JAPAN by Andrew Rankin

Fuji overlooking some houses in Kawaguchiko not long after sunrise

All images by Andrew Rankin.

1. Looking northwards towards Lake Kawaguchi and its surrounding mountains. This part of Kawaguchiko is organised in a grid system and is reminiscent of American town planning. With the long streets leading into mountains this made me think of Salt Lake City; 2. A small seating area outside the front of a garage on Yamanashi Prefectural Road 707, a main road that leads from Kawaguchiko to Fuji itself; 3. After leaving Arashiyama forest and following the Katsura River the steady flow of people and traffic across the bridge is a major reminder that you are still in Kyoto. The photo is made looking east, back towards Kyoto. Ironically, the bridge is well known for it's view in the opposite direction; 4. Uji is about 30 minutes from Kyoto by train. It was one of the first places in Japan to grow tea and is renowned for the quality of the produce. The river, featured in the Tale of Genji, splits the town and has two small islands which are used as parks.

The famous former capital, it’s now viewed as the cultural centre of Japan. Vending machines are everywhere in Japan, at times to satirical levels - at the bottom of driveways, in the middle of forests. The cliché of seedy machines seems long gone and most are now for drinks (hot and cold) and snacks. This was made in the west of the city, not far from the zoo, crafts and design museum and Nanzenji Temple

1. The JR Nara line travelling north towards Kyoto Station from Uji. This is travelling over the Uji River close to sunset with Uji itself spanning both sides of the river visible on the bank; 2. Beppu, known for it's Onsen. Standing over the Asami River on the Asami Hondori beside the Yahata Asami Shrine Ichino Torii - according Google translation; 3. Kamakura is a small coastal city 1-2 hours from Tokyo (by car/train). It was one of Japan’s ancient capitals and attracts tourists for its beach, hiking trails and variety of temples; 4. Looking southwest from Onomichi towards Mukaishima Island. The red cranes of Koshin Sangyo Mukojima factory can be seen in the distance along with one of the many docks that dot the coastline.

The northern face of Mount Fuji at sunset