Enoshima in January (Part 2)

I took quite a few photos on this trip to Enoshima in January. There's a lot to see and do on this little island. It was just after the New Year's holiday period, and there were still quite a few people making the trek to Enoshima Shrine. Perhaps for a late hatsumode (first shrine visit of the new year) or perhaps they were just out enjoying the fine weather on Enoshima? The lovely Samuel Cocking Garden is located at the base of the Enoshima Sea Candle (lighthouse). Although it was January they had an amazing display of tuplips.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/125 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 400, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/500 sec.

Enoshima in January (Part 1)

Still trying to catch up on my photos from earlier this year. This week I am revisiting our family day trip to Enoshima. Kamakura and Enoshima are about an hour-and-a-half by train to the south-west from Shinjuku (on the Odakyu Line) or Tokyo Station (on the JR Tokaido Line). This first set includes our visit to the Iwaya Caves, a lucky shot of a Tobi (or black kite), and the Enoshima Shrine Okutsumiya temizuya (or shrine fountain).

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 1600, 1/160 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/1000 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 400, 1/60 sec.

Catching up on New Year's Hatsumode 2014 (Part 3)

As promised, we followed the trail to the top of the Mt. Takao and was rewarded with a good view of the surrounding countryside.

After stopping for a picnic lunch, some refreshments and snacks from the vendors at the top, we hiked over to Takao-san or as it is formally known, Takao-san Yakuo-in Yuki-ji (or 高尾山薬王院).

We didn't spend too much time here because of the crowds and the limited attention span of our kids. I was only able to take a few quick shots as we made our way through the grounds, before working our way back to the cable car and down the mountain.

There are a few more photos that I would like to share, so there will most likely be a part four!

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/1600 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/50 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f5.6, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.8, ISO 100, 1/60 sec.

Catching up on New Year's Hatsumode 2014 (Part 2)

There are many statues scattered along the main trail that pilgrims follow to the shrine. Most of them appear to be of monks or other ascetics that have taken this trail; however, I wasn't able to fully investigate on our hike or determine afterwards if my assumptions were correct.

On our way to the top, we took one of the many hiking trails rather than proceed up the crowded main path. The side trails are well traveled, well marked and maintained but not crowded. We encounter many other hikers enjoying a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and crossed a beautiful well maintained suspension bridge.

Photos from the the shrine and top of the mountain will have to wait for my final post on our weekend adventure.

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

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.0, ISO 100, 1/100 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.0, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.

Catching up on New Year's Hatsumode 2014 (Part 1)

Seems that I do this every year (most likely all the time). I review photos taken earlier, and realize that I should have posted some of them.

The family hiked Mt. Takao in mid-January and made our first shrine visit of the year (or hatsumode) at the Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji near the top of the mountain. I took plenty of photos of this hike. The next day my wife complemented me on the photos and the great adventure we had.

This will take several posts to get through the photos, but it should be worth it especially if you are interested in visiting Mt. Takao one day. It's a realatively quick and easy getaway to nature from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. In addition, near the summit is a famous shrine that attracts visitors year round. Although it was the already late in January, the shrine was still in New Year's form with plenty of people make their a shrine visit. You'll have to wait for a later post to see pictures of the shrine.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf2.8, ISO 125, 1/40 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f2.0, ISO 100, 1/4000 sec.

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

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

Catching up on New Year's Hatsumode

I've been reviewing photos that taken earlier this year and should have posted, and came across a mid-January but first shrine visit of the year (or hatsumode).  Anyway, although it was the second weekend of January, the Meji Shrine was still in New Year's form.

At the main entrance from Harajuku Station, there were large bins set up to collect all of the omamori (silk sachets good luck charms) and hamaya (wooden arrows).

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 17 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/640 sec.

I'm not completely sure of the reason (perhaps it's Shinto versus Buddhist tradition), but daruma, dolls and teddy bears are not welcome and cannot be disposed of here.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 35 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/320 sec.

As we passed through the second large torii gate, the atmosphere starts to get more festive. Around New Year's there are plenty of traditional decorations including lanterns, sake casks, and banners with the names of the sponsors.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f5, ISO 200, 1/125 sec.

Just outside the main shrine area you can see main temple gate with a large ema (or wooden plaque) proclaiming the year of the snake.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 30 mm, f8, ISO 200, 1/400 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 80 mm, f8.0, ISO 200, 1/200 sec.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 200 mm, f8.0, ISO 200, 1/500 sec.

This is were you get the your hamaya (wooden arrows) for the New Year.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 120 mm, f8.0, ISO 200, 1/20 sec.

Here are the sake casks that I was talking about earlier.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 145 mm, f8.0, ISO 800, 1/100 sec.

The back-lit large torii gate and speckled lighting through trees at Meiji Jingu was beautiful.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF @ 100 mm, f5.6, ISO 640, 1/200 sec.