Pix4Japan

Embark on a 60-second journey with me and my border collie as we descend from the lush green peak of Mt. Omori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

https://youtu.be/kA2BmttDmhw



#大盛山 #長野県 #風景写真

60 Seconds of Descending from Mt. Omori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan | 長野県の大盛山から下山と風景撮影。 Leaving Mt. Omori (大盛山・Omori-yama), we traverse the Jumonji-Toge Pass and make our way across the southern slope of this peak, which is renowned for its vibr...

One of the Oldest Buddhist Temples in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:28 on July 19, 2023

Jindai-ji Temple, established in 733, stands as a testament to Tokyo's ancient spiritual heritage. With its construction dating back over a millennium, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries, preserving the wisdom and devotion of generations past.

The Main Hall's reconstruction in 1919 stands as a symbol of the temple's unwavering resilience against the destructive forces of time and fate. The flames of 1646 and 1865 could not deter the dedication of the faithful, who diligently restored the temple to its former glory.

As the special Head Temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Jindai-ji Temple holds a special place in Japan's religious history. The Tendai sect, founded in 806, found its spiritual heart within these hallowed grounds, spreading its teachings and embodying the principles of harmony and enlightenment.

In the heart of Tokyo's bustling pace, the temple's preserved woodland grove offers a respite—a verdant oasis that has sacred spring waters that flow through the temple grounds are said to possess a healing aura, inviting pilgrims and visitors to rekindle their spirits.

Since antiquity, Jindai-ji Temple has welcomed seekers of solace and assurance to its serene precincts, promising a journey beyond the noise and hurry of daily life, inviting all to rediscover moments of stillness and self-discovery.

A visit to Jindai-ji Temple is an opportunity to partake in an age-old tradition of reverence. Embrace the continuity of devotion that has spanned generations and take with you the tranquility that lingers long after your departure.

Incorporating these suggestions can help paint a richer picture of the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of Jindai-ji Temple, inviting you to embark on a journey of understanding and reflection.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation



#深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

60-Second Video of Climbing to Summit of Mt. Omori (大盛山・Omori-yama) in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with my Border Collie

In this short clip, we continue across the Jumonji-Toge Pass to the peak of Mt. Omori.

Location: Jumonji-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:07 on July 5, 2023

For more information, visit the Pix4Japan blog where I have curated Google Maps links, and other links for further reading:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230705-mt-meshimori



#ボーダーコリー #登山 #大盛山 #長野県 #風景写真

60 Seconds of Climbing to Summit of Mt. Omori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with my Border Collie In this short clip, we continue across the Jumonji-Toge Pass to the peak of Mt. Omori. Location: Jumonji-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, JapanTimestamp: 09:07...

Historical Hall Housing the Statue Ganzan-Daishi in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:25 on July 19, 2023

This hall is home to an impressive wooden statue of Grand Master Ganzan (912–985), a towering figure standing nearly 2 meters tall. The statue depicts Ganzan Daishi, the 18th chief abbot of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in the 10th century, in a seated posture.

Regarded as one of the largest statues of its kind in Japan, this remarkable artwork has been enshrined within the hall since the year 991. However, it is unveiled to the public only once every 25 years, with the next scheduled viewing planned for 2034.

In 1867, following a devastating fire that had damaged the hall's original structure located on the southwestern side of the main temple, the hall was meticulously reconstructed here on the western side.

Today, visitors frequent this hall to offer prayers seeking relief from misfortune or the challenges they may be encountering in their lives.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation



#元三大師堂 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

60 Seconds of Climbing to Summit of Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie

In this short clip, we continue from the trailhead to the peak of Mt. Meshimori.

Location: Hirasawa-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 08:42 on July 5, 2023

For more information, visit the Pix4Japan blog where I have curated Google Maps links, and other links for further reading:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230705-mt-meshimori



#ボーダーコリー #登山 #飯盛山 #長野県 #風景写真

60 Seconds of Climbing to Summit of Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie In this short clip, we continue from the trailhead to the peak of Mt. Meshimori. Location: Hirasawa-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, JapanTimestamp: 08:42 on J...

Jinja Daio-do Temple in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:06 on July 19, 2023

Jinja Daio-do (深沙大王堂) stands approximately one block (around 120 meters) to the west of the central area of Jindai-ji Temple grounds, where the main hall is situated.

