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Sunday, July 3, 2016

Turquoise

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.

shiz 42

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
bridge

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. 

sumatakyoshiz 09

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.

morningEarly morning shoot. The town is still asleep.

fantasyThis is still in Japan. It has a European feel to it though.

railwayThe orange rail over the trees.

tea
   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.
  
trainslocomotive

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

46 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. My pleasure as always, Mary. I wanted to post the video of the said trip but I cannot find it.

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  2. I really love the place you have found, I think sometimes the easy accessible is less visited. I do love the haiku to accompany,

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    1. Thanks Bjorn. Hope to be back there again.

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  3. Wow ! Such lovely pictures and that tea plantation was my favourite!

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  4. Spectacular..and will be more beautiful in autumn for sure.

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    1. I think so too. If I can go back there that would be great

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  5. wow! 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 :)

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    1. Oh, I miss Takeshi's castle. I enjoyed that show. Thanks Sumana

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  6. The 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

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    1. Indeed, Jae. I even ran for a few times haha.

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  7. Sigh... such breathtaking pictures coupled with an equally breathtaking haiku!

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  8. Stunning 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.

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    1. Sometimes the sounds of cicadas are therapeutic, Robin

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  9. Thank 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!

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    1. We can dance especially when no one is watching haha. Thanks Susan

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  10. I like the idea of dancing with only a chance of rain---sort of a pre-celebration!

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    1. Sort of ritual when it's too hot and humid. :)

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  11. What 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.

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    1. Some 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.

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  12. What 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!

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    1. Just close your eyes Donna when you cross the bridge. It will be fine :)

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  13. Love 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. ;-)

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    1. Thanks Magaly. I am a willing virtual guide.

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  14. It is wonderful to know of such unspoiled beauty close to a highly populated city.

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    1. Indeed Kerry. But sometimes, I feel it needs more visitors.

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  15. These are such beautiful, almost haunting photos, and truly cast a spell. I want to go there...

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  16. Beautiful place, wonderful pictures as usual. I love the bridge, but would never cross it,

    Elizabeth

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  17. So 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 :-)

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  18. Delightful and beautiful visit here.
    ZQ

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  19. Your photos are enchanting and your haiku just perfect. Aha

    Thanks for dropping in at my Sunday Lime
    Much love...

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  20. Your photographs take my breath away. What a talent you are. I also enjoyed the notes and your lovely haiku. Awesome post!

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  21. i know Japan is beautiful but your pictures really want to make the reader take the next flight there. :)
    the 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.

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    1. 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

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  22. Beautiful haiku....cicadas, the sonf of summmer !
    Lovely photos too

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any thoughts to distill?

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