During our recent visit to Tokyo, leaden skies and oppressive heat were the order of the day. Sightseeing slowed to snail’s pace, and our trek around the Imperial Palace grounds and the East Garden was decidedly laborious. The majestic garden setting was all manicured perfection, following the prescribed Japanese tradition of form and shape. I found the atmosphere oddly disconcerting as there were no songbirds, only the raucous cawing of crows and the shrill shriek of cicadas. It was a relief to find refuge in the close by Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT)not only as it was cool, but to dodge a heavy rain shower as well. The collection of artwork is an interesting mix, a combination of both Japanese and Western styles. On leaving we happened upon an exquisite sculpture displayed in the grounds, set on a patch of verdant green grass. It’s rich colours reflected, refracted the surrounding light. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to discover who the artist was, or the title of the work; but for me as our trip unfolded it came to symbolize the essence of the unfettered wildness of the mountains of Mt Daisetsuzan. The alpine beauty of those mountains in the clouds and their dynamic geothermal nature have an aura of raw power.
The following photos are taken in the Asahidake area (Hokkaido), and hopefully portray some of that region’s attraction ….