Reconstructed in 1968, this smaller temple is closely linked to the natural spring located behind it, which serves as the water source for the entirety of the Jindai-ji Temple grounds and holds significance in the temple's origins.

The temple derives its name from the deity Jinja Daio. According to legend, a young man named Fukuma deeply fell in love with a girl hailing from a wealthy and influential family. However, their union faced opposition from her parents, prompting them to send her away to reside on a diminutive island situated in the center of a vast lake.

Fukuma beseeched the aid of the deity Jinja Daio, imploring for assistance in reuniting with the girl. One fateful day, a mysterious turtle materialized and guided him to the lake's island. Witnessing Fukuma's seemingly divine safeguarding, the girl's family underwent a change of heart, permitting their marriage.

The couple eventually bore a son, who, as a monk named Manko Shonin, went on to establish the Jindai-ji Temple. This endeavor was a fulfillment of his father's aspiration, an expression of gratitude to the deity Jinja Daio for the intervention that led to their union.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation



#深沙大王堂 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Wooden Carvings on Temple

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:30 on July 19, 2023

Fukutokuson-do (福徳尊堂) Temple is a small gem located near the Jindai-ji Temple Bus Stop in Chofu, Tokyo. Having been relocated to its present site in 2006, this sanctuary offers a blend of traditional artistry and spiritual symbolism.

What truly captured my attention at this temple were the remarkably intricate carvings below eaves. Delicately fashioned fruit tree blossoms, reminiscent of cherry blossoms or plum blossoms, grace the woodwork accompanied by a grand bird figure and a retinue of dainty birds throughout this decorative motif.

A gilded sign bearing the temple's name in elegant kanji script, 福徳尊 (Fukutokuson), rests just beneath the carving. I love the visual interplay between the gold lettering against the rich wooden plaque.

Directly beneath the sign, another masterpiece of an intricate tableau featuring a dragon and Benzaiten, the revered Japanese Buddhist goddess embodying the essence of flowing elements: water, music, arts, love, wisdom, wealth, and fortune. In this depiction, Benzaiten plays a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute, atop the dragon's back, symbolizing the harmonious interplay of symbolic forces in life.

Fukutokuson-do Temple, which is relatively new and quite small, illustrates the craftsmanship that characterize Japanese temple and shrine architecture, inviting visitors to marvel at its intricate details.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation



#木彫り #福徳尊 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Japanese Garden and Pond on Temple Grounds in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:06 on July 19, 2023

Situated to the southwest of the Jindai-ji Temple Gate in Chofu, Tokyo, you'll discover a small, charming Japanese garden graced by a serene pond. This pond serves as a habitat for a diverse number of inhabitants, including various fish species, striped shrimp, mitten crabs, dragonfly larvae, and delicate water lilies.

Known as Benten Pond (弁天池), this little haven boasts a miniature island adorned with a small Shinto shrine and vermilion bridge. The pond has meticulously sculpted Japanese pine trees, their branches gracefully extending over the water's edge, seemingly attempting to caress the water’s surface.

The longer branches are supported by crutches known as shichu (支柱) to safeguard them from the weight of heavy snow and to provide essential reinforcement to aging trees. These braces also play a role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal by allowing certain branches to gracefully extend beyond the water's boundary.

Shichu are typically crafted from logs, burnt poles, or in some instances, stout bamboo stalks are utilized. In this pond, it looks like they went with burnt poles.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1600 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation



#松に支柱 #弁天池 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Exploring the Enchanting Kitaro-chaya: A Traditional Japanese Corner Shop and Art Gallery

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:00 on July 19, 2023

Nestled gracefully along the main approach to the Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City, Tokyo, the Kitaro-chaya has a nice rustic charm. This wooden structure, standing for over five decades, offers a quaint tea room with a simple menu of only 5 items that incorporate traditional Japanese sweets with green tea, and vanilla ice cream. As you step inside, a small gallery showcases the drawings of the legendary Shigeru Mizuki, who dedicated over half a century to creating the “GeGeGe-no-Kitaro” manga world from the heart of Chofu, Tokyo.

The building also includes a small gift shop featuring the beloved characters of "GeGeGe-no-Kitaro,” one of Japan’s most famous monster manga created by Mizuki.

