Pix4Japan

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.

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Recreation at Lake Tanuki

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

58 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Discover Lake Tanuki: Nature's Playground at the Foot of Mt. Fuji

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 10:19・2024/02/28

As the morning progresses, the sun rises ever higher, casting less dramatic shadows on the western face of Mt. Fuji while intensifying the reflection of light off the snow-capped peak.

Lake Tanuki, renowned as an angler’s paradise, offers a plethora of recreational activities. Anglers can indulge in shoreline fishing or rent small fishing boats for leisurely excursions during daylight hours.

During the winter months, the boat rental business remains closed, but from June to November, visitors can rent boats at a rate of ¥1,000 per hour. Rentals are available at the rest house situated on the southern shore of the lake, adjacent to the designated parking lot for Lake Tanuki Campground Guests.

In addition to boating, bicycles for both children and adults can be rented to explore the wide paved path that encircles the lake. This path, ideal for young children and wheelchair users, offers stunning views of the lake and Mt. Fuji.

For those planning a barbecue outing, rental services for barbecue sets, food, and sites are available. This convenient option allows visitors to relish the outdoors without the hassle of bringing their own provisions.

If you're arriving via public transportation, the Lake Tanuki Campground Bus Stop is conveniently located across from the parking lot and rest house. From Fujinomiya Station on the JR Central Minobu Line, board the Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus bound for Kyuka-Mura, and alight at the Lake Tanuki Campground stop (46th stop), approximately 45 minutes away.

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Tanuki Shrine

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/10

Rainmaker's Tale: The Legend of Tanuki Shrine's Golden Dragon

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 08:44・2024/02/28

Nestled along the northern banks of Lake Tanuki lies Choja-Yama-Danuki Shrine, also more commonly known as Tanuki Shrine, a sanctuary steeped in local lore.

Though the primary deity of the shrine remains a mystery, local legends hint at its origins, suggesting it was erected to venerate mythical beings associated with rain-bringing rituals.

Among these tales is the saga of Choja, a prosperous farmer of the Yoshino Clan, and his barren wife. Despite their bountiful lands, the couple longed for a child. Their fervent prayers were eventually answered with the birth of a daughter, Tamaki.

On Tamaki's 18th year, a relentless drought descended upon the region, casting a pall of despair over the land. Tormented by concern for her loved ones and neighbors, Tamaki succumbed to illness. In her anguish, she implored her parents to accompany her on a pilgrimage to the pond nestled at the foot of Shiraito Falls.

Standing at the water's edge, Tamaki surrendered herself to the depths, a sacrificial plea for rain. Miraculously, storm clouds gathered, and torrents of rain descended, breaking the arid spell.

From the shimmering waters emerged a majestic golden dragon, proclaiming itself as the pond's divine guardian. It revealed that it had assumed human form as Tamaki to dwell among mortals, and expressed gratitude to the elderly couple for their kindness.

With gratitude, the dragon bid farewell, returning to its aquatic realm. Upon returning home, the elderly couple discovered three glistening scales of gold on Tamaki’s bed, tokens of the dragon's gratitude.

Thus, Choja Pond was christened, its waters believed to possess the power to end droughts when beseeched with earnest prayers—a testament to the enduring bond between humanity and the mystical realm.

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Kenashi Mountain Range

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Discovering Mt. Kenashi: From Ducks on Lake Tanuki to Panoramic Summit Views

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 09:56・2024/02/28

In this shot, we have a view of ducks swimming north as seen from the southeastern shore of Lake Tanuki, located in Fujinomiya, a quaint city on the western flank of Mt. Fuji.

On the horizon, we're greeted by the snow-capped ridge of Mt. Kenashi, the highest peak in the Tenshi Mountain Range with an elevation of 1,964 m (6,444 ft). Situated on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Mt. Kenashi has an interesting name that sparked my curiosity.

Mt. Kenashi, written as 毛無山 (Kenashi-Yama), directly translates to “hairless mountain.” One theory speculates that this name originates from the sparse vegetation near the mountain's ridge. Another hypothesis proposes that “Kenashi” may be a deviation of 木成し (Kinashi), a term with a similar pronunciation but conveying the opposite meaning of "abundance of trees." Regardless of the name's origin, the scarcity of vegetation at the peak ensures clear panoramic views for adventurers making the climb.

Similar to my previous post, which explored the diverse trails around Lake Tanuki, Mt. Kenashi and its surrounding mountain range also offer several trails accessible year-round for hikers equipped with proper gear and physical fitness.

One popular trail to Mt. Kenashi comprises an 8.2-km (5.1 mi) loop, renowned for its challenging terrain and substantial elevation gain of 1,071.98 m (3,517 ft). Completing the hike typically takes around 5 hours. Despite its difficulty, this trail beckons adventurers with opportunities for backpacking, camping, and immersive hiking experiences, promising solitude amidst the picturesque landscape.

Throughout the four seasons, Mt. Kenashi promises enchanting hiking adventures and awe-inspiring vistas, including stunning views of Mt. Fuji from its summit.