ＩＤＣＳ英会話の「Pix & English」

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Akigawa Valley

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。

In this week’s video of landscape photography in Japan, we visit the Akigawa Valley located in the small town of Akiruno, which is located within the boundaries of Tokyo Prefecture and the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park.

Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akikawakeikoku)

https://goo.gl/maps/c7cjYryApUsZgf4e8

Known for trout fishing, the small mountain town of Akiruno has become a destination for nature lovers and fisherman. The Ishibune Bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the Minami-Akigawa River, has been featured in Japanese TV melodramas, and is a popular subject for landscape photography when the surrounding hills are covered in snow, drenched in autumn colors, or beaming with fresh spring greenery.

Access by train and bus:

From Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line bound for Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. The train will run on the Chuo Line and on through on the Ome Line, continuing onto the Itsukaichi Line with no need to transfer.

Musashi-Itsukaichi Station

武蔵五日市駅

Stop ID: JC86

https://goo.gl/maps/g4QDWamTbBjKcxxr8

Take the 五10, 五15, or 五18 bus to the Jurigi bus stop (11th stop with kanji of 十里木).

From this bus stop you are within walking distance of many of the local attractions including fishing holes, barbecue grounds, campgrounds, and hiking trails:

Akiruno city website:

https://www.city.akiruno.tokyo.jp/0000001850.html

Akigawa International Trout Fishing Ground

秋川国際マス釣場

http://akigawagyokyo.or.jp/fish/

Ochiai Camping Ground

落合キャンプ場

https://goo.gl/maps/XDeuPVtrWEq4fMZw9

Jurigi Land (Campground)

十里木ランド

https://goo.gl/maps/xA6oN2oRJzWxB5Nc7

Primary locations for this photo shoot:

Ishibune Bridge (石舟橋 / Ishibune-bashi)

https://goo.gl/maps/5tVR2W3ugXvfXtPX6

Shinyagara Bridge (新矢柄橋 / Shinyagara-bashi)

https://goo.gl/maps/YUsuxKgwbeBcJwRA9

Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akikawakeikoku)

https://goo.gl/maps/c7cjYryApUsZgf4e8

Suspension Bridge

The Ishibune-bashi Bridge (石舟橋 / Ishibune-bashi) extends for 96 meters across the Minamiaki River as it flows through the Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akigawa Keikoku). The bridge offers great views of the valley below, and is especially popular during autumn as the surrounding mountainside foliage changes colors.

Mist over Cedar Plantation

The Akigawa Valley (秋川渓谷 / Akigawa Keikoku) is a narrow gorge that cuts through the mountains of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Visiting during the rainy season is both breathtaking and refreshing. Slightly humid, but still cool enough to need a jacket when hiking along the river or following trails leading to ancient shrines and temples.

Disappearing Power Lines

Normally an eyesore when trying to enjoy a pristine, natural landscape, the low fog obscures the trees and mountains in the background helping to isolate the lattice tower carrying high-voltage transmission lines from a nearby dam to the metropolis of greater Tokyo. Although this image appears to be a black and white image, in actually it was shot in color and edited as an abstract color composition.

Playing in River

Dale-chan the border collie resting on the shoreline of the river after chasing after what might have been small fish swimming by. This river is actually a popular fishing destination with facilities specifically for camping and fishing on the shoreline. Great place to visit if you like freshwater fishing and want to grill your own fish for dinner that evening.

Through Arch Bridge

The Shinyagara Bridge (新矢柄橋 / Shinyagara-bashi) is a “through arch bridge” that spans the narrow gorge below at an almost perpendicular angle to the gorge, while the girder that the bridge supports forms a nice X pattern with the arch if viewed from above. This unusual design explains why the bridge looks asymmetrical when viewed from below. The bridge includes a pedestrian walk separated by guard rails, allowing for leisure strolls over the river below without having to worry about vehicular traffic buzzing by.

Unnameable Twin Boulders and Silky Smooth Stream

Looking at both shorelines of this small river, you can see smoother rocks of sandstone and darker, less smooth rocks of mudstone. It seems that this river runs along an old fault line, and has slowly exposed the two types of rocks that mostly lie on the opposite sides of the shoreline.

Winding River

Although I visited this river during the rainy season, the water level was lower than I had expected with most of the river bank being accessible. In the middle of the river, however, it gets quite deep, which I suppose makes for a great habitat for trout since further downstream is the Akigawa International Trout Fishing Ground.

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/

"Honey Take My Hand" composed by Cody Butler and performed by Cody Francis.

“The Long Walk” composed and performed by Jamie Norwood.

“Bagatelle Valley” composed by David Vestin and performed by Nylonwings.

“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 Pix4Japan.

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。

ＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』

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:

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/

"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.

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.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Sakitama Kofun Park

今日のテーマは、埼玉県の『さきたま古墳公園』。

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』

For this week's photo shoot, we visited the Sakitama Kofun Park in the town of Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture. There are currently 9 remaining kofun (burial mounds) out of a cluster of nearly 40 mounds that were built between the third and seventh centuries in the Sakitama area.

Access to the park is easiest if you can drive there. Depending on traffic, the park is about a 70 to 80-minute drive from central Tokyo. Using a combination of trains, city bus, and a little bit of walking, you can reach the park in less than two hours.

Sakitama Kofun Park (さきたま古墳公園)

https://goo.gl/maps/oeTr2CzH1SxSW5wV8

Free parking is available and there are no charges for entering the park. The park also includes an archeological museum showing some of the artifacts that were excavated from some of the burial mounds. The museum charges 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for students.

