Minami Izu - 3 Days in Paradise!

We went to Minami Izu for a 3 day trip and found ourselves in paradise. We scheduled the trip well in advance and didn't realize that the Kawazu-zakura along the Aonogawa river would be in full bloom.

Day 1: We arrive!
After arriving at the Shimoda train station we took a local bus to our hotel at Yumigahama beach. It was to early to check in but they did take our bags and then we were off to see the cherry blossoms.

Emi looks great in these beautiful surroundings.

Less than a 10 minute walk from the hotel and we're on the Kawazu-zakura Aonogawa river trail.

This is fantastic - it touches ones heart to walk along the river.

There's more than one way to view the blossoms.

One with nature, or maybe I should say two with nature.

I can't walk more than 10 feet without snapping a picture.

The tree branches reach out to the river.

Working our way back to the hotel so that we can check in and enjoy the hot spring bath before dinner.

We enjoyed more than a relaxing soak in the bath before dinner. Cheap whisky and coke! Kind of a juvenile drink for a man of my age, but, who cares! It tasted good.

A little matcha green tea and shochu also helped to unwind from a day of travel and our walk in paradise.

Day 2: The sun rises.

Before breakfast I went to Yumigahama beach to enjoy the sunrise. The beach is only about a one minute walk from the hotel.

I wasn't the only person that enjoyed a morning walk along the ocean.

It's so nice out here.

After breakfast it was time to hit the river trail again. I had decided to walk the entire length of the Kawazu-zakura tree line and of course take a million pictures of everything.

The mustard greens in bloom are an added bonus.

Fortunately it's an easy trail to walk.

The river is so nicely maintained.

This is truly a beautiful day.

Total strangers great each other with smiles and a knowing nod of the head that we our lucky to be here today.

So many people are leaving the paved trail and instead are walking along the river bank.

Everyone is taking pictures.

I reached the end of the trail, had a sandwich for lunch, and then started back.

The river gets wider as it gets closer to reaching the ocean.

Blessed with a blue sky today.

Fields of gold.

Mustard greens are amazing when they are in full bloom.

Dead weeds as an art form - why not?

The river leads me back to the ocean and it's time to go to the hotel for a nice long soak in the hot spring bath.

Day 3: Say goodbye to paradise

No dramatic sunrise today and I don't care. It's still wonderful to be here.

A final look back at the ocean before returning to the hotel for breakfast and then the return journey home.

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike

Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive

"Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" was a popular song written in 1944 by Harold Arlen (music) and Johnny Mercer (lyrics). It's a very positive song and when I'm out taking pictures it's the kind of mood I'm in; it's all about being happy and joyful. Now that I've got that out of the way in this post I have three different sets of images taken on 3 separate days with 3 different lenses,

Day 1: Zeiss 25mm f2.8, Biogon T* (M-mount) lens on a Sony A7II camera
It's a good way to start the day, she's handing out free tissue packs.

Another bird feeding frenzy.

The nautical theme is everywhere in Yamashita park.

A nice couple, well dressed and heading out for some fun.

Kitchen confidential - breaks over, back to work.

Motomachi shopping street. Looks like she shopped 'til she dropped but kept on going anyway.

Steamy goodness in China town.

If it's good one has to stand in line to get some.

More of that steamy goodness.

Free home delivery, one dish at a time.

The first date!

The long ride home.

Day 2: Voigtlander Super Wide Heliar 15mm f4.5 Aspherical III (M-mount) lens, Sony A7II camera

It was time to re-check the cherry blossoms at Miurakaigan

Things are looking good!

It looks to me like the blossoms are just about at their peak.

I bet it's more fun to be inside the train looking out.

There's a lot of excitement out at the duck pond.

Lovely atmosphere out here today.

Back on the main road the crowd is getting bigger. Everyone is carrying a camera.

Got to get that selfie.

It's the blue train!

The Miurakaigan train station changed their sign from blue to pink just for this time of year.

After lunch I went to Miura beach and was delighted to see some people riding horses.

A real friendly group of people.

Day 3: Voigtlander Heliar Vintage Line 50mm f3.5 (M-mount) lens, Sony A7II camera

This 50mm f3.5 lens is quickly becoming my favorite.

Still life at the Ookagawa river.

There's always something blooming in Yokohama.

A post card looking day down at the waterfront.

Out on Osanbashi pier.

The Yokohama bay bridge.

This little lens is a delight to use.

A man, a woman, and a city - lets make a movie.

Flying high at Akarengosoko.

Lovely clouds today.

Last shot of the project: The Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel
http://www.yokohamajapan.com/things-to-do/yokohama-cosmoworld/
They better watch out for low flying planes.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike