.

This is just one example of many people, including couples, office workers, tourists, young families, etc., all taking a break from the summer heat under the huge trees that stretch from one end of the park to the other.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/420 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Small Fleet of Boats

(Yokohama, Japan)

The Port of Yokohama welcomes ships from the world over. These pilot boats carry pilots out to larger ships to help with safely steering ships in and out of berths, through hazardous conditions, and through boat traffic.

This shot was taken from the northern end of Yamashita Park, where visitors can enjoy views small piers for the coast guard, pilot boats, and views of cruise liners docked at the international terminal.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/220 sec. at ƒ/2.5

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

93-Year-Old Osanbashi Kyodo Building

(Yokohama, Japan)

Built in April 1929, this building features eateries on the first floor with office space on the upper 2nd thru 5th floors.

This shot was taken from the Yamashita Rinko Line Promenade—an old elevated rail line converted to a pedestrian overpass.

The historic building was built right after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, being one of the first “modern” structures designed to better withstand future earthquakes. Surprisingly, the building survived the WWII incendiary raid on Yokohama by 517 B-29s dropping 2,570 tons of bombs.

The exterior of the building seems to be deteriorating, thus the need for netting to prevent the tiles from falling off and hitting pedestrians below.

It would sadden me if they eventually tear down the building. I hope the owners can somehow preserve the building for future generations.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/280 sec. at ƒ/2.5

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Kanagawa Prefectural Office—The King

Built in 1928, the architect was influenced by the Art Deco architectural style that was popular in Europe in the early 20th century.

The other two major historical buildings in Yokohama are the Queen (Yokohama Customs Building), and the Jack (Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall). The legend varies, but sailors of old are said to have believed that if they were able to see all three towers of the King, Queen, and Jack when pulling into port, that their wish would come true.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Monochrome film simulation

Border Collie under Elevated Tracks

The Yamashita Rinko Line Promenade is a pedestrian overpass linking Yamashita Park to the south with the Minatomirai Waterfront District to the north on the shore of the Port of Yokohama.

The overpass was originally built as an elevated freight train line (Yamashita Rinko Line) in 1965. After only 21 years, the line ceased operations as trucks became the more economical means of moving cargo freight.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/1500 sec. at ƒ/7.1

Classic Chrome film simulation

Cruise Ship and Terminal Pier

Shot of the Asuka II (max capacity: 872 passengers) docked at Osanbashi International Terminal Pier in Yokohama, Japan. The Asuka II sails out of the Port of Yokohama two or three times a week and makes port visits on the eastern coastline of Japan on three- and four-day cruises.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/340 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Classic Chrome film simulation

Historical Customs House on Waterfront in Yokohama, Japan

Just left of the center is the historical Yokohama Customs Building, which was rebuilt in 1934 after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

Among the many various design elements used for this building, the dome was inspired by Islamic mosques, and much of the interior was inspired by Western-European Romanesque styles.

The domed customs building is affectionately known as the Queen. To the left of the Queen is a red brick building with a square shaped tower (Kanagawa Prefectural Office), which is known as the King.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/640 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Classic Chrome film simulation

Security Guard on Patrol

If you have ever taken a train in Japan, you might have witnessed “shisa-kosho” (指差呼称) or “shisa-kanko” (指差喚呼)--the act of “finger pointing and calling” (FPC) by station staff and train conductors.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, sashi-kosho (FPC) has shown to reduce human errors by as much as 85% in laboratory research by the Japanese Railway Technical Research Institute.

In this shot, I captured the moment the security guard pointed his finger and called out whatever it was he was checking. If you ever find yourself often forgetting something or overlooking something important or necessary, please try sashi-kosho next time!

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/950 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Classic Chrome film simulation

Yokohama Hammerhead

Constructed in 1914, this hammerhead crane was Japan’s first quay crane. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the crane stands at the tip of Shinko Pier and was used to eliminate the timely and costly use of barges to load and discharge cargo.

Shinko Pier, built in 1859, was Japan’s first modern international trading port. The pier has undergone several upgrades over the years with the most recent work completed in 2019, which included a new international cruise ship terminal, a longer and deeper berth, a new luxury hotel, and a small public park built surrounding the hammerhead crane.

