Colors of My Heart

Ancient Gyoda Lotus Village in Saitama Japan​ Located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, the "Ancient Lotus Village" (Kodai Hasu no Sato) is a park born from the miraculous natural germination and blooming of lotus seeds estimated to be between 1,400 and 3,000 years old. It is beloved as a site where visitors can feel the romance of ancient times. In 1973, during excavation work for a public facility, ancient lotus seeds were accidentally unearthed. Remarkably, these seeds sprouted and bloomed, and the lotus was subsequently named "Gyōda Lotus" (Kodai Hasu). To preserve and showcase this valuable botanical discovery, the park was officially opened in 1995. The park is home to approximately 120,000 lotus plants representing 42 different varieties, including the Gyōda Lotus itself, collected from around the world. From mid-June to early August, the park becomes a popular destination during the blooming season, attracting many visitors who come to admire the stunning f...

Somonya Hanashōbu Garden is a beautiful iris garden located in Saitama Prefecture, renowned for cultivating a wide variety of iris species. Usually, the best viewing season is from mid-May to early June, when the vibrant flowers color the entire garden. In addition to the colorful blossoms, visitors can enjoy the charming pond, tranquil pathways, and traditional Japanese-style gardens, allowing them to appreciate not only the flowers but also the scenic beauty of the area. Each year, during the peak blooming period, events such as the "Hanashōbu Festival" are held, attracting many tourists. If you plan to take photographs, it is recommended to do so in the morning when the flowers are fresh and lively. You can use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene or a telephoto lens to focus on specific details of the landscape. I would love to visit this place sometime soon.     Olympus E-5 / Zuiko ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5  SWD / 1/640s / F3.4 / ISO100 / 0.0     Olympu...

Nemophila flowers They are called baby blue eyes because the center turns white with blue flowers. ​​​​​ These photographs were taken in the spring of 2011, capturing Phinemora flowers blooming in the flowerbed of the hotel where I was staying.  As the flowerbed was quite small, I chose not to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene. Instead, I focused closely on the flowers to better express their beauty.​     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6​ / 1/125s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ±0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/80s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ±0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/80s / F7 / ISO100 / ±0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/400s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ±0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/640s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ±0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/640s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ±0.0     O...

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch is a beautiful flower field located in Carlsbad, California, and is especially famous for its colorful ranunculus (Iris Calla). This place blooms every spring and is loved by tourists and locals. The Flower Fields is especially known for its ranunculus cultivation, and the flower fields span 50 acres. These flowers are characterized by their vivid colors and unique shapes, making it a great spot for photography. The best time to see the flowers is usually from March to May, and the Flower Fields are open during this period. The Flower Fields are equipped with spacious walking paths and tourist facilities, making it an easy environment for families and couples to visit. There are also garden centers and souvenir shops where you can purchase flower-related products. Carlsbad is about 1.5 hours by car from Los Angeles, so it is very accessible. There is also a large outlet mall next door, where you can enjoy shopping and viewing flowers. There are many ...

Sedona   Sedona is a beautiful tourist destination in Arizona known for its natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. It is surrounded by red rock mountains and magnificent canyons, and the scenery is spectacular, making it the perfect place to enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.  Sedona is also known for its energy points called "vortexes". Many people visit for meditation and retreats, seeking peace of mind. There are also many art galleries and craft stores where you can enjoy works by local artists. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about local culture and history. There are hiking trails that beginners and advanced hikers can enjoy, and you can feel the spectacular rock mountains up close.   Sedona has four seasons, and spring and autumn weather is especially mild and comfortable. It is hot in summer and cold in winter, but the snowy scenery is also beautiful. Sedona is a special place where the beauty of nature and spiritual experiences are fused ...