English Park Guide:

https://sakitama-sansaku.spec.ed.jp/

The purpose of my visit was to shoot some landscape scenery that includes the the mounds and the abundance of cherry trees in full bloom.

Ancient Burial Mound

This burial mound is just one of 40+ mounds in a cluster of burial mounds (kofun) dating back to the latter half of the 5th century to the beginning of the 7th century. After excavation and conducting research, the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum was established in 1969 to preserve nine of the kofun at this site as a public park.

Cherry Tree Blossom Canopy

Grounds of the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum include numerous paths winding around the various mounds (kofun) lined with cherry trees and well manicured grassy areas. Perfect for studying ancient Japanese history, a family picnic, a dog walk, or leisurely stroll.

Tree Tops in Spring

View of the surrounding trees from atop the larger Maruhaka-Yamakofun burial mound, which is the more popular mound at the park adjacent to the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum in Saitama Prefecture.

Burial Mound Park

Wide-angle shot of the Maruhakayama-Kofun burial mound, which is one of the larger mounds at the park surrounding the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum located in Saitama Prefecture.

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.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Lake Okutama Spring

今日のテーマは、東京都の「奥多摩湖」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

For this week's photo shoot of landscape photography in Japan, we visit Lake Okutama, or Okutamako (奥多摩湖) in Japanese, which is located about 76 km (or about 48 miles) due west of Central Tokyo.

I parked at the Tozura Parking Lot (free!), which is located at the western end of the lake where the Taba River feeds into the lake. Dale-chan (my border collie) and I headed across the lake via the Tozura Pontoon Bridge and from there took the trail to both Miyama Bridge and Mito Bridge.

We hiked back to the parking lot and then drove to the eastern end of the lake near the dam and hiked up some trails on this hillside where several varieties of cherry trees and other blooming trees have been planted for visitors to the lake.

- Tamagawa Suigen-Rin Observatory Point (follow the zigzag trail up the side of the mountain from here.)

The trail is an easy climb as it zigzags up the hillside and offers many opportunities for a variety of compositions where you can shoot white and pink blossoms with the turquoise waters of the lake as your backdrop.

The mountain slopes near the dam offer several other easy hiking trails with outlooks where you can take a rest or take out your tripod for some amazing shots of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The lake is accessible by train and bus, but if you drive to the lake, you won’t have to worry about any parking fees. There are several large parking lots, and since parking is free, you can take your time and spend the whole day wandering on the trails along the shoreline of the lake without worrying about huge parking fees.

- Okutamako Bus Stop near the dam's visitors center is a 15-minute bus ride from Oku-Tama Station on the Ome Line.

Primary Parking Lots:

- Okutamako Dam Site Parking: Closest to the dam and more popular hiking trails.

- Ōmugishiro Parking Area: Accessible 24/7. Paved sidewalk from this lot takes you to the dam.

Recommended Websites:

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.

Pontoon Bridge

The Tozura pontoon bridge allows hikers to cross over Lake Okutama and continue along the hiking trail that hugs the coastline of this man-made lake that provides Tokyo with about 20% of its drinking water.

Freshwater Lake

View of Okutama Lake in Tokyo Prefecture from the trailhead on the western shoreline of the lake during early spring.

Waiting to go Hiking

Dale-chan waiting for me to catch up with her as we climb up a trail leading to a grove of cherry blossoms.

Barren Woodland

The native species of trees in the woodlands surrounding the Lake Okutama have yet to awaken from winter, thus exposing a huge vine growing up and around the trunk of another tree.

Tied-Arch Bridge

The Mito Bridge is a tied-arch bridge that crosses over Kosuge River, which feeds water into the Okutama Lake reservoir. I like the contrast of this steel structure against the backdrop of a woodland.

Solid-Ribbed Arched Bridge

A 30-second long exposure of Miyama Bridge--a solid rib arched bridge that was built in 1957—connects the northern shoreline of Lake Okutama with the southern shoreline. The color of paint used on this bridge closely matched with the color of the water on this particular day.

Lone Cherry Blossom

The northern shoreline of Lake Okutama has an easily accessible foot trail that zigzags its way up the side of a mountain covered with several varieties of cherry trees. Using the lake waters as a backdrop, you can enjoy wonderful views of bright pink and white cherry blossoms with blue-green waters in the background.

Pale Pink Cherry Blossoms

Among the varieties of cherry blossom trees found at Lake Okutama, the Somei Yoshino variety is probably the most common variety cultivated throughout Japan.

Colorful Hillside

Happoiwa Observatory on the hillside overlooking the northwestern shore of Lake Okutama features many types of cherry trees blossoming at different times from early to late spring.

Japanese Mitsuba Tsutsuji

In addition to several varieties cherry trees, the hillside with hiking trails and cultivated trees overlooking Lake Okutama has several mitsuba tsutsuji shrubs (Rhododendron dilatatum), which look a lot like azaleas (maybe the same?).

Blossoms and Buoy Rope

Although not obvious, this shot was taken with a rope buoy barrier floating near the dam that created Lake Okutama.

Branch and Bokeh

The branches with large clusters of cherry blossoms make for a great bokeh effect.

Pink and Aqua Blue

The light, turquoise blue of the lake near the eastern shoreline compliments well the delicate pinks and yellows of the cherry tree blossoms.

Three Tones

The goal of this shot was to capture the three tones of colors: the green bush in the foreground, the pink blossoms in the mid-ground, and the aqua-blue water in the background.

Early Spring

Once the cherry blossom tree loses its flowers, the rest of the foliage on the surrounding mountainsides will start to come alive in vibrant hues of green and blue.

Photos used with permission.