Each moment as the sun comes up has a different feeling to it. Here a mystery was being unveiled, as the trees and their reflections appeared by the swamp-like lake. The original photo was practically black and white because of the mist, but with Lightroom, I could bring out the details and colour. Cheating? Maybe, but it makes for a much more interesting photo.
The beauty of Dawn. Taken on Lake Inawashiro in the early hours of the moring, froma beach just outside the place we were staying.
It was a glorious sight that showed me again the great power a silent event can have- one that nature produces every day, but few can take the time to appreciate. So delicate, soft and enticing, yet speaking of such an awesome, cosmic power, one that can lighjt up whole worlds with a rich energy needed for trillions of life-forms. With all the practicality an incredible beautythat just makes your whole being stiulled with awe. In a word- WOW!
In Harajuku, I was lucky enpugh to go to my first 'Flickr Meet', arranged by Dave golden from California. Thanks, Dave, it was a great time!
More fantastic fireworks followed, to the delight of the thousands assembled there.
Another trip was to Kisarasu, for the fireworks there. Girls in beautiful summer yukatas were everywhere, in a tradition that lives on.
In appreciation of the island's beauty, many monks made it there home. Here a mother and daughter rest in the shade of a temple garden, contemplating life's mysteries or deciding where to go for lunch- or even both- I'll leave it up to you!
The tranquil beauty of a Matsushima bridge. This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, I even went back a second day for more. The lush greenery and lapping ocean blend together so nicely and the fresh seafood is incredible.
A trip to the nearby island of Matsushima took me into the refreshing seas. Here a seagull chases us, in hopes of food treats.
Lanterns and origamio decorated whole swarths of the city, like a fantasy-land come to life.
The wonder of Tanabata festival, which I went all the way to Sendai for. Tohoku festivals are an amazing sight.
We had lunch in the shade of this garden- green and leafy, the perfect place in summer.
The harsh summer sun is too much for many flowers to endure, but these water lotuses were in full bloom, in Sankeien Garden, in Yokohama. Their delicate colours go well with the rich green.
Just the sight of them cools one down and the ancients must have had a lot of sense planting them there.
It is great to bask in the dreams of a forgotten era, but modern life does bring it's conveniences too- you are never lost in a crowd these days, with mobile phones at hand. Keitai and kimono (actually it is really a yukata, lighter and easier to wear, so better for the summer heat), could be called convenience and kimono!
The girls looked beautiful wearing them
I had never seen Kashiwa so crowded- you could hardly move and the atmosphere was electric.
Nebuta Festivalesque floats were there to be seen. A taste of the magic of summer in the Northeast region of Japan came with them, much to the delight of the gathered crowds.
Summer is a time for festivals in Japan, and this one was no exception. The wild dancing near the omikoshi, to the beat of taiko drums, had to be seen to be believed.
