Colors of My Heart

Yosemite National Park Taking a black-and-white photo like Ansel Adams who is one of my most favorite photographers. The park is about a five-hour drive from Los Angeles. It is located in the western part of the Sierra Nevada and covers an area of ​​about 3K square kilometers. It was designated a state park in 1864, a national park in 1890, and a UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Yosemite is America's second designated national park, it captivates visitors with its majesty, including giant granite cliffs, waterfalls, trees, and wildlife. Yosemite National Park has approximately 913 square kilometers of virgin forest and is home to more than 250 species of vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Coniferous forests spread out in relatively low areas, around 600 meters above sea level, where you can see many wild animals, such as American bears, bobcats, gray foxes, and mule deer. Fewer non-coniferous trees are at higher altitudes; you can see California re...

For photography enthusiasts, spring is one of the most exciting and exhilarating seasons.  Nothing signifies the arrival of spring more than the blooming of cherry blossoms. ​ I had taken quite a number of cherry blossom photos over the years​ before I knew it.  While cameras have evolved dramatically from film to digital, cherry blossoms remain unchanged, always filling my heart with the essence of spring. Kanda River Nikon F3 HP / AI NIKKOR 24mm F2.8 / Kodak Professional Ultra Collar 100UC Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

Mitarai Keikoku located in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is a nature-rich valley that becomes beautifully adorned with vibrant autumn foliage each year.  The best time to view the fall colors is typically from early to mid-November. During this season, the emerald-green streams, cascading waterfalls of various sizes, and the vivid reds and yellows of the trees create a truly breathtaking landscape. Well-maintained walking trails and suspension bridges allow visitors to enjoy the harmony of waterfalls and autumn leaves as they stroll through the gorge. In particular, the view from the suspension bridge—looking down at the waterfall framed by colorful foliage—and the reflections of the leaves on the crystal-clear water are especially popular among photography enthusiasts. During the peak season, the area becomes quite crowded with tourists. To avoid the crowds, I arrived in the middle of the night, took a short nap in the parking lot, and then enjoyed photographing the gorge in t...

Mount Odaigahara, located on the border between Nara and Mie Prefectures, is a highland region rising to approximately 1,695 meters above sea level. It is counted as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and is renowned for its rich natural environment.  Blessed with an exceptionally humid climate—said to receive the highest annual rainfall in Japan—the area is home to moss-covered forests and ethereal misty landscapes, making it a beloved destination for hikers and photography enthusiasts. The highest peak in the region is Mount Hidegatake, which offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view from its summit. On clear days, visitors may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.  The early morning hours, when the sky is painted with the hues of sunrise, create a mystical atmosphere and make this spot especially popular among photographers. Another highlight is Masakigahara, a plateau scattered with dead fir trees. When enveloped in fog or frost, the area transforms into a...

Daijagura is one of the most popular scenic spots in Mt. Odaigahara, located in Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Perched on a dramatic cliff at an elevation of approximately 1,550 meters, this rocky outcrop juts out over a vast gorge that plunges hundreds of meters below. The sheer scale and raw power of nature here leave visitors in awe. The word “gura” is an archaic term meaning “rock wall,” and the name Daijagura reflects the rugged terrain of the area. This viewpoint marks the end of the Higashi-Ōdaigahara Nature Trail, situated on the eastern side of Mt. Odaigahara. It takes about an hour and a half on foot from the visitor center to reach Daijagura, passing through picturesque highlands such as Masakigahara and Ushiishigahara. These areas offer seasonal beauty throughout the year, making the hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers. The observation point at Daijagura resembles a rocky stage protruding into the sky. A safety chain is installed at the t...