Last summer I had the chance to take a trip to New Hampshire with my family, in order primarily to visit my wife’s side of the family. We had a great few weeks, and as it was the first time in 3 years that we had been back to America, you can imagine how much...
One of my favorite parts of New England is the mixture of American history and nature that collide in the area, and today’s photo is a prime example of that. This photo comes from the Gleason Falls stone bridge, located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Originally built in the 1840s, the bridge is still in use...
I’ve tried to be more pointed in my photography throughout this year. That is to say, when I go someplace, I try to have a better idea of what I want to shoot, rather than just wandering around aimlessly shooting anything and everything. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with shooting like that, but...
After a day in Kawaguchiko and another day in Karuizawa, fellow photographer Anthony Wood and I found ourselves traveling along the mountain roads of Gunma Prefecture. The area was remarkably similar to some of my favorite places in the US, and with the autumn colors going strong, it was hard not to stop every half...
Japan has no shortage of famous locations to visit. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mt Fuji are just a few of the major destinations on many a person’s travel list. While it’s great to visit such places, I believe if you want to really experience Japan, you have to make some time for some of the smaller,...
Hi Les,
Your photos really bring back memories of my youth. My Mom was from Shimotsui and I visited the town a few times in the early to mid 70’s while a youngster living on Yokota AFB. At the time, there were few foreigners to be seen, and our family would arrive in a full-size station wagon to the amazement (amusement) of the locals. I was back again in 1990.
My wife and nine year old son and I will be visiting next month from the San Francisco Bay Area. Would you be so kind as to advise the easiest way to get to Shimotsui from Okayama where we’ll be staying. We plan to just wander around as the memories flood back to me. In the 70’s, we took a two car train into Washuzan. I recall walking down a seemingly endless number of steps to the town. The fishermen took us fishing and to nearby islands to swim. Really fond memories of a quiet little town, but with plenty to explore.
Anyway, look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the comment! Very interesting reading your own experiences. Quite a time you had there for you sure, so I can see why you’re looking forward to the visit.
The best way to get there now from Okayama Station is to take the marine liner (I think it is called) to Kojima Station, then take a bus from that station to Shimotsui. That bus also continues on to Washuzan, so you could take the bus to Washuzan and then walk down from the mountain into the town, or you could stop earlier and walk around the town and walk up the mountain. There might be a bus that goes directly to Washuzan, as well.
Great post, I’ll have to bookmark it for when I get another chance to visit Japan and tackle off the beaten path cities. I especially love that last shot at night with all the glowing lights.
