ＩＤＣＳ英会話の「Pix & English」: April 2021

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Isshiki Beach in Hayama

今日のテーマは、三浦半島の『一色海岸』。

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。

In this week’s video of seascape photography in Japan, we visit Isshiki Beach in Hayama on the western coast of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan on the shores of Sagami Bay (今週の海の風景写真と動画は神奈川県の一色海岸 (葉山).

Originally a small fishing village, the area has become a destination for beachgoers, paddle boaters, long-board surfers, and a nice place for nice early morning walks for the locals.

Hayama has several small BNBs, cafes, restaurants, and is a popular place for wealthier folks to build a vacation home or as a place to retire if you have the financial means. In fact, the Imperial family have a winter retreat that sits right on the shore of Isshiki Beach and the Koisonohana headland. Naturally, there are small pay-phone-like booths where police can stand guard when the royals are in town. Even when the villa is not in use, there are still a couple of police officers guarding the villa on a 24-hour basis.

Access to the beach is easiest if you drive, but is still accessible by train and bus.

Isshiki Beach

一色海岸

https://goo.gl/maps/R8ZhvRJGuSRoyRoT7

Hayama Imperial Villa

葉山御用邸

https://goo.gl/maps/WnHygZK4VeSK1ijNA

Koisonohana headland

小磯の鼻

https://goo.gl/maps/DHNMR2k9TFQwmB5cA

Arched Bridge

https://goo.gl/maps/DHNMR2k9TFQwmB5cA

Closest Parking Lot

1443 Shimoyamaguchi Parking

https://goo.gl/maps/DsXoxTiqCFgLUrEf7

Nearest Train Station: Zushi･Hayama Station (Keikyu-Zushi Line)

逗子・葉山駅

https://goo.gl/maps/N7ZHVoCoKx7Mc43Q9

Take the Hayama-Bound Bus to the Isshiki Kaigan bus stop.

https://goo.gl/maps/Eoc2pcKfB6KkoeD78

Sources of information in this blog:

Short article on possible reason for the small shrine and torii at Isshiki Beach (Japanese only):

https://tripnote.jp/hayama-machi/place-koisonohana

Information about Isshiki Beach provided by city hall of Hayama (Japanese only):

一色海岸（海水浴場）～プライベートビーチ気分で最高！～

https://www.town.hayama.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyou/1/7225.html

Low Tide Waves

Waves on Isshiki Beach receding at low tide right after sunrise on an early spring morning. Relatively clean and calm beach with elderly couples walking their dogs. The dark gray sand on this beach makes for a nice contrast with the slowly receding waves reflecting golden hour light.

Water Trails

Isshiki Beach at low tide creates great opportunities for long-exposure photography as the waves slowly recede back into the ocean leaving behind trails of foam and water. During summer, this beach must be a great place for young families to bring their children.

Red Torii on Outcrop

Isshiki Beach was originally a small fishing village, so the red torii gate on the rocks of an outcrop called Koisonohana, which leads to a tiny shrine, is most likely dedicated to a deity to pray for safety while fishermen are out at sea.

Rocky Beach

Small waves crashing on the north-eastern end of Isshiki Beach after sunrise on an early spring morning reveals a beach that gradually changes from a sandy beach to one of mostly small, smooth rocks.

Headland and Stumps

South of Isshiki Beach there is a grassy headland called Koisonohana from where you can see several small stumps and the distant headland called Chojasaki if you look further south.

Ocean Spray

From atop the Koisonohana headland at the southern end of Isshiki Beach, you can enjoy much larger waves crashing ashore as they breach the rocky coastline. Some waves are immensely large compared to the relative calm waves on the beach.

Mt. Fuji

The view from Koisonohana headland at the southern end of Isshiki Beach can be breathtaking if you are able to visit early enough in the morning during colder months when the air is dry with lest haze to obscure the view across Sagami Bay.

Arched Bridge

This traditional arched bridge crosses over Shimoyama River, which cuts through the middle of the Hayama Imperial Villa (est. 1895), which serves as a winter retreat for the imperial family and explains the presence of police standing guard at points around the walled-off villa.

Lonely Stones & Blue Ribbons

As the sun rises higher in the morning sky, the dark blue sea slowly changes into a translucent ribbon ranging from a misty teal to an Aruba blue and the dark sand on Isshiki Beach transforms into a shade of rusty spice.

Looking Back

Dale-chan the border collie takes a break from chasing waves to check out the tobi raptors (Japanese black kite) tussling on the beach over some food.

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 Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

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

"Dismantle" composed by Peter Sandberg and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Nightingale” composed by Patrik Almkvisth and performed by Lo Mimieux.

“By The Harbor” composed by Tommy Ljungberg and performed by Mhern.

“Weather Any Storm” composed by Cody Butler and performed by Cody Francis.

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

Photos used with permission.

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 Caubarrere Piché LLC.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Maioka Hachimangu Shrine

今日のテーマは、横浜戸塚区の「舞岡八幡宮」。

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』

Maioka Hachimangu Shrine

Founded in 1302, this Shinto Shrine was renamed to Maioka Hachimangu Shrine in 1891 upon its merger with three other nearby shrines in Totsuka Ward of Yokohama.

The shrine is home to six deity and holds 11 different festivals throughout the year.

The shrine is closely associated with the local farmers who primarily grow rice in rice paddies that can be found in the small valley surrounding the shrine.

The shrine is also home to a 245-year-old ginkgo tree that has received a Distinguished Historic Tree designation from the city of Yokohama, which aims to preserve and protect such trees for future generations.

The smaller shrines on the right side of the main shrine structure were built in 1945 to worship the spirits of the war dead dating as far back as the Sino-Japan War up to and including WWII who were from Maioka village.

