ＩＤＣＳ英会話の「Pix & English」: 2021

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Mt. Nyukasa

今日のテーマは、伊豆半島の『十国峠』。

英語の興味がある方なら、何卒ＩＤＣＳ英会話のホームページの御覧ください。

Mt. Nyukasa (1,955 m/6,414 ft) is a small peak on the Akaishi Mountain range located among the Japanese Southern Alps in Nagano Prefecture, and is approximately 241 km (150 mi) northwest of Tokyo.

Mt. Nyukasa Peak:

https://goo.gl/maps/CEQCfDynYkT3UWt68

Address:

Fujimi, Suwa District, Nagano 399-0211

If you take the train to Fujimi Station where you can catch a shuttle bus, your trip will take about 3 1/2 hours.

Excellent Blog Post with Access Details by Train and Bus (Courtesy of Michele Fullarton, Japan):

https://yamaonna.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/mt-nyukasa/

User Hyperdia to configure your train route and timetable to Fujimi Station near the base of the mountain:

http://www.hyperdia.com/

Driving to the parking lot located at the base of the mountain takes about 3 hours if you take the expressway from Tokyo, or about 5 to 6 hours if you avoid toll roads.

Goshodaira Parking Lot at base of mountain:

https://goo.gl/maps/qsqUFu3awt7SaKke7

During winter, the slopes of this mountain are used for ski slopes. Other activities that are available on the slopes of this mountain including viewing varieties of flowers, bicycle trekking, paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding.

富士見パノラマリゾート (Japanese)

https://www.fujimipanorama.com/summer/trekking/

Fujimi Panorama Resort (English)

https://www.town.fujimi.lg.jp/kanko/en/nyukasa.html

References used in this blog:

Hiking to the peak from the trailhead without using the gondolas:

https://ridgelineimages.com/hiking/mt-nyukasa/

Distant Mountain Peak

Rising above cloud formation and the tree line, a shot of Mount Kaikoma (2,966 m/9,734 ft), which is part of the Minami Alps mountain range in Yamanashi Prefecture as seen from the peak of Mt. Nyukasa (1,955 m/6,414 ft) looking south.

Distant Mountain Range

Rising above the clouds, looking northwest from the peak of Mt. Nyukasa, you can see the peaks of the South Yatsugatake (lit. 8 peaks range) volcanic mountain range, which is alpine in nature with very steep slopes. The volcanoes erupted thousands of times between 600 and 800 years ago, with the highest peak, Mt. Aka, standing at 2,899 m (9,478 ft). They eroded over time and with the eruptions of Mt. Fuji ongoing, Mt. Fuji became the highest peak in the country at 3,776 m (12,388 ft).

Central Alps of Japan

Telephoto shot of the Japanese Central Alps taken from the peak of Mt. Nyukasa. The tallest peak in the Central Alps, Mt. Kisokoma, rises to an elevation of 2,955 m (9,698 ft). These alpine peaks are located in Nagano Prefecture, approximately 241 km (150 mi) northwest of Tokyo.

Beard Moss

Beard moss (Usnea longissima) growing on a dying cedar tree where loss of a canopy has opened up an opportunity for this moss to grow and slowly take over the tree. There is a small patch of trees covered in this moss just before you reach the treeline of Mt. Nyukasa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Border Collie on Mountain Peak

Dale-chan the border collie taking a rest atop the peak of Mt. Nyukasa in the Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan located about 190 km (118 mi) northwest of Tokyo.

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 used in the YouTube video were licensed through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

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

“Gelatin Nature” composed by “HeOl”and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Parallax” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Parallax.

“Live for the Moment” composed and performed by Gavin Luke.

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

Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Jogasaki Coast

今日のテーマは、伊豆半島の『城ヶ崎海岸』。

英語の興味がある方なら、何卒ＩＤＣＳ英会話のホームページの御覧ください。

ＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』

The Jogasaki Coast is a part of the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark located on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, and is located approximately 140 km (84 mi) south of Tokyo.

Driving to Jogasaki can take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours if you take the expressway from Tokyo, or about 4 or 5 hours if you avoid any toll roads.

Parking lot at the Jogasaki-Kaigan Parking Lot (城ヶ崎海岸駐車場) is available at a flat rate of 500 yen.

