Pix4Japan

2024-09-11

Highland Cattle Pasture

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Chasing Light and Shadows at Makiba Park

「牧場と夏の空：北杜の牧場風景」

Perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers a serene escape into nature.

Expansive pastures, dotted with peacefully grazing cattle, unfold against a backdrop of lush mountain ranges, creating a tranquil, panoramic landscape that invited me to pause and savor the beauty of the highlands.

The cattle here are mostly Japanese Black, one of the four prized breeds known as wagyu, along with Holstein dairy cows. Near the visitor parking area, a restaurant serves up locally-sourced highland vegetables and dishes featuring succulent beef. This beef, made tender through a unique diet of wine lees—the nutrient-rich byproduct of fermentation—is a specialty of the region.

Despite free admission, the park sustains itself through proceeds from restaurant sales and grazing fees paid by local ranchers, with profits supporting the broader community.

To be honest, I'm not much of a foodie, so I completely bypassed the restaurant. I was far more drawn to capturing the dramatic summer skies, where afternoon light broke through cumulus clouds, casting alternating patches of light and shadow over the lush pastures and verdant mountain ranges beyond.

I hope to return in winter to capture this landscape transformed by a blanket of snow under clear, deep-blue skies.

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 13:04・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
63 mm ISO 200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/10

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Makiba Park Grazing Sheep

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A Breath of Fresh Air: Finding Renewal at Makiba Park’s Lush Hilltop Pastures

都会を離れてリフレッシュ！牧場で過ごす癒しのひととき

Makiba Park, a prefectural ranch perched on a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is home to a variety of livestock, including sheep, goats, cows, and ponies. Here, visitors can get up close to the animals and even have the chance to pet some of them.

For me, however, the real allure lies in the gently rolling hills and lush, grassy meadows—scenes that are almost impossible to come by when living amidst the urban sprawl of Tokyo.

During this visit, I was curious to see if my border collie, Dale-chan, would show any instinctive interest in the grazing livestock, especially the sheep and cows that occasionally wandered over to the fence, seemingly intrigued by the sight of a dog. But Dale-chan, a true city dog, showed no interest whatsoever in the animals. It was a funny and endearing reminder that she's a city pup at heart!

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 12:51・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 1600 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/9

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Makiba Park

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Makiba Park: Exploring a Mountain Plateau under Summer Skies・南八ヶ岳の麓、夏空の下、高原牧場で

Located atop a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in the Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group (南八ヶ岳・Minami-Yatsugatake), Makiba Park offers stunning views of an expansive mountainous landscape. This volcanic group, a chain of inactive volcanoes along the Nagano and Yamanashi Prefecture border, is home to this scenic ranch and open pasture.

In this photo, I was captivated by the billowing cumulus clouds and the interplay of light and shadow across the landscape, with the distant Yokosan (Mt. Yoko) mountain range adding depth to the scene.

Just a 3-hour drive from Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway, this park is about 170 km (106 mi) northeast of central Tokyo. Visiting on a weekday meant fewer visitors, giving me and my border collie, Dale-chan, the freedom to explore the ranch leisurely. We followed the approximately 3 km (1.73 mi) trail that loops around the entire property, perfect for a peaceful walk with a furry friend.

Though it was summertime, the high altitude kept the air refreshingly cool, making our exploration comfortable and enjoyable.

Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 12:17・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 200 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/11

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Maple, Moss, and Mushroom

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A Hint of Autumn’s Arrival

「秋の訪れの気配」

(Aki no Otozure no Kehai)

As I traversed along the trail leading to Tateshina-Otaki Falls, the forest floor revealed delicate signs of autumn. A single yellow-brown leaf rested quietly amidst a bed of vibrant green moss, its edges curled reflecting the dryer air of the season’s change.

Scattered nearby, a few acorns lay nestled into the soft moss, while clusters of small, golden-orange mushrooms peeked through the mossy carpet enveloping nearby boulders, subtly heralding the arrival of cooler days. These natural details painted a serene, miniature landscape that seemed to capture a fleeting moment of transition.

The Tateshina-Genserin Primeval Forest, cradled over 1,300 meters above sea level in Nagano Prefecture, is a testament to the untouched beauty of nature. For thousands of years, this forest has largely remained free from the touch of modern development, offering a rare window into an ancient, undisturbed ecosystem. Its tranquility wraps around visitors like a warm embrace, providing a sense of solace and connection with the past.

