Mt. Mitsumine
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Chasing Light on the Slopes of Mt. Mitsumine
丘に溶け込む一本の木・三峰山での風景
Located at an elevation of 1,773 meters (5,816 ft), the slopes of Mt. Mitsumine (三峰山; Mitsumine-yama) rise as one of the taller peaks on the plateau of the Kirigamine Highlands (霧ヶ峰高原; Kirigamine-kōgen), about 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Tokyo. From Yokohama, it took me only three hours by expressway, thanks to leaving home at around 4:00 a.m., thus avoiding the morning rush hour.
Mt. Mitsumine is an extinct volcano formed during the Late Pliocene to early Pleistocene, roughly 1.5 to 0.75 million years ago. Unlike Mt. Fuji, it is not especially tall, which allows for the growth of lush vegetation. Still, tall trees struggle here, as the volcanic soil of these highlands makes it difficult for them to thrive.
This particular shot was a challenge. With the late-morning sun directly overhead, it was almost impossible to create separation between the small tree in the mid-ground and the rolling hills beyond.
I couldn’t help but wonder: had I arrived at golden hour, would the low morning light from the right have cast shadows across the left side of the tree, adding the depth and contrast I was looking for?
One day, I’d like to come back when the light shifts or the seasons turn to see if I can make this tree stand out from its camouflage in the hills.
Location: Mt. Mitsumine, Nagano, Japan
Timestamp: 2025-07-30・08:14
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
58 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.6
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If this scene speaks to you, prints and downloads are available:
Dale-chan’s Break Among Bamboo Leaves
デールちゃん、涼しい高原でひと休み
Dale-chan, my loyal border collie, turned 12 this year. These days, even though she needs a little more time when we take on mountain trails, her spirit is as strong as ever.
The hike to the peak of Mt. Mitsumine was fortunately a gentle slope, and the cool summer air made it easier for her to stride ahead and show me the way.
Every so often she pauses to rest, and I’m always grateful for those quiet breaks together on the trail.
Location: Mt. Mitsumine, Nagano, Japan
Timestamp: 2025-07-30・08:16
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
95 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.6
