Pix4Japan

2025-03-19

Ita Village

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Ita’s Rapeseed Field: A Scenic Gem on the Izu Peninsula
早春の伊田村に広がる、自然と人の営みが織りなす美しい風景

The Ita rapeseed field is a charming local attraction designed to be enjoyed from the Sparkling Hill Lookout (Kirameki-no-Oka, 煌めきの丘), located along Prefectural Highway No. 17 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The lookout gets its poetic name from the way sunlight reflects off the tips of the waves in Suruga Bay, making the sea sparkle like diamonds at certain times of the day under the right conditions.

From the lookout point, a set of stairs leads down to the field (about a 10-minute walk), where you can explore more local treasures. Nearby, you'll find a well-preserved historical tomb and a museum displaying excavated artifacts from the area. Another highlight is the picturesque Myojin Pond, a naturally formed freshwater pond created over millennia by sandbar currents. Fed by a natural spring, the pond is home to carp, crucian carp, goldfish, and eels.

Between late January and mid-February, the bright yellow rapeseed blossoms bloom in a unique formation — spelling out the kanji characters for Ita (井田) against the backdrop of rich brown soil and green winter foliage. This striking contrast is best appreciated from above, where the vivid yellow field is framed by the deep blue waters of Suruga Bay, steep cliffs, and — on a clear day — a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji to the north.

Since 1982, local villagers, many of whom operate guesthouses and small businesses, have been planting rapeseed flowers in fallow rice paddies after the harvest. Their goal: to create a seasonal attraction that draws visitors beyond the busy summer beachgoers season.

Despite challenges of an aging and dwindling population, seven dedicated locals continue this labor of love, maintaining a display that spans approximately 30,000 square meters (322,917 sq. ft.).

A member of the Ita Promotion Committee, quoted in a local newspaper, shared his story: born in Ita, he moved away for college and work, only to return later in life after his children were grown. Now, he works to preserve the natural beauty of the village — the same landscape and seascape his ancestors cherished — so future generations can enjoy the view he knew as a child.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・09:00 and 09:01
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

105 mm ISO 400 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/9
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8

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Cape Mihama

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Cape Mihama — A Hidden Coastal Gem of the Izu Peninsula
御浜岬：駿河湾沿いの戸田の村と漁港を守る入江

Cape Mihama, located on the western coast of the Izu Peninsula facing Suruga Bay, lies in Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The small beach within the cove draws young families to its tropical waters each summer, while occasional festivals hosted by the Shinto shrine nestled at the tip of the cape maintain the cultural richness of the local fishing village. The lush forest surrounding the shrine helps protect the cape from erosion and shields the fishing port from strong winds and waves.

Suruga Bay, Japan’s deepest bay at 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), is home to over 1,000 species of fish and shellfish. Fishermen from nearby harbors come here to catch sardines, horse mackerel, mackerel, Japanese butterfish, bluefish, and flounder. Heda Port, located within the cove formed by Cape Mihama, is also home to a handful of fishing families who have harvested freshwater prawn and spider crab for generations to supply local restaurants and resort hotels.

In the shallow turquoise waters of the cove, small fish can be seen from the surface — especially by the young and old who snorkel here during summer break. While Mt. Fuji often hides behind haze and humidity in summer, on clear days, it’s possible to snorkel while enjoying a stunning view of the iconic peak rising beyond the mouth of the cove across the bay.

The emerald blue sea with a vermilion torii gate and the possibility of capturing Mt. Fuji in the distance were what first drew me to this location. Although storm clouds blocked my view of the mountain this time, the rugged coastline, the quaint fishing village, the hidden shrine within the forest, and the thrill of crashing waves earlier in the morning more than satisfied my desire to photograph dramatic seascapes and to simply enjoy the moment with my border collie.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・08:24
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
88 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3

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Cape Deai

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Sunlight Breaking Through Storm Clouds
出逢い岬の陽だまり

On my way back to the car, the sun briefly broke through the storm clouds, casting a warm, golden light across a patch of woodland on the southern slope of Cape Deai.

This headland rises steeply above the restless waters of Suruga Bay, along the rugged western coastline of the Izu Peninsula—about 150 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Japan.

I managed to capture just one frame before the moment slipped away. As I repositioned myself on the seawall to try for a better angle, the clouds quickly returned, plunging the forested hillside back into shadow.

I hope to revisit Cape Mihama in the summer, when the vegetation is more vibrant, and if I am lucky, when the skies are clear. If the timing is right, I might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji rising on the far side of the bay — something I’d love to capture in a future frame.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・7:53
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
80 mm ISO 400 for 1/1000 sec. at ƒ/9

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Suruga Bay

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Cape Mihama, Built by the Currents of Suruga Bay — Along the Shores of Nishi-Izu
駿河湾の流れが築いた御浜崎 — 西伊豆の岸辺で

Heading back to the parking lot, I took a short detour and climbed down off the seawall to get closer to the waves crashing against the hazardous shoreline of boulders that have smoothed over time by the relentless weathering of waves rolling in from the deep, formidable waters of Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan at 2,500 meters (8,202 ft).

I managed to capture three shots I liked, though none felt particularly extraordinary. I had fully expected to get drenched by ocean spray, which is exactly what happened. I was a bit worried about whether my trusty old DSLR could handle it, but after a thorough wipe down and some careful cleaning, it seems to have emerged unfazed.

