I took a long weekend break with my wife and went to Nikko, North of Tokyo, to look at the autumn leaves and relax in an Onsen. Lake Chuzenji is in a volcanic bowl around 2,000 metres altitude and fed from underground water sources. Next to the lake is a miniature version of Mount Fuji, around another 300 metres higher and perfectly symmetrical. I too along my Nikon F5 and F6 bodies along with some lenses. I loaded my last roll of Fuji PRESTO - a 400 speed B&W film. This is not made any more, so the last chance I will get to shoot it. It is quite grainy when compared with Kodak TMAX or similar film, but I like the mood.
Like a lot of holiday places in Japan, it has fallen on hard times and shows some real neglect. Additionally, since it is a lake, it has lots of swan shaped boats for the tourists.
All around the north side of the lake you can see these swan boats hauled out of the water.
Some are even shaped like helicopters. This one lost its rotor.
Up close and personal with a swan.
Temple grafitti and request for donation.
More temple grafitti. This is a common sight in Japan. Usually it is a family name in a sort of “I was here” moment.
There is a short fishing season in the lake - one of the few lakes still with native fish.
Bleak weather. I was happy to get back to the Onsen and soak.