pix4japan

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Komeido Bookstore at Gumyoji Shotengai

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 17:12・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 3200 for 1/140 sec. at ƒ/13 Classic Negative film simulation

Located at the eastern entrance to the Gumyoji Kannon Street Shopping Arcade (Gumyoji Shotengai), just a minute's walk from Gumyoji Station on the municipal Blue Line subway, lies the Komeido Shoten bookstore.

Rooted in its origins dating back to around 1940, Komeido Shoten is presently under the stewardship of its third-generation owner. The bookstore underwent renovation in 2008, expanding its offerings to encompass a diverse range of books within its 49.58 square-meter (533.67 square-foot) premises.

Among its collection, one can find a plethora of comics, magazines, and novels. Notably, the selection leans less towards business-oriented titles and more towards catering to the preferences of its core clientele, which predominantly comprises students, housewives, and retirees from the local community.

A unique feature of the bookstore is its practice of including small gifts and product samples with many of its books, a gesture that resonates particularly well with the cost-conscious women who frequent the establishment. Furthermore, in recognition of the large student population in the vicinity, the store maintains a well-stocked inventory of relevant textbooks to meet their academic needs.

For links to Google Maps and additional source references, please check out my latest write-up, a concise 1-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240409-komeido).

#ストリートスナップ #横浜 #弘明寺商店街 #弘明堂書店 #pix4japan #FujifilmX100V #street photography #Japan #Yokohama #Gumyoji Shotengai #bookstore

[pix4japan]

Gumyoji Kannon Street Shopping Arcade East Gate

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 17:09・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 3200 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/13 Classic Negative film simulation

Gumyoji Kannon Street Shopping Arcade, known locally as Gumyoji Shotengai, lies nestled between Gumyoji Station on the Keihin-Kyuko Line to the east and Gumyoji Station on the Yokohama municipal subway Blue Line to the west.

This covered shopping arcade (typically called a shotengai in Japanese), sits along the path leading to Yokohama's oldest Buddhist temple, established roughly 1,300 years ago during the Nara Period.

The roofing that blankets the shopping street provides protection to visitors, particularly those en route to the temple.

Whether one seeks everyday essentials or indulges in gourmet delights, taking a leisurely stroll down this extensive shotengai is a regularly occuring pastime, especially following a visit to the temple located at the street's far western end.

For additional information, references, and Google Maps links, please refer to our latest write-up available at https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240409-gumyoji.

#ストリートスナップ #横浜 #弘明寺かんのん通り商店街 #pix4japan #Fujifilm X100V #street photography #Japan #Yokohama #Gumyoji Shotengai #shotengai

[pix4japan]

A Glimpse into Torii Gate Architecture at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 15:24・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/7.1

The large torii gate warmly welcomes visitors to the cedar-tree lined approach to the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. Many of these trees are 800 years old and have stood tall since the Kamakura Period (1185–1333).

Historical records indicate the original torii gate was built to a height of approximately 13 m (42.65 ft) in 1688, and rebuilt in 1697 to a height of 16.4 m (53.80 ft).

The current torii gate was built of concrete in 1965 and stands approximately 18 m (59.05 ft) high. One of the cornerstones of the original gate remains at the right foot of the current gate.

Discover more about the fascinating history and symbolism of the torii gate at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. Delve into the meaning behind the inscription on the gate, explore the intricate design elements of this shrine and similar types, and provide a glossary of key Japanese words used in torii gate construction. Plus, find Google Maps links for easy navigation and additional source materials for further reading. Read the full write-up here: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-torii

#風景写真 #山梨県 #大鳥居 #河口淺間神社 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Kawaguchi Asama Shrine #torii gate

[pix4japan]

Sacred Ancient Trees at Shinto Shrine

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 15:11・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 6400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8

Situated approximately 20 meters (65 ft) to the east of the Kawaguchi Asama-Jinja Shrine in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, stand two ancient trees known as the Futahashira-Sugi (両柱杉) cedars. Among the renowned seven cedar trees at the shrine, the cedar on the right reaches a towering height of approximately 47.5 meters (156 ft), making it the tallest.

The origin story of these two trees is fused with the belief that the roots of the right tree gradually grew and intertwined with those of the smaller tree on the left, symbolizing a physical and metaphorical union. This union has transformed them into revered entities, worshiped for their association with successful matchmaking, fertility, and safe childbirth. Their significance is further emphasized by the shimenawa rope, signifying their status as revered landmarks.

Check out the full write-up, a concise 1-minute read, which includes a glossary, Google Maps links, and links to source materials for further reading (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-trees).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #両柱杉 #河口淺間神社 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Kawaguchi Asama-Jinja Shrine

[pix4japan]

Kawaguchi Asama-Jinja Shrine

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 15:09・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 2500 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/8

Situated just 1.28 km (4,186 ft) from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, which lies northeast of Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine boasts an ancient history dating back to the Jogan Eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864. The shrine is oriented toward the source of the lava flow rather than Mt. Fuji’s peak, to appease the volcano deity known as Asama or Sengen. Establishment of this shrine marked the beginning of the building up of shrines on the northern flank of Mt. Fuji, which centuries later, would welcome thousands of lay pilgrims every year.

The architecture of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine follows the wari-haiden ("divided worship hall") style typical of Sengen shrines. This style features two distinct structures connected by an open space beneath a single roof. In my accompanying photo, you can see a prime example of wari-haiden: the expansive main worship hall (haiden) on the left and the sanctuary housing the shrine's central object of veneration (honden) on the right, both unified under the same roof.

The standout feature of this shrine that immediately captivated my attention is its remarkable nagare-zukuri (流造) design, showcased in the roofs of both the worship hall and the sanctuary. I'm also fascinated by the metal fittings positioned at the ends of the rafters that not only serve as decorative elements but also play a functional role in safeguarding the structural components from weather-related wear and tear.

For a deeper delve into the shrine's history and architecture, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, see the full write-up, which offers a concise 3-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-asama).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #河口淺間神社 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Kawaguchu Asama Shrine

[pix4japan]

From Silk Worms to Scarves: Inside the Historic Farmhouses of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 12:24・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11

This farmhouse stands as the epitome of a traditional Japanese rural dwelling, characterized by its iconic thatched roof and adorned with a few unique features tailored for silk production.

A defining trait of many restored farmhouses in the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba open-air museum is their incorporation of second-floor windows. These windows play a pivotal role in regulating airflow, light, and temperature, essential for the cultivation of silkworms. This industry was central to the village's existence, tracing back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).

The houses in this village used a distinctive thatched roof design, known as kabuto-zukuri (兜造り), owes its origin to the necessities of sericulture. The name, kabuto-zukuri, translates to "helmet structure,” and derives from the roof's resemblance to the helmet worn by samurai warriors.

Check out the full write-up (a short 2-minute read) for Google Maps links, and references for further reading (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-silk).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #茅葺き民家 #富士山しるく #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba #Fujisan Silk

[pix4japan]

Historic Relics Next to the Watanabe Residence

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 12:06・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 53 mm ISO 100 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Next to the former Watanabe Residence, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, sits a quaint shed adorned with charming relics of the past – an older style mailbox and shoiko backpacks.

This particular design of mailbox traces its origins back to 1949, a time when the use of iron for casting durable mailboxes resumed to normal levels as critical materials became once again available for civilian use following the end of World War II.

Seventy-four years have passed since then, yet this particular style of mailbox can still be found in both rural areas and older neighborhoods in urban Japan.

Dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867), two shoiko backpacks hang on the shed's wall. Crafted from hardwood and straw ropes, these vintage backpacks served as indispensable tools for farmers and their families. They were utilized for transporting charcoal, harvested crops, firewood, and rice bundles. Given the expectation for children to assist with chores, smaller shoiko backpacks tailored for youngsters were also commonplace.

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #ポスト #背負子 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

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From Fire Lookout to Costume Haven: Hinomiya Building in Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 12:02・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/11

The Hinomiya building (火の見屋) is a restored thatched-roof house currently being used as a costume rental shop within the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba open-air museum in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Visitors can rent costumes tailored as kimonos, sets of samurai armor, ninja costumes, and more to wear and pose for photos around the museum.

The name 'Hinomi' (火の見) translates to “fire lookout,” which explains the presence of a bell at the top of the tower situated in the front yard of this old restored house.

In pre-modern Japan, many villages and cities were constructed from flammable materials such as wood, bamboo, straw, and paper. Due to the proximity of structures, fires could easily spread. In response, the Shogunate mandated the construction of watch towers in 1723. For further insight into this historical context, consider reading “Fire-Fighting and Disaster Prevention in Edo” published by the Journal of Japanese Trade & Industry in November/December 2000, authored by historian Sumiyoshi Yamamoto.

Check out the full write-up (a short 1-minute read) for Google Maps links, and references for further reading (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-hinomiya).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #火の見屋 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #japan #yokohama #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba #Hinomiya

[pix4japan]

Nenba Village, also known as "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba," stands as a testament to resilience, nestled in Minamitsuru Village on the western shores of Saiko Lake in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Originally known as Ashiwada Village, it flourished as a center for the silkworm industry until tragedy struck on September 25, 1966, when a devastating mudslide, triggered by the relentless rains of Typhoon No. 26, cascaded down the mountain, engulfing the entire village in a sea of mud.

Decades later, amidst the distant echoes of tragedy, the villagers rallied to resurrect their once-thriving community. In 2006, the transformation began with the establishment of an open-air museum, initially comprising a handful of restored structures.

Today, visitors can wander through approximately 20 meticulously reconstructed thatched-roof houses, each serving a unique purpose as souvenir shops, restaurants, sweet shops, craft exhibits, and museums. Notably, in 2011, the former main house of the Watanabe family which is nestled in the northwest corner of the village, earned recognition as a national registered Tangible Cultural Property, anchoring the village's historical significance.

For a deeper delve into the village’s history, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, see the full write-ups here: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/

#youtube #風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #FujifilmX100V #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefeture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

[pix4japan]

Rest and Rejuvenation: Unveiling the Goronekan Respite in Yamanashi

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 11:55・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 31 mm ISO 100 for 1/320 sec. at ƒ/8

The Goronekan is a meticulously restored thatched-roof structure within the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba open-air museum, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, offers visitors a serene retreat. Additionally, it serves as an intimate venue for small concerts featuring traditional Japanese musical instruments, adding a cultural dimension to its charm.

The name itself, Goronekan, translates to "Falling asleep in one's clothes to take a nap" combined with "public building." Essentially, Goronekan serves as a respite for weary visitors, offering a place to rest and rejuvenate on traditional tatami mats or wooden floors after exploring the village's many attractions.

Perched at the highest point of the open-air museum, Goronekan treats visitors to a majestic vista of Mount Fuji, framed by the quaint thatched roofs of neighboring buildings, provided the weather cooperates.

For a deeper delve into the other activities available at Goronekan, including Google Maps links, sources, and references for further reading, check out the full write-up—a short 1-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-goronekan).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #ごろ寝館 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba #Goronekan

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From Doll Displays to Irori Hearths: Discovering the Seseragiya Crafts Museum

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 11:37・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 2.0 sec. at ƒ/11

Exploring the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba open-air museum is like stepping back into a time of traditional Japanese culture.

One of restored thatched roof buildings, Seseragiya (せせらぎ屋), not only showcases traditional Japanese handicrafts but also serves as a hub for workshops where visitors, including local school children, can learn the art of crafting traditional toys from wood or bamboo.

The enchanting Seseragiya Hina-matsuri display stole the show, commemorating Girl’s Day, the national holiday dedicated to girls and their families' hopes for health and happiness.

Modeled after a Heian Period (794 to 1185) wedding, the display features meticulously arranged tiers, with the Emperor and Empress gracing the uppermost tier, surrounded by court attendants and musicians adorned in traditional attire.

In this shot, we can also see a traditional cast iron kettle hanging from a pothook over a sunken hearth. In a traditional house, the hearth (irori) was used to provide heat, light, and in many cases a place for cooking.

Marveling at the elegance and colors of Heian Period dolls or relaxing to the rustic charm of a traditional hearth, this open-air museum allows you to immerse yourself in a few of the timeless traditions of Japan's cultural heritage.

For a deeper delve into the museum’s history, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, please check the full write-up, which offers a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-seseragiya).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #せせらぎ屋 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba #Seseragiya

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Landscape Photography at Ryugu-Doketsu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

Our photo shoot showcases the twisted tree roots unique to the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest, followed by a worshiper in prayer at Senoumi Shrine, and culminating in a view from outside the cave entrance.

Primary Shots:

Sea of Trees: Aokigahara-Jukai 青木ヶ原樹海 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 88 mm ISO 100 for 1/0.3 sec. at ƒ/6.3 Full write-up: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-aokigahara

Deep in Prayer 豊玉姫命の剗海神社 (せのうみじんじゃ) Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 105 mm ISO 100 for 1/5 sec. at ƒ/5.6 Full write-up: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-cave

View from Dragon Cave 竜宮洞穴の風景 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 0.4 sec. at ƒ/10 Full write-up: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-ryugu

#風景写真 #山梨県 #竜宮洞穴 #青木ヶ原樹海 #愛犬 #ボーダーコリー #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Dragon Cave #Aokigahara-Jukai Forest #border collie

[pix4japan]

Landscape Photography at Aokigahara Forest in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

Join me on a short photo shoot to the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest located near Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.

Our photo shoot begins at the trailhead of Aokigahara-Jukai Forest, and later continues deeper into the “Sea of Trees Forest.”