From the nearby parking area, where convenient public restrooms are available, a well-marked trailhead invited me and my border collie to step into this peaceful world. The path meanders beside the gentle Takinoyu River, its banks lined with moss and old growth trees, creating a sanctuary of green.

Every step was a deeper and deeper immersion into nature’s timelessness, with the vibrant moss and scattered autumnal signs keeping you company along the way. As you walk deeper into the forest, the sound of cascading water grows stronger, leading you toward the breathtaking destination—the Tateshina-Otaki Falls, a wonder waiting to be revered and photographed.

① Orang Mosscap Mushroom

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 10:27・2024/09/11
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 320 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Astia/Soft film simulation

② Maple Leaf

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 10:46・2024/09/11
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 320 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Astia/Soft film simulation

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Tateshina-Otaki Falls

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Tateshina-Otaki Falls: Exploring the Emerald Waters Before Autumn’s Arrival

・

秋の前に訪れた、エメラルド色の蓼科大滝

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:39・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP + 10-stop ND filter
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/15 sec. at ƒ/9.0

The Tateshina-Otaki waterfall is a popular destination for visitors and photographers, especially during the vibrant autumn season. However, visiting just before the arrival of fall’s onslaught of colors gave me the freedom to explore the waterfall at my own pace, experimenting with various compositions without the worry of interrupting someone else's shot.

The falls are easily accessible from the Pool Daira Parking Lot, with just a short 10- to 20-minute walk. The trail takes you through a section of the Tateshina-Genserin Primeval Forest, skirting the shoreline of the Takinoyu River, which flows downstream from the falls.

This ancient forest is abundant with old-growth trees, their contorted shapes and immense age calling for quiet reflection. I found that what should have been a brief 10-minute walk stretched longer as the forest invited me to pause and wonder about the forces that shaped these trees.

Standing at about 25 meters tall (82 feet) and 10 meters wide (32 feet), Tateshina-Otaki is one of the largest waterfalls along the Takinoyu River. Despite its relatively modest size, the waterfall's charm lies in its serene setting.

The cool mist rising from the falls settles on the nearby foliage and coats the exposed rocks in glistening droplets, transforming the amphitheater of stone into a living spectacle of olive-green moss. The cold, hard surfaces of the rocks, brought to life by this moisture, become miniature worlds of thriving life.

The deep, crystal-clear emerald pool below the falls immediately reminded me of the tones and hues I had seen just hours earlier at Mishaka-Ike Pond (see earlier posts) during this same photo shoot. The resemblance between the two places was striking, though each had its own unique character.

Though the falls offer a covered viewing point nearby complete with benches and a table, it was hard to resist the temptation to explore further. Should you, like me, decide to venture closer even downstream into the flowing stream, be sure to wear proper footwear and take extra care—the wet stone surfaces can be quite slippery.

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Tateshina-Otaki Waterfall

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Beneath the Dappled Light: Finding Healing at Tateshina-Otaki Falls

・

木漏れ日の蓼科大滝：自然が織りなす癒しの瞬間

Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:23・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP + 10-stop ND filter
28 mm ISO 200 for 1.3 sec. at ƒ/11

Visiting this landscape on a cool, sunny day offered a welcome relief from the nearly relentless heatwaves we were enduring in the concrete jungles of the Tokyo metropolis. The air here felt alive, in stark contrast to the stifling city.

This photograph of the falls, while far from my best work, brings to mind the frustration I felt that day. The scene was challenging, filled with a chaotic mix of sharp angles, extremes of light and shadow, and a cacophony of dark and blown-out greens. No matter how I framed it, I couldn’t seem to balance the composition to my liking.

At some point, I told myself to just stop—stop overanalyzing, stop worrying about the flaws and what others might think. I was robbing myself of the moment.

I wandered over to my border collie, Dale-chan, and we sat by the water’s edge. I allowed the symphony of the crashing falls, the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze, Dale-chan’s relaxed panting, and the faint chirping of birds hidden deep in the forest to wash over me.

In that soundscape, I found clarity—a natural form of noise cancellation, one that stilled the chaotic thoughts racing through the back of my mind. For a moment, I was able to turn off the constant stream of worries from my day job about unanswered emails, deadlines, and sales targets that I had subconsciously brought with me on this photowalk.