The Yokohama Hammerhead was fortunately saved from the scrapyard to become the newest addition to Yokohama’s skyline of prominent and historical landmarks that welcome visitors from around the world to Yokohama.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/640 sec. at ƒ/4.0

Classic Chrome film simulation

Blue City Skyline

This shot of the Minatomirai waterfront district features Yokohama’s most well-known high-rise towers and hotel: Landmark Tower (left), Queen’s Tower A and B (center), The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu (center-left), and the InterContinental Yokohama Grand hotel (right), which “evokes the image of a white sail against the blue sea.”

When overseas cruise ships visiting Japan arrive in the Port of Yokohama, this is the skyline passengers will see first as they disembark from the ship.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 160 for 1/180 sec. at ƒ/2

Classic Chrome film simulation

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 1000 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/11

Classic Chrome film simulation

Roomette Food Trailer

I love the retro look and Tiffany blue color of this lightweight travel trailer that has been converted into a food trailer selling beer and tacos.

The trailer was located next to the upscale InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 hotel on Shinko Pier in the Minatomirai waterfront district.

Most travel trailers or food trailers I have seen thus far in Japan tend to be those beautiful, shiny, stainless steel Airstreams. The model in this shot is a Japanese brand of travel trailer called the Roomette Short, which has been designed to have a compact shell to help navigate narrow Japanese streets with a spacious interior that is easily customizable for traveling or for use as a concession stand.

Unfortunately, travel trailers and RVs are exorbitantly expensive and some models require a driver’s license that allows towing or operation of a large vehicle. I have seen brands listed online imported from the U.S. and Germany that were more expensive than a house or condo!!

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 2000 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/13

Classic Chrome film simulation

Classic Phone Booth

Years of battling sea spray from ocean breezes and typhoons, the lettering on this telephone booth could use a new coat of paint.

Located behind the InterContinental Yokohama Grand hotel along the waterfront promenade, it seems to be an odd location to install a pay phone.

That said, I am always grateful when I find a pay phone and try to make a mental note of its location. Soon after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, my cell phone was immediately useless! Cell phone towers and carrier systems were overwhelmed with the sudden onslaught of cell phone calls causing the whole structure to collapse.

Fortunately, pay phones, which use land lines, were unaffected by the earthquake and allowed me to contact family, friends, and colleagues soon after the quake to confirm their safety, deliver requests for emergency supplies, confirm work schedules, etc. These “outdated” pay phones were indeed a lifesaver!

Although pay phone operators are likely losing money by maintaining their systems, I hope local governments can work out an arrangement where my taxes can help subsidize continued maintenance of pay phones since they are a vital lifeline in disaster-prone Japan. Besides disasters, I can still see senior citizens and young school children regularly using pay phones at train stations since not everyone needs or wants a cell phone.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 3200 for 1/105 sec. at ƒ/13

Classic Chrome film simulation

Handpan Player in Park

While walking my dog along the waterfront, I was drawn to this lady playing a handpan near Rinko Park in the Minatomirai waterfront district of Yokohama. I have seen violinists, saxophone players, and several other musicians practicing in this park before, which is most likely because there are no residential properties next to the park.

Unlike street performers who tend to have speakers and a small donation box, individuals who are just practicing are a joy to listen to as they tend to be in the “zone” and seem to be thoroughly enjoying the instrument they’re playing.

I have no idea if this artist was playing the handpan well or not, but I can say that the melody was quite soothing and a joy to listen to, and complemented the cool ocean breeze coming ashore offering added relief to this hot summer day.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 2500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/13

Classic Chrome film simulation

Apartment Towers & Hotel Skyline

Rinko Park offers lots of open space and shaded spaces as well making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. From the middle of the park, we can see the beautiful architecture of The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama and Yokohama Bay Court Club Hotel & Spa Resort.