On the day of this photo shoot, in addition to the abundance of greenery and rural vibe, I was pleasantly surprised to hear many frogs calling out to each other in the rice paddies.

References:

Japan Architecture:

https://www.japan-architecture.org/komainu/

Wikipedia:

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

Traditional Kyoto:

https://traditionalkyoto.com/culture/figures/lions-komainu/

Nippon.com

https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b05206/

Green Shinto:

https://www.greenshinto.com/wp/2015/01/24/komainu-guardians/

Japanese Religions, Vol. 34 (1): 7-23

https://japanese-religions.jp/publications/assets/JR34%201_a_Kotera.pdf

神奈川県神社庁

https://www.kanagawa-jinja.or.jp/search_dtl.php4?jid=307&cd=1204067&scd=&npg=0

The Yokohama Standard

http://theyokohamastandard.jp/article-4912/

国際教養振興協会 ICPA

http://jinjajin.jp/modules/newdb/detail.php?id=8263

Info Unite Co., Ltd.

https://yaokami.jp/1140191/

Access

Location:

946 Maiokacho, Totsuka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-0813

〒244-0813 神奈川県横浜市戸塚区舞岡町946

https://goo.gl/maps/7LgZuKkqcGREzvD17

Access by Subway:

Maioka Station (Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line): 4-minute walk (distance of 299 m)

https://goo.gl/maps/ARrytsNE1e8ogVbg6

Access by Car:

The nearest parking lots to the shrine are next to the subway station.

https://goo.gl/maps/tbRDVrr96YG7ZySR8

Times Maioka Parking Lot:

https://goo.gl/maps/skZdtGS2FuLMFLzH9

Times Maioka Dai-Ni Parking Lot:

https://goo.gl/maps/D2R3fVdiueWGGL6y7

Shinto Shrine in Yokohama

Front view of Maioka Hachimangu Shrine, located on a hillside surrounded by rice paddies in Totsuka Ward, Yokohama. This is a relatively obscure shrine known mostly by locals only. I used to live near here many years ago and have wanted to make a return visit for a long time.

Shinto Shrine in Yokohama

Side view of Maioka Hachimangu Shrine, located on a hillside surrounded by rice paddies in Totsuka Ward, Yokohama. This angle more clearly reveals the large “stage” area where some of the ceremonies associated with certain festivals are performed the local community.

Lion-Dog Statue with Jewel

Komainu, or so-called lion-dogs in English, are typically in pairs with both protecting the shrine from evil. The sphere under the paw is supposed to be a jewel that symbolizes a ball of vital energy.

Stone Lantern

There are two tall stone lanterns on either side of the path leading to the shrine, which are about 2 meters tall each (approx. 6 1/2 feet tall).

Stone Shrine Gate

Although typically wooden and painted in vermillion red, some Shinto shrines are also made of stone, which I assume require less maintenance and are more resilient against the many earthquakes and typhoons that rack the islands of Japan.

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.

Photos used with permission.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Nogecho Yokohama

今日のテーマは、横浜市中区の『野毛町』。

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』

In this week's photo shoot, we visit the Nogecho District in Yokohama.

Since the 1860s, the Noge district grew into a collection of small restaurants, bars, and clubs that catered to sailors whose ships had docked in the Port of Yokohama and catered to the large number of workers employed at the nearby heavy industries shipyards.

As Japan modernized, the country's first railroad was completed in October 1872 with the train line starting in Yokohama where the current Sakuragicho Station is located near the Nogecho District. With the growth of heavy industry, import, exports, and visitors on the newly founded train line, Nogecho became Yokohama's hub of entertainment that included venues for movies and live performances of enka and helped introduce jazz to the populace.

Since the 1930s, jazz grew in popularity throughout Japan and in particular, in the Noge District of Yokohama. In fact, Noge is home to Japan's oldest jazz cafe where the 14-time Grammy Award nominee, legendary pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, made her debut.

Today, the Nogecho District has been able to preserve most of its vibe and continues to the destination of choice for jazz connoisseurs and locals looking for a fun place to eat and drink and to experience the nostalgia of Japan's Showa Era.

Access: Only a 2-minute walk from Exit South No. 1 of Sakuragicho Station on the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line.
Nogecho District, Naka Ward, Yokohama
Miyako Bridge Restaurant Quarter, Miyagawacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama

Old Restaurant Quarter

The Miyako Bridge Restaurant Quarter (都橋飲食店街 / Miyakobashi Inshokuten-Gai) dates back to the post-war era during the U.S. occupation of Japan. Most of the shops are small bars/pubs with standing room only. Each establishment has their own special menu and vibe. All these years later, the Miyakobashi Inshokuten-Gai has preserved most of its character from the glory days of postwar Japan during the Showa era.

Wistful Memories of Urban Alley

The Noge Tabemono Yokocho district (野毛たべもの横町) dates back to 1859 when sailors would disembark and visit the various narrow alleys for some drink and food after months of sailing the high seas. Nowadays, there are fewer sailors but more tourists, and a daily onslaught of office workers spilling out into the alleys from high-rise buildings that have taken over the nearby waterfront.

Canopy of Paper Lanterns

The Noge Tabemono Yokocho district (野毛たべもの横町) has retained much of its old vibe with a nice mix of old, traditional Japanese paper chochin lanterns for advertising of local shops hanging side-by-side with more modern backlit color signage.

Urban River Cityscape

Shot of the Ooka River (大岡川) as it winds along the Hinode Sakura Michi street (日の出さくら道) near Hinodecho Station featuring reflections of a high-rise apartment building, chochin paper lanterns, and smaller office buildings.

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.

Photos used with permission.