Pix4Japan

2021-06-16

Onshi-Hakone Park

Onshi-Hakone Park is located on the top of a small hill overlooking Ashinoko Lake in the mountain resort of Hakone, Japan.

Located about 97 km (60 miles) southwest of central Tokyo, Onshi-Hakone Park can be reached in about two and a half hours on an Odakyu Line commuter train, two hours and 14 minutes on the Odakyu Line Romance Car, or two hours if you take the Shinkansen bullet train. Regardless of which train you take, you will need to take an Izu-Hakone Bus at Odawara Station to the Onshi Koen Mae bus stop.

Maps and links to useful references below the photos below.

Ashinoko Lake and Mt. Fuji

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

100 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/22

#landscapephotography #torii #shrinegate #toriigate #peacetorii #Hakone #HakoneShrine #LakeAshi #AshinokoLake #MtFuji #MountFuji #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#風景写真 #鳥居 #平和の鳥居 #箱根神社 #芦ノ湖 #箱根 #富士山 #ペンタックス

This view of Mt. Fuji and the "Heiwa-no-Torii" (Gate of Peace) located on the shoreline of Ashinoko Lake in Hakone, Japan, is probably one of the most popular shots taken at this location due to its close proximity to the huge parking lot for tour buses in front of the lakeshore port. Although taken during the rainy season, I was lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji when she still had a bit of snow on her peak.

Hakone View of Mt. Fuji

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

100 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/22

#landscapephotography #Hakone #LakeAshi #AshinokoLake #MtFuji #MountFuji #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#風景写真 #芦ノ湖 #箱根 #富士山 #ペンタックス

This view of Mt. Fuji was the clearest shot I could get on this cloudy, rainy morning in Hakone, Japan. I want to visit this area again in the middle of winter when I can catch a clearer shot with more snow on the peak. From the shore of Ashinoko Lake, Mt. Fuji is only 32.30 km (20.07mi) away due northeast.]

Japanese Sacred Gate

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

40 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/14

#landscapephotography #torii #shrinegate #toriigate #peacetorii #Hakone #HakoneShrine #LakeAshi #AshinokoLake #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#風景写真 #鳥居 #平和の鳥居 #箱根神社 #芦ノ湖 #箱根 #ペンタックス

The "Heiwa-no-Torii" (Gate of Peace) is a torii gate located on the shoreline of Ashinoko Lake in Hakone, Japan. This is the first of several large torii gates that are located up the side of the mountain to the Hakone Shrine. This shot was taken from across the lake on a small foot path hugging the shore of the lake.

Hakone Peace Torii Gate

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

300 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/11

#landscapephotography #torii #shrinegate #toriigate #peacetorii #Hakone #HakoneShrine #LakeAshi #AshinokoLake #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#風景写真 #鳥居 #平和の鳥居 #箱根神社 #芦ノ湖 #箱根 #ペンタックス

A close-up view of the "Heiwa-no-Torii" (Gate of Peace) on the Ashinoko Lake shoreline in Hakone, Japan. Most visitors to Hakone Shrine will pose below the gate with the lake in the background. If you ever visit, be sure to arrive early to avoid the long line that will form as tourists take turns taking a shot below the gate!

Lakeside Walking Trail

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

70 mm ISO 100 for 0.4 sec. at ƒ/7.1

#landscapephotography #trees #moss #path #trail #hiking #woodland #OnshiHakonePark #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#木 #森　#森林 #苔 #神奈川県立恩賜箱根公園 #箱根 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

From the observation deck overlooking Ashinoko Lake in Onshi-Hakone Park (Hakone, Japan), I noticed a small foot path that seemed to lead down to the lake. Wasn’t sure if I was entering a prohibited area, but I soon realized that there is a small, well maintained footpath that hugs the shoreline and offers wonderful views of the lake, Mt. Fuji, and the huge torii gate across the lake. If you follow the trail, it will take you all the way back to the parking lot.

Moss-Covered Fence

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

190 mm ISO 100 for 1/4 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#landscapephotography #trees #moss #path #trail #hiking #woodland #OnshiHakonePark #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#木 #森　#森林 #苔 #神奈川県立恩賜箱根公園 #箱根 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

Parts of the footpath that hug the Ashinoko Lake shoreline in Onshi-Hakone Park (Hakone, Japan) have sturdy fences to keep visitors from falling into the lake. The abundance of moisture creates a haven for moss to grow on nearly every possible surface.

