Forest Bath
My border collie, Dale-chan, enjoying a peaceful moment on a nature trail encircling the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan. Surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight, she truly embodies the serenity of this beautiful place.
Blessed Dogs
The black sculpture, “Blessed Dogs,” by Niu, depicts two playful dogs leaping joyfully, their forms silhouetted against the sunlight. Installed at the Pola Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, this artwork reflects the artist's focus on creating motifs that celebrate the happiness of animals.
Sequoyah Aono
The marble sculpture, Dexter Head, featured here is a striking self-portrait of Aono, inspired by Michelangelo’s David. This 3-meter-tall masterpiece (9.8 feet) blends classical and contemporary styles.
Sengokuhara Silver Grass Field
As I completed my photowalk through the Sengokuhara Silver Grass Fields on the northern slope of Mt. Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, I paused to look back. Just as the sun rose over the ridges, its first rays broke through a partly cloudy sky, casting layers of soft light across the fields of shimmering silver grass. The gentle glow brought the landscape to life, painting a tranquil farewell to my morning in the grasslands.
Sengokuhara Susuki Sogen
On my visit to the Sengokuhara Silver Grass Fields on the northern slope of Mt. Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, I arrived just before sunrise, reaching the fields in time to capture the first rays of light spilling over the Mt. Hakone ridge. In the distance, the quiet resort town of Sengokuhara rests beneath the backdrop of Mt. Ashigara, framed by fields of shimmering silver grass in the foreground.
Soleil Hill Beach
Long-exposure photo capturing rippling waves as they lap against the dark sandy shore at Soleil Hill Beach. On the left, a rock formation composed of alternating layers of pyroclastic sandstone and mudstone, deposited on the seafloor between 10 and 4 million years ago and exposed around 500,000 years ago, juts into the scene at an estimated 30-degree angle.
Rest Stop Border
My border collie, Dale-chan, taking a cheerful break at a roadside rest area along Route 134, about 400 meters (1,300 feet) west of Zushi Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by potted succulents and a friendly Farmer’s Market sign, Dale-chan enjoyed the moment in the cool autumn breeze.
Highland Pine Trees
The pastures at Makiba Park stretch across sweeping green fields, dotted with majestic pine trees that stand tall against a backdrop of verdant mountain ranges. This tranquil, panoramic landscape invites visitors to pause, breathe deeply, and savor the serene beauty of the highlands.
Highland Cattle Pasture
A vast pasture bordered by woodlands with verdant mountain ranges in the background. Afternoon light breaks through cumulus clouds, illuminating parts of the landscape while other areas are shadowed. Herds of cattle graze in the distance at the pasture's edge.
Makiba Park’s Lush Pastures
Nestled atop a 1,400-meter (4,600 ft) plateau in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Southern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group, Makiba Park offers visitors a tranquil escape. Here, sheep graze peacefully against a backdrop of lush greenery, inviting guests to enjoy the serene landscape and panoramic views.