Awabi and Sazae Shells at Setohama Beach, Chiba

In early May, the family visited the Chiba peninsula and spent several days near Setohama Beach. On a previous trip, another girl scout mother had introduced my wife and the scouts to a secluded part of the beach where sea glass, pottery pieces and shells collected.

My son, daughter and several friends the spent a sunny afternoon hunting for blue and green sea glass and broken pottery while I looked for interesting shells. I was rewarded with awabi (abalone) and sazae (horned turban) shells.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/800 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 200, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.

Kawagoe Manhole Covers

For some reason unknown to me, Japan keeps their metal-works and craftsman busy making unique manhole covers. These ubiquitous metal covers are located all over every city covering underground fire hydrants, storm and sanitary sewers, communication junction boxes and underground electric junction boxes. I've taken many photos of these manholes in the past since unique designs are everywhere in Japan. Kawagoe is no exception, and I spotted several that were interesting.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 35 mm, f5.6, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 35 mm, f5.6, ISO 100, 1/10 sec.

Satsumaimo Mochi Dango and Satsumo Imo Chips in Kawagoe

On that trip in January to explore Kawagoe in Saitama, we enjoyed some satsumaimo (or Japanese sweet potato) treats. Satsumaimo mochi dango (さつま芋餅だんご) and chips (おさつチップ) were on offer for a reasonable price at this shop. Just eat quickly and don't drop crumbs. The other shopkeepers along the street will scold you!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 23 mm, f5, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 17 mm, f5, ISO 100, 1/30 sec.

Ekiben and Ultraman!

In mid-January the family took a day trip to explore Kawagoe in Saitama. It's about 1.5 hours away by train from Tokyo Station. This post isn't really about Kawagoe, but the Ekiben shop (or Train Bento shop) that we passed in Tokyo Station. For those who haven't traveled in Japan before, it's typical to pick up a box lunch at the train station before heading out on a journey. Japan has a strong food culture that extends even to the ekiben.
Each region has it's own seasonal delicacies, and favorite foods and flavors. The ekiben highlights these regional and seasonal flavors. Often the dishes in the ekiben may only be available in certain regions. However, this shop in the heart of Tokyo Station seems to have collected many of the regional ekiben to a central distribution point. So if you can't travel across Japan to try them out, you can get a sample of here!
One of the more unusual ekiben was a JR East collaboration with Ultraman. As you may know from previous posts I've spotted Ultraman in several unexpected places.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf4.5, ISO 100, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf4.5, ISO 100, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf4.5, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Tulips Again, Purple and Pink Spring Flowers, Rinshi No Mori Park

Spring is coming to an end and summer is around the corner, and my home server is full of photos taken from earlier this year. In late March, the family joined friends at Rinshi No Mori Park for a birthday picnic. The sakura were just coming into bloom, but the other flowers in the park were the ones putting on a show. I couldn't confidently identify these flowers, but I think that the purple ones are hesperis matronalis (or Dame's Rocket) and the bright pink ones may be vervain (or verbena or Holy Herb).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.