Border Collie on Ancient Highway

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

135 mm ISO 3200 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/5.6

#bordercollie #dog #pet #landscapephotography #trees #moss #Tokaido #ancienthighway #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#ペット #ボーダーコリー #愛犬 #犬 #木 #杉並木 #苔 #旧東海道 #箱根宿の杉並木 #箱根 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

After following me all over Onshi-Hakone Park (Hakone, Japan) during a warm and humid, early morning rainstorm, Dale-chan took a rest on what was once part of the Tokaido Highway--a major highway that stretched for 514 km (319 mi) connecting Kyoto with Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The quiet, giant cedar trees that were planted along the sides of the highway over 300 years ago provided us with refuge from the elements as they did for travelers dating back to the Edo Period.

Border Collie and Giant Cedars

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

120 mm ISO 3200 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/5.6

#bordercollie #dog #pet #landscapephotography #trees #moss #Tokaido #ancienthighway #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#ペット #ボーダーコリー #愛犬 #犬 #木 #杉並木 #苔 #旧東海道 #箱根宿の杉並木 #箱根 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

This avenue of giant cedars planted over 300 years ago is easily accessible as you cross the street at the Onshi-Hakone Park (Hakone, Japan) parking lot. There are historical markers along the trail, which was once part of the old Tokaido Highway linking Kyoto with Edo.

Ancient Highway Giants

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

31 mm ISO 100 for 0.8 sec. at ƒ/16

#landscapephotography #trees #hydrangea #path #trail #hiking #woodland #Tokaido #Hakone #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#木 #森　#森林 #紫陽花 ##旧東海道 #箱根宿の杉並木 #箱根 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

Access to this section of the Old Tokaido Highway is right across the street from the parking lot located at the foot of the Onshi-Hakone Park (Hakone, Japan). Hydrangea typically start blooming when the rainy season starts. However, at this higher elevation, the ajisai flowers had not yet come out even though it was mid-June. Late June or early July might be the best time to visit this corridor of giant cedars planted over 300 years ago for travelers making the long journey between Kyoto and Edo.

References & Useful Links

Onshi Koen Mae Bus Stop

恩賜公園前（バス）

https://goo.gl/maps/KAdm6kQ2cupk3EHSA

If you drive, it can take between three and five hours depending on traffic if you avoid tolls. If you take an expressway, you can cut your time to about two or three hours.

Depending on traffic, you can reach the cape in about 2 hours and 40 minutes if you drive on Route 246 and Route 1, or reach the cape in about 1 hour and 40 minutes if you take the Shuto and Tomei Expressways.

P 10 Onshi-Hakone Park Parking Lot

P10 恩賜箱根公園駐車場

https://goo.gl/maps/KKtjxigC3Hxo2r7AA

The park offers numerous, well maintained foot trails that crisscross across the park offering beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, Ashinoko Lake, the Hakone mountains, the Peace Torii Gate leading to Hakone Shrine (across the lake), and flowers of many varieties that ensure floral blossoms regardless of the time of year that you visit.

Park Observation Deck

弁天の鼻展望台

https://goo.gl/maps/9JKkBBiDDddwNibt9

Museum and cafe

箱根恩賜公園湖畔展望館

https://goo.gl/maps/6Ym8Z9dkEduF4uJL8

Old Tōkaidō Road Ancient Cedar Avenue - East End

旧東海道箱根宿の杉並木

https://goo.gl/maps/cEJz2rVzdTK15Aix5

Old Tōkaidō Road Ancient Cedar Avenue - West End

旧東海道箱根宿の杉並木

https://goo.gl/maps/jG4g5tkb1z7MPNL3A

Useful References:

“History: Take a Trip back in Time. Onshi Hakone Park” is a well written article on the origins of the park. Learn how a German physician persuaded the Japanese government to establish the imperial retreat in 1886, and learn how the imperial retreat became a public park:

https://hakone-japan.com/discover/history/hakone-history/onshi-hakone-park-2/

Another article by “Japan Highlights Travel: Kanagawa Prefectural Park Onshi-Hakone Park” provides valuable access details on how to reach the park with fees and museum hours:

https://japan-highlightstravel.com/en/travel/odawara/030045/

You can also download a PDF of the park prepared by Kanagawa Prefecture, which includes a map, access details, shows all the trails, and directs you to the restrooms in the park:

https://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/documents/27832/onsi-e.pdf

Below is a list of the equipment I took with me on this photo shoot.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP
https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ
Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR
https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ
Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF
Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)
https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd
Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate
https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit
https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg
SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)
https://amzn.to/3axkn1w
PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter
https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS
Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal
https://amzn.to/32c0FFL
RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO
https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM
PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/39rwWwW
PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm
PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm
https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY
PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)
https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

“Leaving Serengeti” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

“Sidney” composed by "HeOl" and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Robin” composed by Anders Schill Paulsen and performed by S.A. Karl.

“Thoughts in the Rain” composed by C. Brown, D. Labrel, L. Forchhammer, M. Pilegaard, M. Ristorp & S. Forrest, and performed by Elm Lake.

“Say You Would (Instrumental Version)” composed by Mimmi Gyltman and performed by Victor Lundberg.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

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Stock Photos:

https://www.eyeem.com/u/pix4japan

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https://pix4japan.darkroom.tech/

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Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.

2021-06-09

Cape Manazuru

Cape Manazuru (Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) is part of the Manazuru Peninsula Prefectural Nature Park and when the weather is clear, offers wonderful views of the Izu Peninsula, Boso Peninsula (Chiba Prefecture), and the Izu Seven Islands.

Located about 103 km (approx. 64 miles) southwest of central Tokyo, Cape Manazuru can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes via train and bus, or it can be reached in about 2 hours and 10 minutes if you use the Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Atami Stations.

Cape Manazuru offers several attractions including a seashell museum, gift shop, cafes, coastal and forest walking trails, camping, fresh seafood, scuba diving schools, boat tours, and more.

My photo shoot at Cape Manazaru was focused primarily on Mitsuishi, a group of 3 large rocks just off the coast of the cape. The two larger rocks (sea stacks) are united by a shimenawa rope, and if you walk out to the rocks during low tide, you can also see a red torii gate on the larger rock. Although the Mitsuishi rocks are not as famous as the Meoto-Iwa, or the Married Couple Rocks, in the sea off Futami in Mie Prefecture, the Mitsuishi rocks are still a very popular destination to visit on the morning of New Year's Day to watch the sun as it rises from under the rope between the two rocks.

Waves Lapping Against Rocky Coast

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

18 mm ISO 200 for 1/800 sec. at ƒ/3.5

#moss #rocks #shoreline #coast #rockycoast #seaweed #CapeManazuru #ManazuruPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #seascapephotography #seascape #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#苔 #海藻 #岸 #海 #海藻 #沿岸 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #海の風景 #海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

At low tide, the sea reveals a collage of texture and color. This area of the Cape Manazuru shoreline reveals formidable volcanic rocks capped with jagged edges and underpinned with soft, flowing stems of seaweeds and mosses painting the shoreline with oranges, greens, yellows, and all the colors in-between.

Sleepy Dog

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

135 mm ISO 1250 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/5.6

#dog #pet #BorderCollie #rocks #shoreline #coast #rockycoast #CapeManazuru #ManazuruPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #seascapephotography #seascape #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#犬 #愛犬 #ボーダーコリー #沿岸 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #海の風景 #海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

Having stayed up all night during the drive to Cape Manazuru, she was finally exhausted after climbing over boulders, forging through thick seaweed, and chasing after waves as they lapped against the rocky shoreline.

Moss-Covered Coastal Rocks

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

115 mm ISO 1250 for 1/1250 sec. at ƒ/8.0

#moss #rocks #shoreline #coast #rockycoast #seaweed #CapeManazuru #ManazuruPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #seascapephotography #seascape #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#苔 #海藻 #岸 #海 #海藻 #沿岸 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #海の風景 #海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

Some parts of the shoreline of Cape Manazuru can be a bit treacherous to crawl over with very slippery moss on some of the rocks that are constantly pounded by waves. Other rocks are a big jagged and require some effort to climb over. At low tide, however, you can still walk/climb from the Mitsuishi Rocks over to the Gandara-Manazuru Seaside Camping Ground.

Forested Outcrop of Cape

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

21 mm ISO 100 for 60 sec. at ƒ/11

#forest #outcrop #shoreline #coast #rocks #seaweed #CapeManazuru #ManazuruPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #seascapephotography #seascape #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#森 #御林 #岸 #海 #海藻 #沿岸 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #海の風景 #海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

View of an outcrop of Cape Manazuru looking northeast in the direction of Tokyo from a small trail that leads from the Mitsuishi Rocks towards the Gandara-Manazuru Seaside Camping Ground, which lies on the water’s edge. The dense foliage on the outcrop is called Ohayashi, a virgin forest with black pine trees, camphor trees, and castanopsis.

Seedlings were planted on the grassy outcrop about 350 years ago under the order of the Shogun when demand for lumber skyrocketed after the 1657 Great Fire of Meireki, which destroyed up to 70% of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Shipping of large timber from this forest would have been relatively easy as there were already ports available nearby that were used for shipping of large stones from a nearby quarry to build Odawara Castle.

Torii Gate and Rope on Sea Stack

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

190 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#seastack #torii #toriigate #coast #rock #CapeManazuru #ManazuruPeninsula #Mitsuishi #SagamiBay #Japan #seascape #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#石 #岸 #沿岸 #海食柱 #三ツ石 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #しめ縄 #鳥居 #海の風景 #海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

Close-up shot of the torii gate and shimenawa rope located atop the largest rock (sea stack) of the three Mitsuishi Rocks. Many coastal locations in Japan have large rocks or sea stacks with a shimenawa rope and/or a torii gate dedicated to the god or kami of the sea to pray for safety and a bountiful harvest.

Fishing Boat

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

300 mm ISO 200 for 1/5000 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#boat #fishingboat #bird #seabird #coast #SagamiBay #CapeManazuru #Izu #Japan #seascape #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#船 #漁船 #鳥　#海鳥 #沿岸 #相模湾 #太平洋 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県　#海景 #海景写真 #ペンタックス

A variety of fishing boats can be seen from the coast of Cape Manazuru (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan), including commercial fishing boats and hired cruisers taking guests out to sea for some deep sea fishing. The local economy is based on bounties brought in from the sea.

Torii Gate and Shimenawa Rope on Shoreline Rocks

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

115 mm ISO 100 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/14

#seastacks #torii #toriigate #coast #rock #PacificOcean #Izu #ManazuruPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #seascape #seascapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#岸 #沿岸 #太平洋 #真鶴岬 #真鶴半島 #神奈川県 #しめ縄 #海の風景 #石 #鳥居 #三ツ石 #ペンタックス

The small torii gate that sits atop the larger rock (left) is mostly dedicated to the God of the as the local fishing village has a long history of depending on the bounties of the sea for their survival. The shimenawa rope “weds” the two rocks together and sets the boundary between the world of man and the sacred world of the kami (god or deity), which extends from the two rocks to the shrine located inland.

Useful References:

Cape Manauru:

Scroll down to the map of the peninsula showing trails, parking, and restrooms. Other pages at this site highlight other activities, and is sponsored by local businesses. (Japanese only):

https://www.cape-manazuru.com/activity/

Ambassadors Japan:

Article by Tomoaki Murata explaining local customs, attractions, festivals, history, industries, and nice photos (English).

https://www.ambassadors-japan.com/en/manazuru-love/354/

JAPANbyweb.com:

Article and photos by Junko Nagata with basic details on local attractions of the cape (English).

https://www.japanbyweb.com/manazuru-a-beautiful-seaside-town-near-tokyo/

Alice Gordenker

In depth article by Alice Gordenker, an American journalist and consultant who has been living and working in Japan for more than 20 years. The article is written as an itinerary for a tour I assume she had planned for the summer of 2015. Very informative and and easy to follow. The article also answers questions that will pop up once you arrive, such as why local signs have "Protected Forest with Fish" written in Japanese.

https://alicegordenker.wordpress.com/2015/08/29/manazuru/

Manazuru (真鶴) (Engl.): A day at the seaside – nature, art, palatal pleasures and more:

This is an article with photos by Thomas Gittel who attended a tour sponsored by Kanagawa Prefecture. Well-written article with in-depth information on local statistics, history, industry, customs, festivals, and more. Whenever specific locations are referenced, he has written out names in romaji, the kanji, and hiragana. Written in English with a link to a German language version.

https://thomasgittel.wordpress.com/2015/10/11/manazuru-真鶴-engl/

Access:

Mitsuishi Rocks

三ツ石

https://goo.gl/maps/JLsfKjvUon3RMuz96

Cape Manazuru

真鶴岬

https://goo.gl/maps/unQnHsVSDdqiFf6r5

Free Parking 1.

https://goo.gl/maps/y8BqnkkqS5k29adH7

Free Parking 2.

https://goo.gl/maps/Nff4Rc5uQgZ5DGUo6

Free Parking 3.

https://goo.gl/maps/5UyjnHgaKA3FgtpCA

Paid Parking Lot (most convenient). Flat rate of 1,000 yen for 24 hours:

https://goo.gl/maps/c39naHgQ6QfDsrSa8

Nearest bus stop for arrival:

https://goo.gl/maps/c39naHgQ6QfDsrSa8

Nearest bus stop for departure:

If you miss the last bus, there are small cards at the bus stop providing phone numbers for a local taxi. Be sure to check the bus departure schedule before going down to the coastline since there a few bus runs.

https://goo.gl/maps/WVY9XCtZzj6rViXV9

Access to cape from Manazuru Station on the JR Tokaido Line:

A 52-minute walk (3.8 km) if you are hiking

https://goo.gl/maps/qZwZYEggG5otzvKk9

A 21-minute bus ride at a cost of 260 yen,

https://goo.gl/maps/8vg8pvnBoviBKtJc9

Depending on traffic, it can take as little has 2 hours and 30 minutes to as long a s 4 hours to to reach this cape if you drive while avoiding expressways. Note that my drive was less than 90 minutes by taking an expressway and arriving before sunrise.

https://goo.gl/maps/1xMG3gqFwZMVSv8D9

Taking an expressway from Tokyo will be more expensive, but much faster. Again, traffic conditions will vary if you are traveling on a weekday versus and weekend or national holiday.

A 110-minute drive or as long as a 130-minute drive.

https://goo.gl/maps/B613PSL8FVhEbLTJ6

Below is a list of the equipment I took with me on this photo shoot.

Camera Gear:

Video Gear:

Filters & Filter Systems:

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

“Northern Sunrise” composed by David Vestin and performed by Nylonwings.

“Cain” composed by Patrik Almkvisth and performed by Lo Mimieux.

“Nordic Shine” composed by AnCh and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

2021-05-19

Akigawa Valley

In this week’s video of landscape photography in Japan, we visit the Akigawa Valley located in the small town of Akiruno, which is located within the boundaries of Tokyo Prefecture and the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park.

Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akikawakeikoku)

https://goo.gl/maps/c7cjYryApUsZgf4e8

Known for trout fishing, the small mountain town of Akiruno has become a destination for nature lovers and fisherman. The Ishibune Bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the Minami-Akigawa River, has been featured in Japanese TV melodramas, and is a popular subject for landscape photography when the surrounding hills are covered in snow, drenched in autumn colors, or beaming with fresh spring greenery.

Access by train and bus:

From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line bound for Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. The train will run on the Chuo Line and on through on the Ome Line, continuing onto the Itsukaichi Line with no need to transfer.

Musashi-Itsukaichi Station

武蔵五日市駅

Stop ID: JC86

https://goo.gl/maps/g4QDWamTbBjKcxxr8

Take the 五10, 五15, or 五18 bus to the Jurigi bus stop (11th stop with kanji of 十里木).

