Pix4Japan

2024-02-28

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.

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Osawa-Kuzure

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

73 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/10

Osawa-Kuzure: The Spectacular Gouge on Mt. Fuji's Western Slope

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 09:13・2024/02/28

In this cropped view of the western slope of Mt. Fuji, the prominent feature known as Osawa-Kuzure (Osawa Collapse) stands out vividly. This substantial gouge, visible even from a distance, presents a striking spectacle, particularly when observed through satellite imagery on platforms like Google Maps or Google Earth.

Spanning 500 meters (1,640 feet) at its widest point and plunging to a maximum depth of 150 meters (492 feet), this deep gully extends for 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) before merging into the Urui River, which eventually flows into the sea.

Osawa-Kuzure remains in a state of perpetual transformation, with its sides continually succumbing to collapse, resulting in a daily cascade of approximately 275 tons of rock debris down the mountain's western slope.

Geological evidence suggests that Osawa-Kuzure began its formation roughly 3,000 years ago, with a significant expansion occurring approximately 1,000 years ago due to a catastrophic event. The cumulative volume of sediment deposited by this phenomenon is estimated at a staggering 75,000,000 cubic meters (2.65 billion cubic feet) of debris.

While the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji exudes a serene majesty, it conceals a stark reality: the volcano remains active. The potential consequences of an eruption are grave, with the displacement of 750,000 people residing in the vicinity and the potential for widespread disruption across the Tokyo metropolitan area. The fallout from volcanic ash, consisting of rock fragments and lava, could lead to the collapse of roofs, closure of critical infrastructure, power outages, water contamination, and disruptions to food supplies, highlighting the precarious balance between Mt. Fuji's awe-inspiring beauty and its latent volatility.

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Pampas Grass in Modern-Day Japan

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

48 mm ISO 100 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11

From Fodder to Roofing: Pampas Grass and Thatched Roofs in Modern-Day Japan

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 08:02・2024/02/28

For over five centuries, pampas grass was ingrained in the daily lives of the Japanese people. It served not only as fodder for cattle and horses but also as a key component for thatched roofs.

Following World War II, the surge in economic growth had a profound impact on the landscape of traditional houses, which underwent a transformation into Western-inspired designs along with a shift in roofing materials. Additionally, the utilization of natural roofing materials became restricted, primarily confined to heritage sites as dictated by revised building codes.

Despite its low-tech nature as a roofing material, thatched houses are renowned for their natural cooling in the summer, rendering air conditioning unnecessary. Come winter, the thick thatch provides insulation, keeping the interiors comfortably warm.

While thatched roofs are commonly associated with farmhouses and mountain dwellings today, certain structures like buildings and gates at shrines and temples continue to embrace this traditional roofing material.

In terms of longevity, thatched roofs endure for 20 to 40 years, contingent upon the grass type and local climate, before the need for re-thatching arises.

Presently, there exists a shortage of skilled thatchers, posing a challenge to the preservation of this ancient craft for future generations.

Situated on the Asagiri Plateau, a mere 16-minute drive (12.3 km) from Lake Tanuki, lies an expansive pampas grass field with the majestic Mt. Fuji as its backdrop. The grass undergoes harvest in early December, contributing to nationwide repairs on cultural landmarks, including national treasures and significant cultural properties.

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Asagiri-Kogen Highland Plateau

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/9.0

Captivating Asagiri-Kogen: A Journey to Mt. Fuji's Northwestern Flank

Location: Asagiri-Kogen, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 11:54・2024/02/28

Nestled in the northern reaches of Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, lies the picturesque Asagiri-Kogen, a highland plateau perched at an altitude of 700 to 1,000 meters on the northwestern flank of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji.

Before delving into the allure of Asagiri-Kogen, it's important to clarify a common misconception perpetuated by various online sources published in English, including Wikipedia. Despite erroneous claims placing the plateau on the southwestern side of Mt. Fuji, a simple check on Google Earth or consulting Japanese-written sources reveals its true location to be on the northwest side.

For those seeking definitive evidence, a glance at my accompanying photo, showcasing the Osawa-Kuzure (Osawa Collapse) nearer to the peak's right side, confirms this fact. Such a view could only be captured from the northwest vantage point, further confirming Asagiri-Kogen's true orientation.

The charm of Asagiri-Kogen is its lush expanse, seated at the northwestern foot of Mt. Fuji. The plateau offers an even more breathtaking panorama of the iconic volcano than similar views from the nearby Lake Tanuki (as explored in my previous posts).

If you’re lucky, visitors may be greeted by a pastoral scene of dairy cows leisurely grazing in the expansive pastures scattered across the plateau. The fertile volcanic ash soil, coupled with cooler summer temperatures and ample space, fosters an ideal environment for dairy farming. It's a testament to nature's bounty and the relationship between land and livelihood in this region.

The name "Asagiri-Kogen" (朝霧高原) translates to "morning fog highland." This moniker stems from the thick fog that blankets the plateau during the months of May through August, shrouding the landscape in a thick veil during the early morning and evening hours.

Asagiri-Kogen welcomes visitors with several experiences to enjoy. Hiking trails meander through lush forests, offering glimpses of nearby waterfalls and panoramic vistas. The area is also home to a few paragliding schools for the more adventurous visitor!

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Anglers Admire Mt. Fuji on Lake Tanuki

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

45 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Fishy Business: A Complex Web of Invasive Species in Japanese Lakes

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 08:16・2024/02/28

Upon its completion in the 1930s, Lake Tanuki transformed into an angler's haven, boasting a diverse range of fish species, including trout, koi (carp), black bass, bluegill, goby, and others.

However, akin to many freshwater bodies in Japan, nonnative species like bluegill, black bass, large-mouth bass, and sunfish have been repeatedly introduced into lakes and ponds for sport fishing, often neglecting the potential impact on native species.

Consequently, these invasive species have proliferated in Japanese freshwater ecosystems, leading to the depletion of native fish biodiversity. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Japanese government eventually enacted an ordinance in 2005, initially prohibiting the import and breeding of 37 nonnative species. This list has since expanded to encompass 97 species as of 2022.

Despite the necessity of such measures, the implementation of the ordinance faced resistance from industry groups, anglers, and fishing federations. The Japan Sport Fishing Association (JSA) contends that the decline in native species is not solely attributed to invasive species but also stems from the degradation of the natural environment—a predicament that Japan grapples with as well.

Across Japan, several local governments are actively allocating significant resources to eradicate alien species. They also sponsor commercial fishing initiatives with the goal of engaging anglers in reducing the numbers of these invasive species, discouraging catch-and-release practices.

For an intriguing exploration of this issue, delve into the National Geographic article linked below. It vividly details how a seemingly innocent gift from Chicago to Prince Akihito in 1960 initiated a prolonged ecological crisis, eventually prompting the Emperor to issue a formal apology in 2007 for inadvertently introducing one problematic fish to Japan.

National Geographic: The prince, the mayor, and the U.S. fish that ate Japan (English)