Pix4Japan: Smile of Contentment

2024-10-15

Smile of Contentment

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A Smile of Contentment: Dale-chan’s Rest in Onshi-Hakone Park
満足げな笑顔：恩賜箱根公園でひと休みするデールちゃん

As our photowalk in Hakone’s Onshi-Hakone Park drew to a close, we stumbled upon a charming wooden bench near the southwestern edge of the park, just about 110 meters from the parking lot. Unlike the heavy-duty plastic benches with their faux wood grain I see at some other parks, this one was made of real wood, blending seamlessly into the park’s natural surroundings.

The presence of these “real” wooden benches with wrought iron frames feels like a nod to the park’s storied history. Once imperial gardens, these grounds were reserved for the exclusive enjoyment of the imperial family and visiting dignitaries during their heyday between 1886 and 1923. It’s heartening to see the prefectural government preserving such details, even if it requires extra effort to maintain them—like replacing moss-covered wooden slats as they deteriorate. Alongside other Meiji Era-inspired touches, such as bamboo fencing and vintage-style gas lamps, these benches evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance.

Dale-chan, my ever-loyal border collie, has been slowing down a little this past year, needing more frequent breaks during our adventures. The cooler mountain air of October has been a welcome relief after the relentless heat of summer, and this bench provided the perfect spot for a brief rest before the end of our visit.

If you’re planning to explore Onshi-Hakone Park with your furry companion, remember that dogs must be kept on a leash. After ensuring the area was clear of other visitors—some might be uneasy around dogs, or have dogs of their own that could tempt Dale-chan into an impromptu play session—I gently helped her onto the bench. Tucking her leash out of sight, I captured a moment of pure joy and contentment as she rested against the backdrop of this historic park.

Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:18・2024/10/15
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
95 mm ISO 800 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/5.6

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