Many of Mizuki’s creations have been adapted for the screen several times as anime, live action TV/film productions, and video games. Mizuki spent the last 50 years of his life here in Chofu city working on his creations until is passing on November 30, 2015.

If you are a manga fan, please stop by the shop to gain an insight into his creative approach to manga by visiting the gallery of collected original drawings that are on display.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/220 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation


#ゲゲゲの鬼太郎 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Elderly Lady adding Tanzaku Paper Strips to a Bamboo Wish Tree

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 13:57 on July 19, 2023

The Tanabata Festival: Legend has it that every July 7th, the Weaver Star and the Cowherder Star embark on a journey across the Milky Way to reaffirm their bond of love. In Japan, these celestial lovers are honored wishes penned onto strips of vividly colored paper, fastened to bamboo trees or stalks. This tradition spans across Japan, with numerous cities, including Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, gaining renown for its elaborate Tanabata festivities.

Known as "tanzaku," these colorful paper ribbons, along with other bright ornaments, dangle from bamboo branches in Japanese homes, shopping arcades, railway stations, and communal areas. Prior to their hanging on the bamboo, tanzaku are adorned with wishes, be it a child's aspiration to become a renowned soccer player or a parent's yearning for professional success.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/180 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation


#七夕祭り #短冊 #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Traditional Gift Shop Near Jindai-ji Temple in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 13:53 on July 19, 2023

Yaoki, a noodle shop and souvenir establishment with a legacy spanning over six decades, is nestled along the main boulevard leading to Tokyo's historic Jindai-ji Temple. This shop not only delights visitors with its delectable souvenirs but also offers various noodle and tenpura dishes.

One of the more popular drinks sold at the souvenir shop are the renowned ramune drinks. Look out for the iconic blue ラムネ flag donning red lettering against a white backdrop – a symbol of this fizzy delight often seen during summer.

Ramune bottles bear a distinct design tailored exclusively for carbonated beverages. Each bottle houses a glass ball beneath its plastic cap that seals the carbonated drink inside. To savor the refreshing drink, a gentle press on the cap sends the glass ball into the recessed niche in the bottle's neck.

The origins of this bottle design trace back to 1884 in Kobe, thanks to British pharmacist Alexander Cameron Sim. Over time, Japanese innovation has taken the concept with modern renditions where the marble comes pre-assembled within a specialized cap making it easier to open by hand.

Ramune, now synonymous with summer in Japan, assumes its rightful place as a favorite refreshment of the season offering relief during warm festival days and nights, becoming a part of the cultural icons that define Japanese summers.

Adjacent to the shop are several benches where you can relax and enjoy your drink. After finishing your drink, you can either return the empty ramune bottle for recycling. However, recognizing the allure of these bottles as keepsakes, some foreign tourists opt to carry them home.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1600 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation


#八起 #お土産屋さん #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

Traditional Japanese Noodle Shop in Tokyo

Location: Jindai-ji Motomachi, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 13:51 on July 19, 2023

Established over six decades ago, Yaoki noodle restaurant finds its place alongside the main boulevard that leads to Tokyo's historic Jindai-ji Temple. Culinary delights include soba and udon noodles, crispy tempura, and a small menu of sake. Next door, their petite emporium offers edible souvenirs.

The third-generation proprietor continues to uphold the time-honored techniques of making soba pioneered during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The secret elixir of the noodle broth, a closely guarded family heirloom, has been passed down through the generations.

Jindai-ji Temple, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary nestled in Tokyo's outskirts, basks in a lush canopy of greenery and enjoys many natural springs.

The temple's historical narrative is a result of the land's limitations; the region's unsuitability for rice cultivation led the tenant farmers of the Edo period to sow buckwheat (soba) fields. In lieu of rice, these farmers offered the temple soba flour yields. The temple would then transform the buckwheat bounty into noodles, extending hospitality by serving soba noodles to all who visited—thus giving birth to the genesis of Jindai-ji Temple soba.

Jindai-ji Temple soba's essence lies in the use of local pristine spring waters and the finest buckwheat flour.

For access details and references for further reading, check out the latest Pix4Japan blog post: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230719-jindaiji

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/180 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Astia Soft film simulation


#八起 #そば #うどん #深大寺 #東京 #ストリートスナップ

60 Seconds on the Trail to Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie

In this short clip, we continue from the trailhead to the base of Mt. Meshimori.

Lots of fog as the clouds from the valley below make their way up the side of the summit and pass over the mountain peak.

Location: Hirasawa-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 08:42 on July 5, 2023

For more information, visit the Pix4Japan blog where I have curated Google Maps links, and other links for further reading:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230705-mt-meshimori



#ボーダーコリー #登山 #飯盛山 #長野県 #風景写真

60 Seconds on the Trail to Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie In this short clip, we continue from the trailhead to the base of Mt. Meshimori. Lots of fog as the clouds from the valley below make their way up the side...

Discover the Mesmerizing Shiokawa Falls: A Sacred Power Spot in Kanagawa Prefecture

Nestled amidst the Minami-Yamasawa Mountains in the town of Aikawa in western Kanagawa Prefecture, lies the captivating Shiokawa Falls—a tiered waterfall that cascades a total height of 30 meters.

Visitors to Shiokawa Falls typically ascend the steps of Takigami Bridge, where they find themselves elevated approximately 7 meters above the ground, offering a perfect vantage point to admire the cascade.

Historical references dating back to the Jinki Era (724 to 729) show that this waterfall was revered as a sacred site. Over the years, it has served as a training ground for practitioners of the waterfall meditation, known as takigyo.

Since the early 1990s, the term "power spot" gained popularity across Japan, and Shiokawa Falls hasn't been left untouched by this trend. Local tourism organizations from Aikawa Town and Kanagawa Prefecture have embraced the concept, promoting the falls as a captivating and mystical power spot.

My blog post aims to showcase the beauty of Shiokawa Falls through a carefully curated selection of photos, along with Google Maps links for easy navigation. Additionally, I’ve included reference information for those interested in delving deeper into the history and significance of this sacred site.

Blog: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa


#塩川滝 #瀧神橋 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

Trail and Bridge to Shiokawa Falls

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 18:06 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 118.6 m

Shiokawa Falls, a tiered waterfall with a total height of 30 meters, presents a mesmerizing sight, especially if you climb upstream and view it from the base. However, the lower half of the waterfall, visible from the base, has an approximate 15-meter drop, captivating visitors with its natural beauty.

During the summer months, the splashes of the waterfall and the surrounding mist create a truly serene and refreshing experience for those who venture there.

Among some Japanese, Shiokawa Falls is regarded as a "power spot" – a place where one can absorb the Earth's energy, seek healing, attract good luck, and revitalize both body and soul.

With an official history dating back to the early Edo Period (1603-1867), Shiokawa Falls has been well-known among locals for generations. Today, the waterfall is easily accessible via a well-maintained paved path, and visitors can cross the vermilion Takigami Bridge to reach the site.

Visit my blog, where I’ve curated Google Maps links for accessing this location and have provided source references:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 2.0 sec. at ƒ/8.0


#塩川滝 #瀧神橋 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

60 Seconds at Trailhead to Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie

Location: Hirasawa-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 07:44 on July 5, 2023

For more information, visit the Pix4Japan blog where I have curated Google Maps links, and other links for further reading:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230705-mt-meshimori


#ボーダーコリー #登山 #飯盛山 #長野県 #風景写真

60 Seconds at Trailhead to Mt. Meshimori in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, with Border Collie Location: Hirasawa-Toge Pass, Nagano Prefecture, JapanTimestamp: 07:44 on July 5, 2023For more information, visit the Pix4Japan blog where I have curated Goo...

Base of Sacred Waterfalls (Landscape Orientation)

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:44 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 196.9 m

Nestled amidst the mountains to the west of Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, you'll find Shiokawa Falls—a sacred site utilized by local Japanese practitioners who follow the ancient art of Takigyo—a practice that involves standing under a chilling waterfall, allowing the cascading water to beat down upon your neck and shoulders while you meditate or pray.

This ritual is believed to purify not only the body but also the mind and spirit, leading the way to enlightenment through unwavering dedication.

In contrast, photography is how I try to refresh my body, mind, and spirit. Immersing myself in the tranquility of nature before I press the shutter button has become a therapeutic refuge, helping me cope with daily stresses.