When I was a boy scout, I learned how to survive in the wilderness, how to endure Mother Nature’s harsh conditions. But as I grow older, I often need to remind myself that there's more to learn. I hope to better master how to thrive with Mother Nature—to let her thick woods, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and hidden waterfalls become sources of healing, revitalization, and peace.

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Tateshina-Genseirin Primeval Forest

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Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:01・2024/09/11
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

A Photowalk Through Time: The Untouched Wilderness of Tateshina-Genseirin

・

蓼科原生林で楽しむフォトウォーク: 長野の自然を探る

The Tateshina-Genseirin Primeval Forest is a small preserve of old-growth trees stretching about 12 km (7.46 mi) along the shoreline of the Takinoyu River, which flows from the nearby Tateshina-Otaki Falls.

This ancient forest is home to towering trees, their twisted shapes and immense age inspiring quiet reflection. Many of these trees have adapted to grow around large volcanic boulders, their contorted trunks and roots clinging to the rugged stones. These adaptations are a response to the forest's natural challenges, such as typhoon winds, heavy snowfall, and a thin layer of topsoil. Together, these elements form a living testament to the forest's untouched nature and geological history.

The woodland is rich with deciduous trees and ferns, which, combined with its high elevation, help maintain cooler temperatures even in summer. This coolness creates ideal conditions for the growth of ferns, fungi, and moss, adding to the forest's vibrant diversity.

Japan's forest area covers 25.05 million hectares (61.9 million acres), accounting for 68.5% of the country’s total land. However, human impact on forests—through logging, firewood collection, and charcoal production—began as early as 9,000 BCE. As a result, less than 4% of Japan’s forests remain untouched as primeval forest. The Tateshina-Genseirin Primeval Forest is one of these rare treasures, a place to be cherished and preserved for future generations.

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Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:06・2024/09/11
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Nestled within the heart of Nagano Prefecture, the Tateshina-Genseirin Forest reveals unique scenes of primeval life. Ancient trees twist and curve around volcanic boulders, their roots gripping onto moss-covered stones with quiet determination. This virgin landscape has remained largely untouched for millennia, allowing the forest to thrive in its wild, unspoiled beauty.

In this photo, you can see the interplay of life and stone—a magnificent tree growing in harmony with the terrain, sculpted by the forces of nature, revealing its remarkable resilience. Walking through this forest felt like stepping back in time, where the air was crisp, and the ground was soft beneath my feet, inviting moments of peace and reflection.

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Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Timestamp: 09:01・2024/09/11

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, just a 3- to 4-hour drive from Tokyo, the Tateshina-Genseirin Primeval Forest is a living testament to nature’s resilience. Some of the ancient trees, wrapped with thick vines, twist and bend around volcanic boulders, their roots gripping moss-covered stones. These roots spread across the thin layer of topsoil, which rests atop an ancient lava flow. Untouched for millennia, this virgin forest thrives in wild, unspoiled beauty, a reflection of nature's enduring strength when it remains free of mankind’s interference.

In this photo, a sugi tree (Japanese cedar) stands with two main trunks, one of which twists sharply to the left—likely the result of heavy snow, typhoon winds, or even a previous toppling due to the shallow topsoil over the lava flow. Despite these forces, the trunk eventually straightened and reached skyward, its thick and strong form a testament to its persistence. To me, this serves as a metaphor: even when life’s challenges or setbacks cause us to veer off course, with patience and resilience, we too can find our way back, growing stronger and rising toward the light despite our imperfections.

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Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Timestamp: 09:01・2024/09/11

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

The Tateshina-Genseirin Primeval Forest is home to ancient trees that twist and curve around volcanic boulders, forming surreal, natural sculptures. Wrapped in thick bark and moss, these trees create shapes only possible in an untouched forest, free from human interference. In this close-up shot, I removed the broader context to focus on the intricate contrast of textures, from the weathered wood to the moss-covered stone, highlighting the interplay of colors and the calming, yet rugged mood of the scene.

A close-up of an ancient Japanese sugi tree with weathered, twisted bark resting against a large volcanic boulder. The upper half of the image features the rugged, textured bark, while the lower half shows the smooth surface of the boulder, accented with patches of green moss and subtle cracks.

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