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.