Pix4Japan

2025-03-19

Waning Gibbous

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

Cape Mihama at Dawn: A Windy Morning Under a Fading Moon
下弦の月に照らされる御浜岬と駿河湾の夜明け

Looking southwest across Suruga Bay at dawn, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a waning gibbous moon rising over the wind-strewn, choppy waves off the western coast of the Izu Peninsula, approximately 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Tokyo. The sky was painted in delicate hues, and the moon, though faint, added a quiet, lunar presence to the restless seascape.

Capturing this image was no easy feat. The dim pre-dawn light demanded a slower shutter speed, yet the relentless wind—howling through the early morning silence—battered me and my tripod. Each adjustment required patience, as I fought against nature’s elements to steady the shot.

Despite the challenge, I found raw beauty in the moment—a reminder of how nature rarely waits for perfect conditions. Still, I can’t help but hope of returning here on a calmer morning, watching the moon sink closer to the horizon, undisturbed by the wind, and capturing the tranquility I could only imagine on this particular morning.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:18
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
40 mm ISO 320 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

Heda Lighthouse

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

Border Collie & Heda Lighthouse
ボーダーコリーと戸田灯台

We arrived at Heda Lighthouse on the western coast of the Izu Peninsula, facing the deep, dark waters of Suruga Bay. Just a three-hour drive southwest of Tokyo (approximately 145 km/90 mi via expressways), we pulled into the nearby parking lot at 5:30 a.m., greeted by the crisp morning air and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.

The lighthouse, originally built in 1952 and renovated in 1984, received an upgrade in 2012, increasing its luminosity to reach as far as 12.5 nautical miles. Standing against the coastal winds, it continues to guide vessels navigating these waters.

Capturing a shot in these conditions was no easy task. The early morning darkness, combined with fierce gusts, threatened to topple my tripod and camera off the seawall. Despite the challenge, I managed to frame two special moments—one showcasing the lighthouse standing resilient against the wind, and another of my dog sitting patiently at its base, seemingly unfazed by the elements.

On a clear day, Mt. Fuji rises majestically behind the lighthouse, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Though luck wasn’t on my side this time, I hope to return again—perhaps at sunrise—when the first golden light kisses the iconic peak of Japan’s most famous landmark.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:13
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.6

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

2025-03-09

Ryuge-ji Temple

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

The Green Patina of Time: Ryūge-ji Temple’s Roof・龍華寺の銅板葺屋根：時が刻む緑青の美

The main hall at Ryūge-ji Temple in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan, is a historic site founded in 1189 in the Mutsuura mountains. After the original structure burned in 1499, it merged with two neighboring temples, forming the present-day complex. This tranquil Buddhist sanctuary has endured for over 830 years, blending spiritual heritage with the surrounding urban landscape.

One of the most striking features is the kawara-yane (瓦屋根), a traditional curved roof made of fired clay tiles. Introduced to Japan from Korea in the 6th century alongside Buddhism, this roofing style was originally reserved for temples and government buildings. By the 14th century, it had expanded to include shrines, imperial palaces, and feudal castles.

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), kawara-yane became even more widespread, especially in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Its fire resistance made it a preferred choice over thatch or cypress bark, which were highly flammable and required replacement every 20–30 years, while clay tiles lasted around 75 years.

Ryūge-ji Temple’s roof, however, has been refurbished with copper sheeting (銅板葺, dōbanbuki), which maintains the original curved shape of tiled roofing. Over time, the copper developed a greenish patina due to oxidation and weathering. Given the light green color of Ryūge-ji’s roof, I estimate that the current copper sheeting was installed at least 25 years ago.

Though Ryūge-ji Temple is not a well-known landmark, its history and quiet beauty left a lasting impression on me. Nestled in a local neighborhood, it stands as a reminder that Japan’s cultural heritage isn’t confined to famous sites—it’s woven into everyday places, waiting to be noticed.

Stumbling upon this centuries-old temple during a business trip felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. The aged copper roof, the sculpted trees, the tall stone lanterns—each detail told a story of endurance and tradition. In a fast-paced world, moments like these remind me to pause, observe, and appreciate the quiet legacies that surround us.

Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:26
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 320 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/2.5
Classic Negative film simulation

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

Bell Tower

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

Echoes of Renewal: Temple Bells and Tradition
龍華寺の鐘楼：歴史ある建築と除夜の鐘

The traditional Japanese bell tower with a thatched roof that stands in the courtyard of Ryuge-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kanagawa Prefecture.