Visit my blog, where I’ve curated Google Maps links for accessing this location and have provided source references:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 5 sec. at ƒ/14


#塩川滝 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

Downstream of Shiokawa Waterfall with a 5-Second Exposure

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:42 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 196.8 m

View of the Shiokawa River, gracefully meandering downstream from the Shiokawa Falls. As the golden evening sunlight filters through the dense canopy, it illuminates the lush greenery of vines, moss, and ferns that adorn every rocky surface.

This scene was captured beneath the vermilion Takigami Bridge, a popular spot frequented by tourists. For a more intimate experience, I ventured upstream, wading through the water to embrace a closer view of the narrow valley carved out by the meandering stream.

Visit my blog, where I’ve curated Google Maps links for accessing this location and have provided source references (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa).

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 5.0 sec. at ƒ/14


#塩川滝 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

Downstream of Shiokawa Waterfall

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:39 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 197.4 m

Shiokawa River as it gracefully flows downstream of Shiokawa Falls. The cascading mist from the waterfall leaves a sheen upon every inch of this canyon-like sanctuary, fostering lush greenery of vines, moss, and ferns adorn every rocky surface.

This shot was captured below the vermilion Takigami Bridge – a vantage point enjoyed by visitors seeking to savor the spectacle of the waterfall without having to trek through the flowing stream.

Visit my blog, where I’ve curated Google Maps links for accessing this location and have provided source references (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa).

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 4.0 sec. at ƒ/14


#塩川滝 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

Sacred Waterfall to Cleanse Mind & Body

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:29 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 169.3 m

Nestled in the mountains west of Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, lies Shiokawa Falls—a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Accessing the site through public transportation proves challenging due to its remote location, making a car or motorbike the more viable option.

Upon arriving at the waterfall, I found an elderly man meditating under the cascading waters, dressed in a traditional Japanese loincloth called fundoshi. To avoid disturbing or surprising him with my bulky DSLR, tripod, and border collie, I promptly changed direction and explored other picturesque spots downstream of the falls.

After the elder's departure, a younger man in his late 20s or early 30s, adorned with Japanese tattoos (irezumi), made his way to the falls. Un******ng, he immersed himself in the cold water for his own meditative prayer. Once again, I chose to retreat downstream.

Unexpectedly, a teenager emerged next, equipped with a change of clothes and a towel. Once he departed, I ventured upstream for the fourth time to capture a series of shots just before dusk settled in.

I later discovered that Shiokawa Falls holds historical significance as the location where a high priest from Nara's Todai-ji Temple enshrined a female deity (Seiryo Gongen) during the Jinki Era (724 to 729). Since then, these falls have been revered as a sacred site as well as a training ground for practitioners of waterfall training (takigyo) and more specifically, Hasuge Shugendo—a spiritual way of life that emerged during the seventh century, blending beliefs, philosophies, and rituals from local folk practices, Shinto mountain worship, and Buddhism into a harmonious spiritual journey.

Takigyo, the practice of standing under a cold waterfall as the cascading water beats down upon your neck and shoulders while meditating or praying. This ancient ritual is believed to cleanse not only your body but also your mind and spirit. With unwavering dedication, it is even said to pave the path to enlightenment.

Visit my blog, where I’ve curated Google Maps links for accessing this location and have provided source references:
https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1.6 sec. at ƒ/8.0


#塩川滝 #愛川町 #神奈川県 #風景写真

Vermillion Takigami Bridge to Shiokawa Falls

Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:18 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 138.5 m

After photographing the smaller waterfalls, I proceeded downstream to the top of a third set of falls. From this vantage point, I aimed to capture a wider shot that not only included the cascading water but also the striking steel vermillion bridge in the frame.

Due to the limited rainfall over the past week, the water flow was relatively modest. This worked to my advantage as it made it easier and safer for me to climb down into the stream to get this shot.

Most visitors climb the steps (right) up to Takigami Bridge where at the end they can admire the Shiokwa Falls from a height of approximately 7 meters above the ground. From that height, the view reveals about 14 meters or more of water cascading from above, offering a captivating sight with a soothing ambience of water crashing down below.

For more information about this location and helpful links for further reading, visit the Pix4Japan blog (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230718-shiokawa). I've curated all the necessary details on accessing this location and have provided source references.

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
31 mm ISO 100 for 8.0 sec. at ƒ/11


#塩川滝 #瀧神橋 #神奈川県 #風景写真