Google Maps link:

https://goo.gl/maps/rAghJBBJ63gsg6bU8

Address:

842-242 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0232

〒413-0232 静岡県伊東市富戸842-242

Access by train and bus is also possible. You can take a JR Line from Shinagawa Station (Ito Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line, Odoriko Line, Shinkansen bullet train) to Atami and transfer to the Izu-Kyuko Line to Jogasaki-Kaigan Station.

Google Maps link:

https://goo.gl/maps/ekEnhKmJYwBo4LSXA

Address:

Futo, Itō, Shizuoka 413-0231

〒413-0231 静岡県伊東市富戸

User Hyperdia to configure your train route and timetable:

http://www.hyperdia.com/

Recommended sites for travel, history, and activity information:

Japan National Tourism Organization: Jogasaki Coast 城ヶ崎海岸 (English and many other languages available)

https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/163/

Japan Visitor: Jogasaki Coast, Ito City, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture 城ヶ崎海岸伊東市伊豆半島静岡県 (English)

https://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/jogasaki

Tourist in Japan: Jogasaki Coast Hike (English)

https://www.touristinjapan.com/jogasaki-coast-hiking-trail/

References used in this blog:

Jogasaki Coast (城ヶ崎海岸, Jōgasaki Kaigan)

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6308.html

城ヶ崎海岸

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/城ヶ崎海岸

Kadowaki Lighthouse (門脇埼灯台 / kadowaki-zaki todai)

https://www.mapple.net/spot/22010778/

Suspension Bridge

The first time I crossed the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge (門脇吊橋 / Kadowaki-tsuribashi) was back in the 1980s. At that time, the bridge would vibrate and swing quite a bit, especially if people tried jumping up and down on it. The bridge deteriorated and was completely replaced in 1997 and is extremely rigid now. The bridge straddles coastal cliffs with a small picnic area on the northern side of a deep, narrow inlet and a lighthouse on the southern side. The bridge is also part of the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark. (Jogasaki Coast, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)

Japanese Black-Eared Kite

This raptor can be found throughout most of Japan, and there were many flying gracefully over the cliffs and sea stacks of Jogasaki Coast (Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan). Unlike other raptors, the black kite (鳶 / tonbi or tobi) is a scavenger. So, I wasn’t surprised to see them near the Jogasaki coastline following the many fishing boats sailing up and down the coast hauling in their catch from the deep coastal waters.

Coastal Cliffs

View of the waves crashing against the steep cliffs along the Jogasaki coastline (Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan). The cliffs were formed by a large lava flow that reached the ocean from a nearby volcano, Mt. Omuro. The lava flowed (approx. 4,000 years ago) to the sea and cooled when hitting the sea surface creating columnar joints.

Coastal Cliffs

Morning light bathes the steep cliffs along the Jogasaki coastline (Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan). These cliffs were formed when a lava flow from approx. 4,000 years ago struck the seawater surface and cooled creating columnar joints.

Jogasaki Coast Beach

Following along one of several paths at the Jogasaki Geo Park (Jogasaki Coast, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) revealed this view of a rocky beach far below the coastal cliffs. I was impressed with how clear the water was and both surprised and relieved that there were no visible plastics or other garbage that had washed ashore this beach.

Coastal Cliffs and Sea Stack

The sea stack (left) has varying shades of dark gray and black thus columnar joints indicating magma that flowed directly into the sea and cooled rapidly. Conversely, the red rock (right) appears to be scoria, which indicates magma with dissolved gas that may have cooled and solidified on the surface of an older lava flow.

Japanese Black-Eared Kite

Close-up shot of a Japanese black-eared kite (a kind of raptor) perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Jogasaki Coast (Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan).

Kadowaki Lighthouse

Built in 1995, the Kadowaki Lighthouse (門脇埼灯台 / kadowaki-zaki todai) helps ships safely navigate the sea routes between Jogasaki Coast and Oshima Island, which lies about 23 km (14 mi) off the coast. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the cape.

Coastal Cliffs

Cliffs along the Jogasaki coastline (Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) formed over 4,000 years ago when magma from a nearby volcano flowed into the sea and quickly cooled forming columnar joints that can be easily seen near the waterline.

Outcrop of Volcanic Rock

View of Sagami Bay from an outcrop named Mozugane (モズガ根) formed of various types of volcanic rock. This outcrop is also a popular location for fishing if you dare get close enough to the cliff’s edge.