The open wooden structure, supported by stout corner pillars, houses a large hanging bell, which is struck by a wooden pole. A monk pulls the pole back and drives it toward the bell with his full strength and weight. This particular design of the tower dates back to the 13th century. The thatched roof, once common, is now a rarity, with clay tiles being more prevalent today.

Although bell towers like this are most commonly found at Buddhist temples, they can sometimes be seen at larger Shinto shrines as well.

The bell in the tower is most often rung on New Year’s Eve during the festivities of ōmisoka (大晦日; lit. "great thirtieth day" of the of the Japanese lunisolar calendar). In the final moments of December 31, temple bells ring out across Japan to mark the transition from one year to the next.

At each temple, the bell is struck 108 times in a Buddhist ritual called joya-no-kane (除夜の鐘; lit. “New Year's Eve Bell"), symbolizing the cleansing of the 108 worldly passions. The final ring comes just after midnight, carrying the hope that those who hear it will enter the new year free from their burdens.

Each New Year’s Eve, Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK, airs live footage from a famous temple where monks perform this ritual. At smaller, more intimate temples, visitors are often allowed to take part in ringing the bell themselves.

At my local temple, which is also home to our family cemetery, we gather each year with relatives and neighbors to welcome the new year. The monk’s wife always prepares a large pot of warm amazake—a traditional sweet, milky sake—heated over an open fire, offering both comfort and warmth on the frigid night.

Our monk places 108 stones in a small bag, and before midnight, we take turns ringing the bell and removing a stone until only one remains. Just after midnight, the monk rings the final, 108th bell and offers a prayer for all who have gathered.

The slow, steady, rhythmic chimes mark the transition from the old year to the new, symbolizing the release of worldly desires—those emotions and attachments that lead to suffering and hinder spiritual growth. For me, simply listening to the bell brings clarity, mindfulness, and a sense of renewal, especially at our quiet, rural temple, nestled behind the hills and overlooking rice paddies, far from the distractions of city lights and noise.

Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:12
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 320 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2
Classic Negative film simulation

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

Fudōmyō-Ō

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

A Small Vermilion Shrine for Fudōmyō-Ō, the Immovable Wisdom King
華寺境内の朱色が美しい不動明王堂

A small vermilion shrine housing a statue of the Buddhist deity Fudōmyō-Ō, or the “Immovable Wisdom King.”

Although located within the grounds of Ryuge-ji, a Buddhist temple, the shrine’s architecture closely resembles that of a traditional Shinto hokora. It’s a quiet example of how Japan’s two spiritual traditions — Buddhism, introduced from China, and indigenous Shinto — once blended naturally in daily life.

This fusion is known as shinbutsu-shūgō (神仏習合), the harmonious coexistence of kami and Buddhas that flourished for centuries. While the Meiji government’s separation order in 1868 sought to divide the two, the effort was not entirely successful. Even today, small moments like this remind us of the enduring ties between them.

Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:12
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 320 for 1/480 sec. at ƒ/2.5
Classic Negative film simulation

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

Sanmon Gate

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

“Temple of Flowers” in Yokohama: The Storied History of Ryuge-ji Temple
花と歴史に包まれる場所〜横浜の龍華寺

Located just an 11-minute walk from Kanazawa-Hakkei Station on the Keikyu Line — itself only about a 40-minute ride from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo — Ryuge-ji Temple is one of Yokohama’s many Buddhist temples.

I stumbled upon Ryuge-ji by chance, while walking between the station and my client’s meeting site. After wrapping up a business meeting — one that, unfortunately, didn’t go as I’d hoped — I wasn’t in a hurry to return to the office. Instead, I found myself wandering toward this peaceful temple, along with the Shinto shrine next door, as a way to clear my head.

Ryuge-ji is an ancient temple that has stood here in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, for more than 830 years. It was first established in 1189 as Hogan-ji Temple in the nearby Mutsuura mountains. After the original structure burned down in 1499, it was merged with two other temples, giving rise to the Ryuge-ji Temple we know today.

