Lake Kawaguchi Kappa Statues

At Lake Kawaguchi I spotted this strange pair of kappa statues amid the warm autumn foliage.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 200,1/200 sec.

Golden Gingko Tree in Yoyogi Koen

Last week at the entrance to Yoyogi Koen, I spotted the first gingko turning yellow. Autumn colors on a gingko in Mid-October are not the norm here especially with the warm and pleasant autumn weather in Tokyo the last week or two. This specimen looked relatively young, so perhaps it was looking to get an early start on its elders?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

A Rose Called Pure Poetry

I had the pleasure of walking through the rose garden at Shinjuku Gyoen earlier this week. The amazing rose garden in the far east side of the park was peaking and is mobbed with admirers. I was drawn to a particular group of roses called "Pure Poetry".

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f8.0, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Cutest Ever Hello Kitty Traffic Barricade in Shinjuku

Not sure what to say about this... Traffic and construction barricades are common all around the world. There are many other novelty types that other have spotted in Japan, but this is the first that would require some a licensing agreement. Thinking about this (especially the business and safety decisions made by the manufacturer and construction company ) make my head hurt with cuteness and confusion.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Cube Land at Kodomo-No-Kuni

I need to verify, but on my family's last visit to Kodomo-No-Kuni, the truncated octahedron climbing structure that is a favorite link on my blog (thanks to playscapes) appears to have been replaced by Cube Land.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 35 mm, f5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 18 mm, f4.0, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Broken Wing and Orange Cosmos

I spotted this butterfly (perhaps a Painted Lady (or Vanessa Cardui)) fluttering through a favorite flower garden at Yoyogikoen. This butterfly seems to have seen better days and but was still making it's way through the world without part of a wing.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f1.4, ISO 500, 1/8 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f1.4, ISO 500, 1/8 sec.

Surprised by the Higanbana

This is a sure sign that summer is over, the Higanbana have bloomed and faded. These lovely higanbana or (Magic Spider Lilies) popped up in the planter across the street from our house in Yoyogi. Just over a week ago, they were in full bloom and now all that remain are stems.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens@ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/160 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Papillon at Kodomonokuni

Several years ago (2013) in September, I caught a snap of a Common Leopard (or Phalanta phalantha) butterfly resting on an orange cosmo with my Nikkor 85mm AI-S. Definitely not the ideal lens to catch this quick flying insect. Several days ago, the opportunity repeated itself at Kodomonokuni. This time, I had my 105mm Micro-Nikkor mounted and enough patience to capture this!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f5.6, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 4 - One More)

So I lied about the last Awa Odori post being the last... Oh well, here are some more photographic evidence that Tokushima is Awa Odori crazy. These were all taken at the airport, so if you thought that you might escape the madness by leaving the city center, you are wrong.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f8.0, ISO 800, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 3 - Last)

Since I myself am not Awa Odori crazy, this will be the last Awa Odori post. I did not have the opportunity on this visit to see any Awa Odori (dancing) or visit the Awa Odori Kaikan. Those who may more enamored than myself, will probably be let down by this final Awa Odori post of a crosswalk post and the stained glass feature topping it.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/250 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 2)

In the lobby of our hotel in Tokushima we were greeted by these anime themed Awa Odori posters. I guess I'm not enough of a anime fan to be able to identify the anime in these posters, but I still like the design.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.

Seems that Shikoku is Awa Odori Crazy (Part 1)

Although we didn't know it at the time, Shikoku and especially Tokushima was gearing up for the Awa Odori Matsuri. It seems that a little of everything in the town had some sore of Awa Odori theme. I first noticed when we stopped for refreshments waiting for a connection at Awa Ikeda Station. This bottle of Sudachi Cider which I am not familiar with featured Awa Odori dancers. Anyway, I'm not sure if this is always available, a seasonal or special limited time beverage, but it was tasty and the label was unique and eye-catching.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f8, ISO 400, 1/80 sec.