Pix4Japan

2024-02-28

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.

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

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.

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

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!

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

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)

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

Blue Silhouette of Mt. Fuji

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

31 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/9.0

In the Shadow of the Peak: Chasing Clear Views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Tanuki

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 07:29・2024/02/28

Embarking on my photo shoot at around 4:00 a.m., I arrived at the southwestern shore of Lake Tanuki by 6:30 a.m. The drive from central Tokyo takes just over 2 hours via the Tomei or Chuo Expressway, assuming you don’t take any breaks along the way.

The trailhead, situated by the Kyukamura Fuji Hotel's parking lot, meanders along the lake's shores, offering an unimpeded view of Mt. Fuji. Depending on the time of day and season, and if the water is tranquil without any surface ripples, you can capture a near-perfect reflection of the volcano on the lake's surface.

In my four decades of photographing Mt. Fuji, its symmetrical cone shape has been a consistent sight. However, during this photo shoot, I observed the iconic peak from the west with a renewed clarity that allowed me to notice that the northern slope descends much more gradually in contrast to the steeper southern slope. Maybe this explains the popularity of the Yoshida Trail on the northern slope as the favored route to the summit.

Irrespective of the vantage point, a snow-capped Mt. Fuji remains my perennial favorite subject to capture, especially considering the countless times I've seen the peak shrouded in haze or cloud cover in stark contrast to the rare, cherished days when the entire scene is revealed on a clear, crisp day.

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

Lake Tanuki at Dawn

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 320 for 1/1250 sec. at ƒ/5.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Reflecting on Resilience: The Story of Lake Tanuki

Location: Lake Tanuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamps: 07:07・2024/02/28

Perched at an elevation of approximately 650 meters (approx. 2,133 feet), Lake Tanuki, or Tanuki-ko, stands as a lovely man-made reservoir in the scenic Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan.

Positioned a mere 11 kilometers westward from the foothills of the majestic Mt. Fuji, this quaint lake holds not only a tranquil beauty but also an interesting history.

Originally, the site was nothing more than a marshy expanse, a natural wetland gracing the landscape. However, when the region experienced a significant reduction in water flow from the Shiba River as a consequence of the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, work was initiated in 1935 to divert water from Shiba River to transform the swampland into an agricultural reservoir to address the ensuing water scarcity affecting local farms.

As you stand by the shores of Lake Tanuki, the tranquil waters now reflect not only the surrounding natural beauty but also the triumph over adversity, echoing the resilience of the communities that undertook this transformative endeavor.

During the early morning hours, Lake Tanuki undergoes a metamorphosis. Enveloped in a gentle mist rising from its surface, the lake becomes a canvas of light and shadow during the dawn hours.

References:

Website | Online Store | Become a Patron | Commercial Licensing

Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.

Visit www.pix4japan.com for prints and licensed download options.

Ideboku Farm Milk House

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Ideboku Dairy Farm “Milk House”

Location: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 13:32・2024/02/28

Ideboku Dairy Farm, home to the charming "Milk House" shop where you can indulge in freshly made gelato, yogurt, and artisan cheeses. Nestled amidst a semi-rural/suburban area, the farm offers a delightful retreat for gelato and an up-close experience with dairy cows.

Step into the Milk House and treat yourself to their signature gelato and yogurt, crafted from the freshest milk sourced directly from the cows located right next to the shop. As you make your selection, simply use the convenient vending machine near the entrance to complete your purchase. A ticket will be issued, which you can then present to the friendly staff for filling your order.

In addition to their delectable gelato and yogurt, the farm takes pride in their history, tracing back to the early Meiji Era (1868 to 1912) when Ideboku Dairy Farm first began its journey. Established in 1996, the Milk House not only showcases their dairy products but also offers visitors the opportunity to witness the cows being milked each morning in a meticulously maintained barn.

For those planning a visit, you can take a train and bus or drive straight to the farm. If you're traveling by train and bus, from Fujinomiya Station, hop on board the Shiraito Falls via Kitakomae route bus and alight at Kitayama-Shutchojo Bus Stop. It is just a short 9-minute walk from the farm.

Alternatively, drivers can take the Shin-Tomei Expressway to the Shin-Fuji Interchange, then follow National Route 139 towards Fujinomiya. Take the Kitayama Interchange exit, and you'll find their parking lot a mere 9-minute drive away.

The dairy farm offers a serene respite from the hectic pace of city life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil ambiance. Situated near the foot of majestic Mt. Fuji, Ideboku Dairy Farm provides a picturesque backdrop as you enjoy a close-up view of contented dairy cows resting peacefully in the neighboring cow stalls.