Faithful Companion Deep in Moss-Covered Sea of Trees Full write-up: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-jukai Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 45 mm ISO 25,600 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/6.3

#風景写真 #山梨県 #青木ヶ原樹海 #愛犬 #ボーダーコリー #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Aokigahara-Jukai Forest #border collie

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Part V: Lake Tanuki & Chojagatake and Kenashi Mountains in Shizuoka Pref., Japan

Join me for a 60-second visit to the shores of Lake Tanuki in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, where we can enjoy views of the Chojagatake and Kenashi Mountain Ranges.

Chojagatake Mountain Range・田貫湖と長者ヶ岳 https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240228-chojagatake Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/8.0

Kenashi Mountain Range・田貫湖と毛無山 https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240228-kenashi Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

LakeTanuki #Chojagatake #Kenashiyama #Japan #landscapephotography

#風景写真 #田貫湖 #毛無山 #長者ヶ岳 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan

[pix4japan]

Nenba Village: Where Tragedy Led to Cultural Renewal

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan Timestamp: 11:29・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 63 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/8

Nenba Village, also known as "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba," stands as a testament to resilience, nestled in district of Minamitsuru on the western shores of Saiko Lake in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Originally known as Ashiwada Village, it flourished as a center for the silkworm industry, with the distinctive feature of glass windows on the second floors of its thatched-roof homes, where silkworms were raised for their silk until 1966 when a devastating mudslide engulfed the entire village in a sea of mud.

Today, visitors can wander through approximately 20 meticulously reconstructed thatched-roof houses, each serving a unique purpose as souvenir shops, restaurants, sweet shops, craft exhibits, and museums.

One such house within the village is the traditional Seiryutei Tea House (see photo). Seiryutei Tea House, once a humble abode from the Edo Period (1603-1867), it now invites visitors to savor the essence of traditional Japanese delicacies including Japanese matcha sweets, homemade soy milk pudding, and sweet rice dumplings (dango).

For a deeper delve into the village’s history, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, see the full write-up, which offers a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-teahouse).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #西湖いやしの里根場 #茶処青龍亭 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Yamanashi Prefecture #Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba #tea house #Seiryutei

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Dragon Cave: A Place of Reverence, Pilgrimage, and Sacred Tradition

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan Timestamp: 10:32・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 100 for 0.6 sec. at ƒ/10

Ryugu-Doketsu, or “Dragon Cave” in English, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. Designated as a nationally recognized natural monument, its origins trace back to the Jogan eruption of Mt. Fuji in 864 CE. During this cataclysmic event, lava flows engulfed the region, cooling and solidifying over time to form intricate natural caverns through the process of erosion.

The mystique of Ryugu-Doketsu Cave, a lesser-known gem, is waiting to be discovered. Nestled amidst moss-covered rocks, this intimate cavern offers a passage to another realm, connecting to a tranquil lake beyond its depths. At its entrance stands a modest shrine, home to Toyotamahime, the Goddess of Water, revered by locals for generations.

Senoumi Shrine, as the shrine is known, holds a special place in the hearts of worshipers who make pilgrimages to this location. Officially registered with the Shrine Agency, its name pays homage to an ancient legend of a dragon god dwelling within the cave. In times of drought, villagers would gather here, seeking divine intervention in the form of rain.

For a deeper delve into the shrine’s history, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, please refer to the full write-up, which offers a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-cave).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #青木ヶ原樹海 #竜宮洞穴 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Aokigahara-Jukai Forest #Dragon Cave

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Twists of Nature: Discovering Aokigahara-Jukai's Beauty

Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan Timestamp: 09:39・2024/03/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 88 mm ISO 100 for 0.3 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Nestled on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji lies the Aokigahara-Jukai Forest, also known as the "Sea of Trees," standing at an elevation of 1,014 meters (3,327 feet). This remarkable landscape is renowned for its extraordinary display of trees, which twist and contort themselves as they strive to find purchase in the shallow soil covering ancient lava flows.

The challenge for these trees is evident: the thin layer of soil above the hardened lava makes it difficult for their roots to penetrate deeply, leading to unique adaptations. While many trees manage to grow upright, external forces such as wind and snow often twist their trunks or cause them to lean under their own weight.

Adding to the mystique of this landscape is the abundance of moss and lichen, which blanket the jagged edges of the lava rock and soften its contours. These vibrant green accents lend a mystical aura to the forest, enhancing its natural beauty.

Increasingly, Aokigahara-Jukai is drawing the attention of nature photographers and fine artists, drawn to its otherworldly charm and the myriad shapes formed by tree roots and moss intermingling with volcanic rock.

For further exploration, including Google Maps links, source materials, and additional references, please refer to the full write-up, which offers a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240320-aokigahara).

#風景写真 #山梨県 #青木ヶ原樹海 #pix4japan #pentax_dfa28105 #pentaxk1mkii #landscape photography #Japan #Sea of Trees #Aokigahara-Jukai Forest