Inspiration for the exterior wave-like designs of the three structures is the famous woodblock print “Under the Wave off Kanagawa” (Kanagawa oki nami ura), also known as “The Great Wave,” from the series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by the renowned Katsushika Hokusai ca. 1830–32.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 1250 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/13

Classic Chrome film simulation

City Park at Dusk

Looking south from the center of Rinko Park, you can see the top floors of Yokohama’s tallest high-rise apartment building, The Tower Yokohama Kitanaka. The tower is a 58-story building with 1,176 condos with upper-floor prices rising as high as 800 million yen (approx. $5.6 million USD). I am always amazed how engineers are able to build such tall structures in such an earthquake-prone country as Japan.

Closer to the park, however, is the gorgeous InterContinental Yokohama Grand. This luxury hotel is one of the more famous landmarks of Yokohama’s waterfront district with its unique exterior that resembles a yacht sail billowing in the wind.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 320 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 3200 for 1/105 sec. at ƒ/13

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Blue Hour on the Waterfront

Two shots of The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama where guests on the upper floors have panoramic views of the Port of Yokohama. The hotel has the appearance of three structures, but is actually two hotels in one: The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, which is for the general public, and the Yokohama Bay Court Club Hotel & Spa Resort, which is a members-only resort hotel.

The wave-like exterior compliments the yacht-sail design of the InterContinental Yokohama Grand, which is located about 600 meters south (approx. 1,969 ft.). The glass facade presents photographers with beautiful subject to shoot as light reflecting off of the building changes colors throughout the day.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 3200 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Folding Screens of Glass and Steel

The Fuji Xerox R&D Square is a 20-story office building with enough space for 4,500 employees. The whole structure is elliptical in shape and features a glass exterior that mimics traditional Japanese folding screens that create a wonderful mixture of varying tones of reflected light.

The jagged edges of the exterior design also helps break up the flow of air along the building’s exterior surface, which helps weaken the sudden gusts of downdrafts and vortices that hit pedestrians on the city streets below.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 500 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/2

Classic Negative film simulation

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 1600 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/2

Astia/Soft film simulation

Reflections at Dusk

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama is one of the newest buildings to grace the Yokohama waterfront skyline. Although I have zero interest in staying at the hotel, I love the architecture of this hotel and especially love how the glass facade and sharp angles create interesting reflections of neighboring high-rise buildings.

Of course, shooting during the blue hour under a clear sky puts on a show of colors and shades covering the spectrum of blue from azure to cool black.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 800 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Alley of High-Rise Towers

At the end of this alley of high-rise condos sits the tallest building in Yokohama and 2nd tallest in Japan. The 73-story Yokohama Landmark Tower rises 296.3 m (972 ft) above the city skyline and is a popular subject for photographers and tourists alike.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 3200 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/2

Astia/Soft film simulation

Hamamirai Walk is a pedestrian overpass connecting commuters from Yokohama Station to the Nissan Global Headquarters building (Yokohama, Japan). If you pixel peep, you can see all the workers leaving the office headed back to the station while looking at their smartphones!😅

The bridge crosses over Katabira River, which stretches for about 17 km (approx. 11 miles) from the Yokohama suburbs and empties in Tokyo Bay. The water is relatively clean, popular for paddle boarding, and features several stretches lined with cherry trees!

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm)

ISO 3200 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/2

Astia/Soft film simulation

Speeding Around the Curve

The train on the right is a Keikyu Line commuter train arriving at Yokohama Station from the suburbs. The outbound train on the left is a Toei-Asakusa Line train running on Keikyu Line headed for the suburbs from Tokyo via Yokohama during the evening rush hour.

Keikyu Line trains are typically red with white stripes, and run all the way from the Miura Peninsula to the heart of Tokyo at the Shinagawa Terminus covering a distance of 66.9 km (43.43 miles)

Established in 1895, the Keikyu Line is one of the major lines transporting commuters to Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Tokyo for work and school. The train carries approx. 1.12 million passengers daily and can operate at a max speed of 120 kmh (75 mph) on some stretches.

My favorite part of this line is the elevated tracks between Yokohama and Tokyo, where the train winds back and forth between high-rise buildings close to the tracks, and passes by several old Buddhist temples and their large cemeteries. I got motion sickness the first time I rode this train, but quickly got used to it during my daily commute to Tokyo many years ago.