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).
A sculpted image of the wrathful deity Fudō Myōō (不動明王) dating to the late Heian period (794-1185) at Daishōji Temple (大聖寺) in Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture
Photo by piro, a Twitter account dedicated to Buddhist images, hot springs, and travel
Mount Fuji, sentinel of Japan's dreams,
Rising with grace, where the sky meets streams.
Snow-crowned monarch, serene and grand,
A sacred silhouette upon the land.
Location: Koyodai Observatory Terrace, Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 15:58 on November 15, 2023
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/30 sec. at ƒ/11
Using the Pentax “Pixel Shift Resolution II” feature, I captured four full-resolution photos of this scene from the 2nd floor landing at the Koyodai-Tenbodai Rest House. These shots, processed in-camera, synthesize the 4 shots into a single, super-high-resolution composite image. This not only enhances the resolving power but also eliminates false color, reduces high-sensitivity noise, and significantly improves overall image quality.
Positioning your tripod in the left corner of the landing on the 2nd flat of stairs provides an unobtrusive vantage point for capturing the breathtaking scene. The Japanese maple tree visible from the second floor of the Koyodai Observatory Terrace adds a captivating foreground element, complementing the vibrant autumn colors in the lower mid-ground of the scene.
For more in-depth information on the history of the Koyodai-Tenbodai Rest House, optimal parking locations, and nearby bus stops, check out my blog post. I hope to guide you through planning a visit to this off-the-beaten-path site, offering a serene experience away from the typical tourist crowds:
https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20231115-koyodai
Cinnamon toast and salad; Bacon and eggs with homemade bread, ink and highlighter on origami paper, 2023.
Western style breakfasts in Japan always have a salad for some reason. Do some western countries eat salad at breakfast? It’s not common in North America. I look forward to them now because I am eternally craving raw veggies in Japan though.
When travelling I tend to look for hotels or breakfast places that serve American breakfasts. I’m the opposite for all other meals; I cook western food at home and Japanese at restaurants, but I’m never awake enough in the morning to do more than toast a bagel or pick up onigiri and miso from 7-11. I miss real bacon and good bread. The meal on the right had decent bacon and the bread was excellent, so it was my favourite breakfast in Japan I think. They even substituted bacon for grilled mushrooms for my friend, so overall a great meal experience.