From this bus stop you are within walking distance of many of the local attractions including fishing holes, barbecue grounds, campgrounds, and hiking trails:

Akiruno city website:

https://www.city.akiruno.tokyo.jp/0000001850.html

Akigawa International Trout Fishing Ground

秋川国際マス釣場

http://akigawagyokyo.or.jp/fish/

Ochiai Camping Ground

落合キャンプ場

https://goo.gl/maps/XDeuPVtrWEq4fMZw9

Jurigi Land (Campground)

十里木ランド

https://goo.gl/maps/xA6oN2oRJzWxB5Nc7

Primary locations for this photo shoot:

Ishibune Bridge (石舟橋 / Ishibune-bashi)

https://goo.gl/maps/5tVR2W3ugXvfXtPX6

Shinyagara Bridge (新矢柄橋 / Shinyagara-bashi)

https://goo.gl/maps/YUsuxKgwbeBcJwRA9

Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akikawakeikoku)

https://goo.gl/maps/c7cjYryApUsZgf4e8

Suspension Bridge

The Ishibune-bashi Bridge (石舟橋 / Ishibune-bashi) extends for 96 meters across the Minamiaki River as it flows through the Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akigawa Keikoku). The bridge offers great views of the valley below, and is especially popular during autumn as the surrounding mountainside foliage changes colors.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

53 mm ISO 100 for 1/6 sec. at ƒ/18

#bridge #suspensionbridge #forest #mountainside #lushfoliage #Japan #nationalpark #Tokyo #Pentax #Pix4Japan #landscape #landscapephotography #spring

#南秋川 #石舟橋 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #ペンタックス #吊橋 #秋川渓谷 #東京都 #風景写真 #森の写真 #森

Mist over Cedar Plantation

The Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akigawa Keikoku) is a narrow gorge that cuts through the mountains of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Visiting during the rainy season is both breathtaking and refreshing. Slightly humid, but still cool enough to need a jacket when hiking along the river or following trails leading to ancient shrines and temples.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

40 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#trees #cedars #forest #woodland #misty #lushfoliage #nationalpark #Tokyo #Japan #landscapephotography #spring #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#木 #スギ #森　#森林 #森の霧 #緑豊かな葉 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #東京都 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

Disappearing Power Lines

Normally an eyesore when trying to enjoy a pristine, natural landscape, the low fog obscures the trees and mountains in the background helping to isolate the lattice tower carrying high-voltage transmission lines from a nearby dam to the metropolis of greater Tokyo. Although this image appears to be a black and white image, in actually it was shot in color and edited as an abstract color composition.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

135 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#monochrome #abstract #tower #powerline #latticetower #highvoltage #manmade #tallstructure #nationalpark #Tokyo #Japan #landscapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#モノクロ #抽象写真 #送電塔　#送電線 #トラス構造塔 #高電圧 #人工構造物 #高い構造 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #東京都 #風景写真 #森の写真 #ペンタックス

Playing in River

Dale-chan the border collie resting on the shoreline of the river after chasing after what might have been small fish swimming by. This river is actually a popular fishing destination with facilities specifically for camping and fishing on the shoreline. Great place to visit if you like freshwater fishing and want to grill your own fish for dinner that evening.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

88 mm ISO 12800 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/7.1

#dog #pet #bordercollie #wet #river #nationalpark #Tokyo #Japan #landscapephotography #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#川 #犬 #ペット #愛犬　#濡れた犬 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #東京都 #風景写真 #ペンタックス

Through Arch Bridge

The Shinyagara Bridge (新矢柄橋 / Shinyagara-bashi) is a “through arch bridge” that spans the narrow gorge below at an almost perpendicular angle to the gorge, while the girder that the bridge supports forms a nice X pattern with the arch if viewed from above. This unusual design explains why the bridge looks asymmetrical when viewed from below. The bridge includes a pedestrian walk separated by guard rails, allowing for leisure strolls over the river below without having to worry about vehicular traffic buzzing by.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

36 mm ISO 200 for 1/80 sec. at ƒ/4.5

#bridge #archbridge #forest #mountainside #lushfoliage #Japan #nationalpark #Tokyo #Pentax #Pix4Japan #landscape #landscapephotography

#南秋川 #新矢柄橋 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #ペンタックス #秋川渓谷 #東京都 #風景写真 #森の写真 #森

Unnameable Twin Boulders and Silky Smooth Stream

Looking at both shorelines of this small river, you can see smoother rocks of sandstone and darker, less smooth rocks of mudstone. It seems that this river runs along an old fault line, and has slowly exposed the two types of rocks that mostly lie on the opposite sides of the shoreline.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

