Colors of My Heart

While organizing my photographs, I came across many pictures of Big Ben that I had taken from St Thomas' Hospital Gardens and Westminster Bridge. I have always felt that Big Ben possesses a special charm when viewed in black and white, so I would like to share a selection of those photographs in monochrome. Big Ben and Westminster Bridge were completed in the 1860s, more than 160 years ago. At that time, Japan was still in the final years of the Edo period, with the Meiji Restoration yet to take place. Reflecting on this historical context, I am continually amazed that such beautiful and highly functional structures could be designed and constructed so long ago. They stand as remarkable examples of engineering, craftsmanship, and architectural vision. European cities such as London are filled with historic buildings that have been preserved for generations. The city offers countless attractive locations for photography, and simply walking through its streets is a rewarding experien...

These photographs were taken while I was walking around Finsbury Square in central London. Although the buildings featured here are not particularly well known on a global scale, I was captivated by their striking beauty and character. To capture a scene that feels uniquely London, I composed the shots with one of the city's iconic double-decker buses in the foreground. The white building in the photographs, AlphaBeta Building, is a historic structure originally constructed in the 1920s. At the top of the tower in the center stands a statue of Hermes, the messenger god from Greek mythology. Today, the building serves as a modern office complex. The building with the distinctive domed roof visible in the background on the left is Royal London House. Now operating as a luxury hotel, it is one of the oldest buildings in the area, having been constructed in the early 1900s. Both buildings have carefully preserved their historic Art Deco facades while continuing to function as contempor...

On a westbound flight from Haneda to Hiroshima (sitting on the left side of the aircraft), I could enjoy this stunning view overlooking Mt. Fuji from the south, with Suruga Bay in the background. The cityscape peeking through the clouds, combined with the deep blue of Suruga Bay in the distance, creates a truly special moment unique to  air travel. The lush green slopes characteristic of midsummer, along with the dynamic sea of clouds stretching up toward the peak, were particularly unforgettable. Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/500s / F4 / ISO 400 / 0.0 Nikon D40x / AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR / 1/800s / F3.5 / ISO 400 / 0.0     Camera :  Nikon D40x  at DPREVIEW     Lens      :  AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR   at DPREVIEW          English   Japanese If you enjoy my photographs, you can follow this blog with one click. にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

Kappa Bridge, located in the heart of Kamikochi, is a wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River and stands as one of the area's most iconic scenic spots. The warmth of its timber beautifully complements the surrounding trees and crystal-clear river, enchanting countless visitors from home and abroad. The true highlight of Kappa Bridge is the 360-degree panoramic view from atop the bridge. Looking upstream along the Azusa River, the rugged, 3,000-meter-class peaks of the Hotaka Mountain Range rise majestically like a folding screen. Turning downstream, you can behold Mount Yakedake, an active volcano listed among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, with white plumes of steam still rising from its peak. Across the emerald-green flow of the pristine Azusa River, enjoying both the dynamic rock faces of Hotaka and the wild, breathing presence of Mount Yakedake at the same time is a luxury unique to Kappa Bridge. The landscape changes remarkably with the seasons and time of day, of...