Somewhere in Shizuoka Prefecture, there's a not-so-hidden place for some sort of adventure. A three-hour drive from Tokyo will lead you to a turquoise paradise. Or emerald. But perhaps, because of its accessibility, I haven't seen many tourists during our trip to Sumatakyo.
songs of cicadas
outside my window, I dance
chance of summer rain
/totomai
Sumatakyo is famous for its suspension bridges. I enjoyed walking along the bridge, including the bounces in every step I made.
The most famous, and the most rickety, of these suspension bridges is the Yume no Tsuri Bashi. It’s an easy 2~3 kilometer round-trip walk from the Sumatakyo’s bus stop. The bridge is strung across the inlet of a small reservoir just upstream of the dam. more here
Unfortunately, it rained the night before our trip. And as expected, we were not able to see the turquoise blue waters, instead, we had a milky blue one. At least, it wasn't muddy brown. I guess, there is always next time.
We traveled from Tokyo at midnight, spent few hours in one of the many service stations to rest. And n every good location we spotted, we got off the car and took some photos.
Early morning shoot. The town is still asleep.
This is still in Japan. It has a European feel to it though.
The orange rail over the trees.
Green tea plantation near the road.
At the town proper, especially at Kanaya Station of Oigawa Railway, lots of visitors are waiting for the steam locomotives.
Hopefully, I can go back there when the water is turquoise and the leaves are fiery red. That would be an autumn perfect picture.
/totomai
2016/07/03
Photos taken with
Nikon D7000
lenses used :
Nikkor 18-300 mm
Nikkor 10.5 mm
Tokina 11-16 mm
Oh, I admire you for walking across that suspension bridge. I walked across one in Canada once (in Sherry's area really) & found it quite scary. That railway bridge looks plenty scary as well....but the photo of it is beautiful. All beautiful photos really! You have captured some beautiful sites; and thanks for sharing photos at Poets United today as well! And lovely haiku to accompany your photos here.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure as always, Mary. I wanted to post the video of the said trip but I cannot find it.
DeleteI really love the place you have found, I think sometimes the easy accessible is less visited. I do love the haiku to accompany,
ReplyDeleteThanks Bjorn. Hope to be back there again.
DeleteWow ! Such lovely pictures and that tea plantation was my favourite!
ReplyDeleteIt was one of my favorites too.
DeleteSpectacular..and will be more beautiful in autumn for sure.
ReplyDeleteI think so too. If I can go back there that would be great
Deletewow! it seems to be a world of Takeshi's castle! specially that suspension bridge. ...turquoise water and fiery red leaves would be a grand combination...love the haiku :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I miss Takeshi's castle. I enjoyed that show. Thanks Sumana
DeleteLovely haiku and beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Rosemary!
DeleteThe water may not have been turquoise but you have captured what it feels like to be truly alive - to enjoy the moment where we are - even if on a rickety bridge
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Jae. I even ran for a few times haha.
DeleteSigh... such breathtaking pictures coupled with an equally breathtaking haiku!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Haha, thanks Sanaa :-)
DeleteStunning photos once again Totomai. Even I would be less than happy on that suspension bridge! I love the sound of cicadas on a warm night.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the sounds of cicadas are therapeutic, Robin
DeleteThank you for another vicarious journey with you. And that haiku! The way yoiu broke the lines transported me into an air dance in the night!
ReplyDeleteWe can dance especially when no one is watching haha. Thanks Susan
DeleteI like the idea of dancing with only a chance of rain---sort of a pre-celebration!
ReplyDeleteSort of ritual when it's too hot and humid. :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful trip you have taken us on. I think the water looks pretty turquoise. I most loved seeing the tea plantation. I didn't know tea grew like that. Your work is amazing, totomai.
ReplyDeleteSome portion of the waters are turquoise but not all especially under the bridge. At first, I didn't know too Sherry. My friends just informed me that they were tea plants.
DeleteWhat a special spot you have taken us to....I loved seeing the turquoise even if not perfect, but your pictures along the way were....I loved those trees in bloom and the green tea growing in rows. Now as far as suspension bridges go, as long as they are low to the ground, I will venture out, but if too high, my knees will buckle and not carry me over them....so I will enjoy your pictures instead!
ReplyDeleteJust close your eyes Donna when you cross the bridge. It will be fine :)
DeleteLove the haiku, and the thought of dancing and rain... especially together. And as always, your photos are magnificent... a nice way of travel... for those of us stuck in the city. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Magaly. I am a willing virtual guide.
DeleteIt is wonderful to know of such unspoiled beauty close to a highly populated city.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Kerry. But sometimes, I feel it needs more visitors.
DeleteThese are such beautiful, almost haunting photos, and truly cast a spell. I want to go there...
ReplyDeletePlease do, Matthew :)
DeleteBeautiful place, wonderful pictures as usual. I love the bridge, but would never cross it,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
It's not scary, just bouncy 👍🏻
DeleteSo many amazing photographs, but that orange rail over the trees is really stunning.....and I am just awed by the vast array of adventures that you have :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks CC 👍🏻
DeleteDelightful and beautiful visit here.
ReplyDeleteZQ
Cheers ZQ!
DeleteYour photos are enchanting and your haiku just perfect. Aha
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in at my Sunday Lime
Much love...
Much thanks Gillena
DeleteYour photographs take my breath away. What a talent you are. I also enjoyed the notes and your lovely haiku. Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteArigatou Wendy
Deletei know Japan is beautiful but your pictures really want to make the reader take the next flight there. :)
ReplyDeletethe suspension bridge looks awfully scary and i wonder if it is wide enough (or wise) to let another person pass.
i also enjoyed reading the notes and haiku.
One has to give way if a person is coming from one side. That's good to hear, dsnake. I could promote Japan in my own little way
DeleteBeautiful haiku....cicadas, the sonf of summmer !
ReplyDeleteLovely photos too
Thanks Rall
Delete