Colors of My Heart

Lake Ashi in Hakone is a caldera lake formed about 3,000 years ago, and the view of Mount Fuji rising beyond its waters is one of Hakone’s most iconic sights. On clear days, the lake reflects an enchanting “upside-down Fuji,” making spots like Moto-Hakone and Onshi-Hakone Park especially popular for photography.  Along the lakeshore stands Hakone Shrine, founded in the Nara period. Its striking red “Torii of Peace,” seemingly floating on the water, captivates visitors. A moss-covered path lined with towering cedars leads to the main hall, a historic sanctuary once revered by figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Tokugawa family. Another highlight is the Daikanyama Observatory, a breathtaking vantage point overlooking both Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji from an elevation of about 1,011 meters. Recently, its “Sky Swing” has become a sensation, offering the exhilarating feeling of floating in midair with Mount Fuji as your backdrop. This photogenic spot has gained popularity on socia...

The Hakone Museum of Art, located in Gora, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is renowned as Japan’s oldest museum dedicated to ceramics.  In autumn, however, it also enjoys great popularity as a scenic destination for viewing vibrant autumn foliage. Particularly captivating is the museum’s garden, known as “Shinsenkyo,” where a magical landscape unfolds as moss and maple trees blend harmoniously, enchanting all who visit. The peak season for autumn colors typically spans from early to late November, with the most breathtaking views often occurring around mid-November. Within the garden, approximately 130 varieties of moss cover the ground, while over 200 maple trees display their vivid hues above.  The striking contrast between the lush green moss and the fiery red leaves creates a scene reminiscent of a painting—one that is both rare and uniquely beautiful. This picturesque setting makes the garden a highly sought-after spot for photography enthusiasts.     Olympus ...

As autumn draws to a close in Hakone, the ground begins to fill with fallen leaves, gently reminding us that winter is just around the corner. Since I began taking photography more seriously, I’ve come to appreciate not only the vivid colors of the season, but also the quiet beauty of the leaves after they’ve fallen. Freshly fallen leaves still hold a kind of grace — a fleeting elegance that continues to move the heart. Even in their final moments, they offer inspiration and emotion to those who take the time to notice. I often find myself hoping that my own life can be like that — to remain meaningful and beautiful, even toward the end. With that thought in mind, I’ll keep doing my best, wholeheartedly, from this moment forward.     Olympus E-5 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD ／ 1/25s ／ F3.4 ／ ISO100 ／ + 0.3     Olympus E-5 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD ／ 1/60s ／ F3.5 ／ ISO100 ／ + 0.3     Olympus E-5 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD ／ 1/25s ／ F...