135 mm ISO 100 for 0.6 sec. at ƒ/11

#landscape #landscapephotography #river #silkywater #longexposure #boulders #nationalpark #Tokyo #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#川 #南秋川 #砂岩 #泥岩 #秋川渓谷 #風景写真 #東京都 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #ペンタックス

Winding River

Although I visited this river during the rainy season, the water level was lower than I had expected with most of the river bank being accessible. In the middle of the river, however, it gets quite deep, which I suppose makes for a great habitat for trout since further downstream is the Akigawa International Trout Fishing Ground.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/BYeCh3mtFa0

Pentax KP + HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

63 mm ISO 100 for 30.0 sec. at ƒ/14

#landscape #landscapephotography #river #silkywater #longexposure #boulders #nationalpark #Tokyo #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#川 #南秋川 #砂岩 #泥岩 #秋川渓谷 #風景写真 #東京都 #秩父多摩甲斐国立公園 #ペンタックス

Below is a list of the equipment I took with me on this photo shoot.

Camera Gear:

Video Gear:

Filters & Filter Systems:

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

"Honey Take My Hand" composed by Cody Butler and performed by Cody Francis.

“The Long Walk” composed and performed by Jamie Norwood.

“Bagatelle Valley” composed by David Vestin and performed by Nylonwings.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

2021-04-21

Isshiki Beach in Hayama

In this week’s video of seascape photography in Japan, we visit Isshiki Beak in Hayama on the western coast of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan on the shores of Sagami Bay (今週の海の風景写真と動画は神奈川県の一色海岸 (葉山).

Originally a small fishing village, the area has become a destination for beachgoers, paddle boaters, long-board surfers, and a nice place for nice early morning walks for the locals.

Hayama has several small BNBs, cafes, restaurants, and is a popular place for wealthier folks to build a vacation home or as a place to retire if you have the financial means. In fact, the Imperial family have a winter retreat that sits right on the shore of Isshiki Beach and the Koisonohana headland. Naturally, there are small pay-phone-like booths where police can stand guard when the royals are in town. Even when the villa is not in use, there are still a couple of police officers guarding the villa on a 24-hour basis.

Access to the beach is easiest if you drive, but is still accessible by train and bus.

Isshiki Beach

一色海岸

https://goo.gl/maps/R8ZhvRJGuSRoyRoT7

Hayama Imperial Villa

葉山御用邸

https://goo.gl/maps/WnHygZK4VeSK1ijNA

Koisonohana headland

小磯の鼻

https://goo.gl/maps/DHNMR2k9TFQwmB5cA

Arched Bridge

https://goo.gl/maps/DHNMR2k9TFQwmB5cA

Closest Parking Lot

1443 Shimoyamaguchi Parking

https://goo.gl/maps/DsXoxTiqCFgLUrEf7

Nearest Train Station: Zushi･Hayama Station (Keikyu-Zushi Line)

逗子・葉山駅

https://goo.gl/maps/N7ZHVoCoKx7Mc43Q9

Take the Hayama-Bound Bus to the Isshiki Kaigan bus stop.

https://goo.gl/maps/Eoc2pcKfB6KkoeD78

Sources of information in this blog:

Short article on possible reason for the small shrine and torii at Isshiki Beach (Japanese only):

https://tripnote.jp/hayama-machi/place-koisonohana

Information about Isshiki Beach provided by city hall of Hayama (Japanese only):

一色海岸（海水浴場）～プライベートビーチ気分で最高！～

https://www.town.hayama.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyou/1/7225.html

Low Tide Waves

Waves on Isshiki Beach receding at low tide right after sunrise on an early spring morning. Relatively clean and calm beach with elderly couples walking their dogs. The dark gray sand on this beach makes for a nice contrast with the slowly receding waves reflecting golden hour light.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

48 mm ISO 100 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/11

#beach #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #recedingwaves #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #tranquil #waves

#一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ビーチ #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Water Trails

Isshiki Beach at low tide creates great opportunities for long-exposure photography as the waves slowly recede back into the ocean leaving behind trails of foam and water. During summer, this beach must be a great place for young families to bring their children.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

28 mm ISO 100 for 2.5 sec. at ƒ/11

#beach #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #recedingwaves #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #tranquil #waves

#一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ビーチ #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Red Torii on Outcrop