Border Collie on Coastal Trail

Although we arrived early to shoot the coastline, it was already very hot and humid by 6:00 a.m. Here, I am giving Dale-chan a much needed rest as we hiked the Jogasaki Coast trail into the humid woodlands that flourish atop the jagged cliffs of the Jogasaki coastline.

Lone Flower on Volcanic Rock

Shot of a coastal day lily growing among on a barren outcrop of volcanic rock that juts out into the sea. This particular type of lily can be seen in other rocky and inhospitable-looking areas along the Jogasaki Nature Study Course—a trail that extends for almost 10 km along the Jogasaki coastline.

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 used in the YouTube video were licensed through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

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

“Blue Flares” composed and performed by Trevor Kowalski.

“Secrets of the Earth” composed by Daniel Kadawatha and performed by Lama House.

“Sixteen Hours” composed by Ian Luxton and performed by Lasse Lyx.

“Timeless Clouds” composed and performed by Luwaks.

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

Photos used with permission.

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Odawara Castle

今日のテーマは、小田原市の『小田原城』。

英語の興味がある方なら、何卒ＩＤＣＳ英会話のホームページの御覧ください。

ＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』

Odawara Castle Ruins Park is located within walking distance of Odawara Station on the JR Tokaido Line, the Odawara-Odakyu Line, the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, the Daiyuzan Line, and the Hakone Tozan Line.

Reference information and useful links posted below after the photos.

Japanese Castle

Originally built in the mid-15th century, Odawara Castle was destroyed by an earthquake in 1703 and rebuilt; dismantled in 1870 after the final demise of the Tokugawa shogunate (military government); and was rebuilt in its current form in the 1960s. The current castle keep primarily houses museums and is surrounded by gardens and moats.

Castle Roof-Ridge

Copper-plated mythical creatures called shachihoko (鯱鉾 / lit. killer whale) from Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and body of a carp are often mounted at both ends of a roof-ridge of castles and some shrines to protect the structure from fire since the creature has the “power” to bring rain.

Mythical Creature

Close-up shot of one of the copper-plated shachihoko (鯱鉾 / lit. killer whale) from Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and body of a carp mounted at both ends of the castle roof-ridge.

Japanese Castle

Eastern view of Odawara Castle rising 38.7 m (approx. 126.9 feet) high. Originally built in the mid-15th century, the current form was rebuilt in 1960 using modern earthquake-resistant materials. Design of the current structure resembles models and blueprints from the late Edo Period (1603-1868) with the most recent upgrades completed in 2016.

Vermillion Bridge

Built across the castle moat in 1949, this Manabi-Bashi bridge (east of the castle) affords tourists greater access to the castle park, and gives school children easier access to nearby schools. The arched bridge is aesthetically pleasing and is a popular viewing spot when the cherry trees along the moat are in full bloom.

Wall, Moat, and Turret

Located nearly due east of Odawara Castle (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan), this photo shows a moat and stone wall (left), and turret or guard tower (right) near the Umademon Gate (馬出門, lit. horse exit gate) to the castle. Behind the wall is another gate that led to the livery stables of the castle. The moat, gates, and walls were designed to force troops through a zigzag pattern before reaching the keep as a defense measure should the castle come under attack.

Two Castle Gates

Located on the eastern side of Odawara Castle (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan), the Umadashi-mon gate (馬出門) in the foreground leads to a small open square called a masugata (升形), which is enclosed by an earthen and stone wall, and provides access to the Uchikabuki-mon inner gate (内冠木門), which is set at a right angle to the Umadashi-mon gate, and opens to the horse stables.

A castle’s masugata squares have have an outer gate that protects the castle entrance by providing a place to gather cavalry forces out of sight of enemy forces; and with the inner gate and outer gate at right angles, the masugata squares also help slow down attackers by preventing direct entry to the castle. The outer Umadashi-mon gate is 6.3 m (20.6 ft) tall, and the Uchikabuki-mon inner gate is 5.3 m (17.3 ft) tall. Reconstruction of the gate in 2009 by hand using traditional materials and building techniques dating back to at least 1672 cost 500 million yen (4.5 million USD) to complete.

Castle Corner Turret

View of a moat and turret of Odawara Castle (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) located on the eastern side of the castle. The original turret collapsed in the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake (which also reduced major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama to rubble), and was rebuilt to half its height in 1934. This turret is flanked on both sides with cherry trees, which create a beautiful scene in early spring.

