I only spent a day in Osaka, and the next afternoon I headed off to Koyasan. I passed up most of the temples on the mountain, since I think I've seen more temples than Buddha has by now, and headed to the cedar forest surrounding, well, a special temple known as Okunoin.
While I did spend a few minutes at the super-scared temple, I spent hours wondering around the hundreds of thousands grave sites that range in age from ancient to recent--more time spent looking for the former.
Even with the bus loads of Asian tourists, most of them just take the new road to the temple, get their prayer on, and then head out. For me, the most impressive parts of Okunoin were in the furthest reaches off the stone paths, where moss is king amongst the oldest of the monuments.
Often cemeteries look barren and unnatural. Okunoin is not like that, it fits well with its surroundings and the smell of burning incense lit by the monks was nice in the forest on that rainy day.
Wow, that first picture is gorgeous. How did you get the light to filter in like that?
(I just bought my first digital camera, and it's a bit confusing, really.)
That's just how the light looked. Most of these photos were shot at about -1 exposure compensation to preserve details in the highlights, and then of course the exposure is adjusted again when I process the photos. That helps keep subtle details like light rays.
But really, a lot of the photos I see of Okunoin on the net have similar lighting, I guess it's a common thing up there--although I had to wait for the rain to clear and the sun to come out.
Thanks for coming by and your comment.
First time I've commented on this site, I've been following it for a good few months now and I've finally gone through your archives and they're great. These couple posts on Japan are great as well. I have a friend who just got back from Japan a few weeks ago and plans on going back next summer, I think I'll go with him.
On a side note, you look insanely similar to one of my Politics Professors I had last semester!
Wow Max! Those are some phenominal photos!
That top picture may be the most beautiful photograph I have ever seen. You have been posting some really marvelous work lately, including that Japanese castle and the King's Quarters picture.
Guess I'll join the choir here - the first photo is one of your best.
I've always been partial to sunlight filtered through trees, and to add some stone sculptures and a path to the mix works great.
Looking forward to more photos...
That first picture is totally stunning, as the third one.
Nice work.
Max!! You went to Japan without telling me???
You suck!!!!!! When are you coming back to
California?? I haven't seen you since high school
graduation!!
Great photos and words. I think Koyasan is the most magical place in all Japan. You captured its secrets well. You might like my photos at www.davidtitterington.blogspot.com.