Isshiki Beach was originally a small fishing village, so the red torii gate on the rocks of an outcrop called Koisonohana, which leads to a tiny shrine, is most likely dedicated to a deity to pray for safety while fishermen are out at sea.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

190 mm ISO 100 for 1/25 sec. at ƒ/11

#calmwaves #coast #Hayama #Japan #Koisonohana #MiuraPeninsula #outcrop #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #rockycoast #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #torii #tranquil

#一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #小磯の鼻 #岩場 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Rocky Beach

Small waves crashing on the north-eastern end of Isshiki Beach after sunrise on an early spring morning reveals a beach that gradually changes from a sandy beach to one of mostly small, smooth rocks.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

190 mm ISO 100 for 1/25 sec. at ƒ/13

#beach #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #recedingwaves #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #samllwaves #tranquil #waves

#一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ビーチ #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Headland and Stumps

South of Isshiki Beach there is a grassy headland called Koisonohana from where you can see several small stumps and the distant headland called Chojasaki if you look further south.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

260 mm ISO 100 for 1/25 sec. at ƒ/11

#stump #Chojasaki #headland #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #tranquil #waves

#一色海岸 #岩場 #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Ocean Spray

From atop the Koisonohana headland at the southern end of Isshiki Beach, you can enjoy much larger waves crashing ashore as they breach the rocky coastline. Some waves are immensely large compared to the relative calm waves on the beach.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

78 mm ISO 400 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/11

#waves #spray #crashingwaves #ocean #sea #seaspray #headland #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #waves

#小磯の鼻 #砕ける波 #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Mt. Fuji

The view from Koisonohana headland at the southern end of Isshiki Beach can be breathtaking if you are able to visit early enough in the morning during colder months when the air is dry with lest haze to obscure the view across Sagami Bay.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

120 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

#coast #crashingwaves #Hayama #Japan #Koisonohana #MiuraPeninsula #Mountfuji #MtFuji #ocean #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #SagamiBay #seascape #seascapephotography #spray #waves

#ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #富士山 #小磯の鼻 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #砕ける波 #神奈川県 #葉山

Arched Bridge

This traditional arched bridge crosses over Shimoyama River, which cuts through the middle of the Hayama Imperial Villa (est. 1895), which serves as a winter retreat for the imperial family and explains the presence of police standing guard at points around the walled-off villa.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

55 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

#bridge #river #ShiroyamaRiver #ImperialVilla #archedbridge #Hayama #landscape #landcapephotography #MiuraPeninsula #SagamiBay #Japan #Pentax #Pix4Japan

#橋 #反橋 #葉山御用邸 #下山川 #葉山 #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #神奈川県 #ペンタックス

Lonely Stones & Blue Ribbons

As the sun rises higher in the morning sky, the dark blue sea slowly changes into a translucent ribbon ranging from a misty teal to an Aruba blue and the dark sand on Isshiki Beach transforms into a shade of rusty spice.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

18 mm ISO 400 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/10

#beach #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #oceanblue #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #tranquil #waves

#一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ビーチ #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Looking Back

Dale-chan the border collie takes a break from chasing waves to check out the tobi raptors (Japanese black kite) tussling on the beach over some food.

YT Video: https://youtu.be/18nIYkkTCmo

Pentax KP + smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR

78 mm ISO 400 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/10

#dog #pet #BorderCollie #beach #coast #Hayama #IsshikiBeach #Japan #MiuraPeninsula #PacificOcean #Pentax #Pix4Japan #oceanblue #seascape #seascapephotography #shore #tranquil #waves

#犬 #愛犬 #ボーダーコリー #一色海岸 #砂海岸 #ビーチ #ペンタックス #三浦半島 #三浦郡 #太平洋 #岸 #日本の海 #沿岸 #波 #海の風景 #海岸 #神奈川県 #葉山

Below is a list of the equipment I took with me on this photo shoot.

Camera Gear:

Video Gear:

Filters & Filter Systems:

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

"Dismantle" composed by Peter Sandberg and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Nightingale” composed by Patrik Almkvisth and performed by Lo Mimieux.

“By The Harbor” composed by Tommy Ljungberg and performed by Mhern.

“Weather Any Storm” composed by Cody Butler and performed by Cody Francis.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.