Throughout its long history, Ryuge-ji has acquired many valuable cultural treasures, including intricate carvings, sculptures, historical documents, scriptures, and paintings — many passed down from the temples with which it merged. Five of these treasures are designated as Yokohama City Designated and Registered Cultural Properties. Among them is the only seated Bodhisattva statue in eastern Japan made of dry lacquer, with origins dating back to the Tenpyo period (729–749).

Today, the temple grounds are cherished by the local community as a place to enjoy seasonal flowers. From late March to early April, visitors can admire Omuro cherry blossoms, a rare variety in the Kanto region. In May, the temple’s peonies come into bloom, followed by vibrant hydrangeas in June. These seasonal displays have earned Ryuge-ji the affectionate nickname “Temple of Flowers” among locals.

Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:09
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/7.1
Classic Negative film simulation

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

Susaki Shrine

Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:

・Order prints, digital downloads, or commercial licenses

・Explore gifts and merchandise

A Small Neighborhood Shrine in Yokohama: Susaki Shrine
横浜の住宅街にたたずむ小さな神社：洲崎神社

Located just an 11-minute walk from Kanazawa-Hakkei Station on the Keikyu Line — itself only about a 40-minute ride from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo — Susaki Shrine isn’t one of the grand tourist destinations that draw millions of visitors. Instead, it’s a quiet, everyday neighborhood shrine, the kind you can find throughout Japan, whether in bustling urban centers or tucked away in remote mountain villages. Shrines like this are woven into the daily lives of local communities.

I stumbled upon Susaki Shrine by chance, simply walking between the station and my client’s meeting site. After wrapping up my business meeting — one that, unfortunately, didn’t go as I had hoped — I wasn’t in a hurry to return to the office. Instead, I found myself wandering over to this peaceful spot, along with the temple next door, as a way to collect my thoughts.

Originally, the shrine stood in Nagahama, a coastal village about 4 km (2.5 miles) north of here. The exact founding date is unknown, lost to history after a tsunami swept the village out to sea in 1311. Survivors relocated, bringing the shrine with them to this area. Later, in 1914, the shrine was moved once more to its current location to make way for National Route 16, which now runs nearby.

The current worship hall was refurbished in 1838 and has been carefully maintained over the years. It survived both the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of World War II.

I visited with mixed feelings — curiosity paired with frustration. After weeks of effort, my business objectives hadn’t been met. But as I spent a few quiet moments focusing on photographing the shrine, I found unexpected relief. It wasn’t necessarily the spiritual nature of the place that offered comfort, but rather the simple act of slowing down, observing details, and creating something with my camera. By the time I headed back to the office, my mood had lifted, and I felt just a little more at peace.

Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:07
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10
Classic Negative film simulation

References:

Gift Store | Become a Patron | Prints・Downloads・Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.

2025-03-19

Waning Gibbous

Cape Mihama at Dawn: A Windy Morning Under a Fading Moon下弦の月に照らされる御浜岬と駿河湾の夜明け

Heda Lighthouse

Border Collie & Heda Lighthouseボーダーコリーと戸田灯台

2025-03-09

Ryuge-ji Temple

Bell Tower

Echoes of Renewal: Temple Bells and Tradition龍華寺の鐘楼：歴史ある建築と除夜の鐘

Fudōmyō-Ō

A Small Vermilion Shrine for Fudōmyō-Ō, the Immovable Wisdom King 華寺境内の朱色が美しい不動明王堂

Sanmon Gate

“Temple of Flowers” in Yokohama: The Storied History of Ryuge-ji Temple花と歴史に包まれる場所〜横浜の龍華寺

Susaki Shrine

A Small Neighborhood Shrine in Yokohama: Susaki Shrine横浜の住宅街にたたずむ小さな神社：洲崎神社

Cape Mihama at Dawn: A Windy Morning Under a Fading Moon
下弦の月に照らされる御浜岬と駿河湾の夜明け

Border Collie & Heda Lighthouse
ボーダーコリーと戸田灯台

Echoes of Renewal: Temple Bells and Tradition
龍華寺の鐘楼：歴史ある建築と除夜の鐘

A Small Vermilion Shrine for Fudōmyō-Ō, the Immovable Wisdom King
華寺境内の朱色が美しい不動明王堂

“Temple of Flowers” in Yokohama: The Storied History of Ryuge-ji Temple
花と歴史に包まれる場所〜横浜の龍華寺

A Small Neighborhood Shrine in Yokohama: Susaki Shrine
横浜の住宅街にたたずむ小さな神社：洲崎神社