While I’m in no position to fully understand the life of a fisherman, I can’t help but imagine the courage it must take to head out from nearby Heda Port into these rough, bountiful waters. Over the past 40 years of visiting various shores along Suruga Bay, I’ve yet to see a day when the sea has been calm and relaxing. It makes me think that this bay is always in motion, always challenging.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・7:40
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 400 for 1/800 sec. at ƒ/4.5

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Moroguchi Shrine

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Moroguchi Shrine: Home to Moroki-hime—Guardian of the Sea
諸口神社の「もろき姫」—海の安全と豊漁を祈る場所

Moroguchi-jinja (諸口神社) is an ancient Shinto shrine nestled deep among majestic Japanese matsu (pine) trees, just a short walk from the torii gate that overlooks Heda Port in the small fishing town of Numazu, located in Shizuoka Prefecture—about 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Tokyo.

The first photo features the roofed purification fountain, where visitors cleanse their hands and rinse their mouths in a ritual called temizuya before approaching the main shrine. Located at the tip of Mihama Cape facing Heda Port, Moroguchi-jinja is dedicated to the guardian deity of sailors and fishermen.

Although the shrine’s exact origins have been lost to history, it is believed to date back to Japan’s medieval period. The shrine likely takes its name from the deity Moroki-hime (もろき姫), who is enshrined here. Supporting this theory, historical records compiled in 927 reference even older texts from the Middle Ages that mention a shrine in the Izu Province dedicated to Moroki-hime.

In 1879, the Meiji Government officially recognized Moroguchi-jinja as a village shrine during a nationwide effort to catalog and designate Shinto shrines.

The current structure was rebuilt in 1953. Most recently, on April 4th, local ship owners, members of the fishing cooperative, and their families gathered here for a small festival to pray for safe voyages and bountiful harvests at sea.

The scent of pine needles, damp earth, and salty sea breeze filled the shrine grounds, carried on strong coastal winds that rustled through the trees. Just beyond the surrounding woodlands, the rhythmic crash of waves along the nearby shoreline echoed softly through the stillness.

For the local sailors and their families, I imagine this shrine holds a far deeper meaning than it does for a visitor like myself. The sea is not only their livelihood—it is also a source of uncertainty and danger. Here, beneath the ancient pines and the care of Moroki-hime, they come to seek protection, give thanks, and show reverence to the forces of the sea.

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:29
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
73 mm ISO 100 for 2.5 sec. at ƒ/11

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:39
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 2.0 sec. at ƒ/9

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Cape Mihama Torii

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A Quiet Moment at Cape Mihama: Torii by the Sea
神域への朱き門：諸口神社の鳥居

Tucked away on the edge of Cape Mihama, just where the trees meet the sea, stands a vivid vermilion torii gate that immediately catches your eye. It's perched at the very edge of a narrow sandy beach, gazing out over the calm, turquoise waters of Heda Port. There's something serene yet powerful about its presence—like it is standing guard over both land and sea.

This gate marks the entrance to Moroguchi Shrine, which lies hidden deeper in the quiet forest just beyond. Like most torii, it serves as a symbolic threshold—crossing it means leaving behind the everyday world and stepping into a sacred space.

What I find especially interesting is the specific design of this torii. It’s known as a myōjin torii (明神鳥居), a style that’s been around since the 9th century. You can recognize it by the way the top lintels curve gracefully upward at the ends—it gives the whole structure a kind of buoyant elegance. Unlike the simpler shinmei torii (神明鳥居) style, this one also has a secondary lintel beneath the main one, and a central support strut hidden behind a framed plaque that bears the shrine’s name.

Traditionally, these gates were made of wood, but nowadays it’s common to see concrete versions like this one, built to last longer, especially in coastal environments where the elements can be tough. The vibrant vermilion paint isn’t just for show either—it’s believed to ward off evil spirits. On a more practical level, it’s made from cinnabar (mercuric sulfide), which has natural preservative qualities that protect the gate from insects and decay. A perfect blend of spirituality and science.

Standing here, with the sea breeze on my face and the sound of the water lapping gently at the shore, it felt like time slowed down. There’s something really special about this quiet meeting point between land, water, and spirit.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:27
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.0

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:34
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 1600 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/6.3

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Waning Gibbous

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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

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2025-03-19

Ita’s Rapeseed Field: A Scenic Gem on the Izu Peninsula早春の伊田村に広がる、自然と人の営みが織りなす美しい風景

Cape Mihama — A Hidden Coastal Gem of the Izu Peninsula御浜岬：駿河湾沿いの戸田の村と漁港を守る入江

Sunlight Breaking Through Storm Clouds出逢い岬の陽だまり

Cape Mihama, Built by the Currents of Suruga Bay — Along the Shores of Nishi-Izu駿河湾の流れが築いた御浜崎 — 西伊豆の岸辺で

Moroguchi Shrine: Home to Moroki-hime—Guardian of the Sea諸口神社の「もろき姫」—海の安全と豊漁を祈る場所

A Quiet Moment at Cape Mihama: Torii by the Sea神域への朱き門：諸口神社の鳥居

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

Ita’s Rapeseed Field: A Scenic Gem on the Izu Peninsula
早春の伊田村に広がる、自然と人の営みが織りなす美しい風景

Cape Mihama — A Hidden Coastal Gem of the Izu Peninsula
御浜岬：駿河湾沿いの戸田の村と漁港を守る入江

Sunlight Breaking Through Storm Clouds
出逢い岬の陽だまり

Cape Mihama, Built by the Currents of Suruga Bay — Along the Shores of Nishi-Izu
駿河湾の流れが築いた御浜崎 — 西伊豆の岸辺で

Moroguchi Shrine: Home to Moroki-hime—Guardian of the Sea
諸口神社の「もろき姫」—海の安全と豊漁を祈る場所

A Quiet Moment at Cape Mihama: Torii by the Sea
神域への朱き門：諸口神社の鳥居

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