Border Collie at Japanese Castle

Dale-chan the border collie relaxing in front of the Umadashi-mon gate located east of Odawara Castle (Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) with a stone moat wall and Akagane-mon Gate in the background.

Labyrinth of Castle Walls

Exterior walls lining the moats at Odawara Castle follow an often-used construction found at many Japanese castles with a stone foundation and earthen upper portion topped of with clay roof tiles. The moats, walls, and gates are designed to create a labyrinth some gates leading to dead ends as a means to hinder invaders. If you look closely, you can see rectangular ya-zama　(矢狭間) holes (arrow slits) that were used for shooting arrows, and triangular teppo-zama (鉄砲狭間) holes (gun ports) for shooting with muskets.

Reference Info & Links

Odawara Station:

https://goo.gl/maps/m9g9pR1YAVn3KSJM6

From Shinjuku:

Odakyu Line: 91 minutes (commuter train)

Odakyu Romance Car: 59 minutes (special express)

From Tokyo Station:

Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen: 33 minutes (bullet train)

Ueno-Tokyo Line & Tōkaidō Line: 77 minutes (commuter train)

Access from Odawara Station (5-minute walk):

https://goo.gl/maps/nNYuqC2sRA1MhDjf9

The castle is located about 81 km (approx. 50 miles) southwest of central Tokyo (Nihonbashi), and can be reached in less than two hours if you take expressways. If you want to avoid toll road fees, the drive will take 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

Parking near castle:

https://goo.gl/maps/D7Puw3M82ng9CEGM8

If the castle’s primary parking lot is full, there are many parking lots in the immediate area where you can pay for parking in 60-minute increments (approx. 300 to 400 yen per hour).

Recommended sites for travel, history, and activity information:

Odawara City Official Odawara Castle Website

https://odawaracastle.com/

Odawara Castle: A reconstructed castle at the entrance to Hakone

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5222.html

Odawara Sightseeing Guide: Explore Odawara Castle and the New Ninja Museum

https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2019/12/odawara-sightseeing-guide-explore-odawara-castle-and-the-new-ninja-museum/

"Odawara Castle" -You can Go there Very Easily from Tokyo!

https://matcha-jp.com/en/179

Explore Odawara: Day Trip to the Castle Town Near Tokyo!

https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-kanagawa/in-hakone_odawara/article-a0003435/

Take a trip to the town overlooked by Odawara Castle

https://japan-highlightstravel.com/en/odawara_travel/

References used in this blog:

小田原城址公園

https://odawaracastle.com/castlepark/

Guide to Japanese Castles: Odawara Castle

http://www.jcastle.info/view/Odawara_Castle

City of Odawara: Odawara Castle, Symbol of Odawara

https://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/language/english/castle.html

馬出門

http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~yanya/umademon.htm

馬屋曲輪

http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~yanya/umayakuruwa.htm

城址公園 (Castle Ruins Park)

http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~yanya/jyoushikouenn.htm

隅櫓 (corner turret)

http://www.scn-net.ne.jp/~yanya/ninomarusumiyagura.htm

Japanese Castles:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2296.html

Japanese castle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_castle

駿府城

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/駿府城

Japanese Castles:

http://castle.jpn.org/en/

Masugata:

http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/masugata.htm

Kabukimon

http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/k/kabukimon.htm

Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site

https://web-japan.org/nipponia/nipponia17/en/feature/feature03.html

Urban Renewal for an Old Castle Town

https://web-japan.org/nipponia/nipponia17/en/feature/feature12.html

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/

“Nippon” composed by Johannes Bornlöf and performed by Yi Nantiro.

“Soft Rains” composed by Anders Schill Paulsen and performed by Hushed.

“Soul Temple” composed and performed by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.

“The Wisdom Of Trees” composed by Yonder Dale and performed by Epidemic Sound.

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

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Onshi-Hakone Park

今日のテーマは、箱根の『恩賜箱根公園』。

英語の興味がある方なら、何卒ＩＤＣＳ英会話のホームページの御覧ください。

ＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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/

“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.

Commercial licenses, advertising license, and personal license available here:

https://pix4japan.picfair.com

Stock Photos:

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

Quality Prints:

https://pix4japan.darkroom.tech/

Photos used with permission.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Cape Manazuru

今日のテーマは、神奈川県の『真鶴岬』。

英語の興味がある方なら、何卒ＩＤＣＳ英会話のホームページの御覧ください。

ＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』

Cape Manazuru (Kanagawa 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Photos used with permission.