Greens

Hitachi Seaside Park is one of my favorite parks in Japan. Mainly because of its surreal landscapes all year-long. And as a photo enthusiast, I could not ask for more to see reality and fantasy merge before my eyes and my camera. The park is quite popular during spring and autumn, but not in summer. Maybe because it’s too green?

Shades of Green

in my world

both birth and death

are painted emerald

begins and ends
on a pool of moss
over sprouts and snags

the rainbow has seven
shades of green
sky sprinkles metallic jades

my mother, in a rocking chair
 hums a lullaby

all I see 

is green

am I color-blind?  

/totomai

This time, I took the bus from Tokyo station, a 2-hour ride. As expected, the bus was almost unoccupied and the park seems to be a different place when it is not overcrowded. It is indeed very green as there’s not much other flowers blooming anywhere except for the zinnias. Ibaraki, the prefecture where the park is situated, experienced a heavy beating from the recent typhoon. This could be one of the reasons why the park was somewhat empty. After the rain though, the sun was in full blast and the sky was perfectly blue.

Last autumn, I was here. The firebushes were burning red. I tried to replicate the photo I took last year but it was difficult to do so. I failed. Perhaps each shot should be considered unique after all.

The bush is famous for its autumn reds, which deepen as the plant's chlorophyll fades for the season. They are bright red through end of October, when the park closes. The park covers 153 hectacres, and is close to the Pacific coast. Visitors can walk the park through its hills, with the nearby ocean coming in and out of view.  more here

As mentioned above, the easiest and cheapest way to go the park is via highway bus from Tokyo station (South Yaesu exit). Round trip costs 3,800 yen on weekdays and 4,200 yen on weekends and holidays.  Take note though that the bus from Tokyo only travel at 1030 am.  Last bus from the park to Tokyo is 1641 pm. Entrance fee is 410 yen.

You may ask why I keep on coming back to this park. It is because of the “Lonely Tree”. Though not publicized, I think it is the most photographed symbol of the park and I wanted to capture it for four seasons. So far, I have spring, summer and autumn already. I need to go back this winter. It seldom snows in Ibaraki so the winter landscape may not that interesting compared to the other three.

Green against blue is a refreshing combination. For four hours, walking around the park, my eyes were not strained at all. Few more days and everything in the park will bloody red again. I am still contemplating whether to go or not. As you know, I am not really a fan of overcrowded places.

One thing is for sure though, I am coming back to the park to complete my “Lonely Tree” series. I really hope it will snow this year.

/totomai
2015/09/16

Photos taken with Nikon D7000, 
lenses used : 
     Nikkor 18-300mm 3.5f 
     Nikkor 10.5mm 2.8f 
     Tamron 11-16mm 2.8f