By: Alex
For Japan travel enthusiasts, Tokyo may be large, but it’s gradually losing its novelty—prompting many to shift their focus to surrounding areas. For example, hot spring lovers often head to Hakone and the Izu Peninsula, while those seeking a hip, artsy vibe might choose Karuizawa. Ibaraki Prefecture, also relatively close to Tokyo, isn’t yet a wildly popular tourist destination, meaning you won’t be rubbing shoulders with crowds of tourists everywhere. Could it be your next travel spot?
Recently, the results of a photography competition jointly organized by the travel website Zekkei Japan and Ibaraki Prefecture were announced. This year’s theme was “Scenic Beauty of Dawn and Dusk,” and the winning and commendable entries offer a chance to admire some of the most beautiful and magnificent landscapes in Ibaraki, serving as inspiration for your next trip.
▲Makoto Igari〈Sea of Clouds over Tsukuba〉, Mount Tsukuba
The grand prize was won by Makoto Igari for his photo of the sea of clouds captured on Mount Tsukuba. Located north of Tsukuba City, Mount Tsukuba isn’t very high, with an elevation of just over 870 meters, and consists of two peaks: Mount Nantai (Male) and Mount Nyotai (Female). Typically in spring and autumn, when there’s a significant difference between day and night temperatures and it has rained the previous evening, creating sufficient humidity in the air, sea of clouds can form in the mountains or basins around dawn or early morning.
Here are some other selected award-winning and commendable works:
▲Takumi Hataya〈Snowy Rock〉, Kamisha Seiryu Torii Gate at Oarai Isosaki Shrine
▲Akira Otsuzumi〈450-Year-Old Tree〉, Hannya-in Temple in Ryugasaki City
▲Tomohiro Anzai〈Frozen Flowers of the Kuji River〉, Kuji River
▲muneki〈Sea of Hydrangeas〉, Rappa-ji Temple (Amagoi Kannon) in Sakuragawa City
▲muneki〈Red World〉, Kasama Azalea Park in Kasama City
▲Masafumi Yoshinoya〈Summer Lighting of Broom Corn〉, Kasaoka Seaside Park (National Government Park)
▲Tomohiro Anzai〈w??ビ胗；?稹担?晴媸卸钐锇⒛舷绨⒚滞铀录/strong>
▲Makoto Igari〈Heart of Fire〉, Tsukuba National Fireworks Competition (along the Sakuragawa River)
▲Masahiro Ueno〈Sunset Carnival at Tennozaki〉, Tennozaki Park in Namegata City
Source: Zekkei Japan