Its our castle., a photo from Nagano, Chubu

Photographer's Note

This is the second trip of my adventures of Japan after finishing work in Japan.

Matsumoto a wonderful place, my friend and cycled around the whole place and it was a pleasant and peaceful experience. The people were just so friendly, however my friend who hasn ridden a bike for over 20 years almost lost 3 of her lives, luckily she is like a cat with 9 lives.

Some info on this magnificent castle

Matsumoto Jo
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s finest surviving castles. It was never penetrated and as a result, what one sees now is the beautiful original wooden structure. Matsumoto Jo was built around 1595 by the Ogasawara clan, who dominated and controlled the area of Matsumoto at that time. The main structure appears to be four tiered, although inside is a hidden fifth layer. Slits can be seen, from where arrows could be fired out but not in, and the top floor of the castle commanded (and still commands) excellent views of the surrounding area. This is the main reason why the enemy had difficulty in attacking Matsumoto Jo, as those inside could see the enemy first. Finally, the castle is surrounded by a huge moat, adding to the security of Matsumoto Jo. Within the lake are some huge carp, which old Japanese men seem to take particular delight in feeding.

I spotted the swans coming in to the frame and waited and then snap

I hope you like the picture

jackpkn, Xalkida, chaity, weswang, nwoehnl, Izobretenik, Tue, avigur_11, emjleclercq, caspita, MLINES ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

MIG13 (0) 2006-07-05 18:14

WOW! It's a nice composition, Dan! The castle is beautiful, in bright colours and perfect perspective! The swans are a must! Congratulations! Miguel.

lesfilous (369) 2006-07-05 18:19

Hi Dan,
It's a beautiful architecture you've taken.
I think that there's too much contrast, maybe because of the sun...
But I like your composition... well done.
Fred

Xalkida (11744) 2006-07-05 18:41

Hi Dan

Wonderful shot! I like the POV, the great colors and the fine lighting. The two swans is a very fine addition! Great job!

fallan (1860) 2006-07-05 20:25

It is a beautiful area. The swans are a nice addition. I'd like more detail in the clouds.

chaity (1539) 2006-07-05 21:18

Hi Dan, the wait for the swans really worth your while. They added some action into the nice castle behind a fine and sunny day.

weswang (18247) 2006-07-05 23:25

Hi Dan, I enjoy your low angle composition to the beautiful view of the castle. The swans added life and contrast to the scenery. Nice sharpness and a well taken picture.

nwoehnl (122) 2006-07-06 3:35

I was there too, Dan - two things I remember about Matsumoto besides the castle are (1) the female voice announcing "Matsumoto! Matsumoto! Matsumoto!" on the station platform when getting off the train, and (2) the traffic lights near the station that played some kind of symphonic melody to signify the "go" signal for pedestrians :D The photo is nice, the swans blend well into the elegant setting with the black castle behind the water-filled moat.

Izobretenik (1268) 2006-07-06 4:06

Very different from the castle I know here in Nagoya. I don't know how many castles you have seen since you live in Japan but I would like to have another idea about these architecture beauties in Japan. I can't say I have been really impressed by what I have seen so far.

You took a beautiful scene here, with a view on the lake and these two cygns (not sure about the word) just swimming smoothly. Nice one Dan.

Izo

Tue (92482) 2006-07-06 14:18

Hej Dan,
A very good capture of this castle, its place in the composition is very good! It looks really impressive from this POV. The swans are a great bonus. Well done!
Hilsen,
Lars

avigur_11 (22553) 2006-07-06 20:05

A nice double rpetition of the pagodda roofs and two swans. Reflection, sky, clarity and a very nice compo - a verygood shot, Dan.

danyy (0) 2006-07-07 4:41

Hello Dan,
une bien agréable photo avec des monument et des constructions qui nous dépaysent vraiment de notre occident.
Par contre , nos cygnes sont les mêmes :-).
C'est une photo reposante, agréable à regarder.
All the best from Belgium.
Daniel.

Angshu (56760) 2006-07-07 5:46

What wonderful twosomes here Dan...twin pagoda roofs, two swans, both so graceful yet cannot be more contrasty. Excellent perspective
Regards
Angshu

emjleclercq (15778) 2006-07-10 16:28

A very Japanese image, mixing natural beauty (the swans, the tress) and an allusion to the bushido (the castle). The castle itsel is very nicely depicted, especially the stone base.

All the best,

Emmanuel

caspita (395) 2006-07-12 14:40

Hi dan...This one is just beautiful. Quiet and serene. the swans are a bonus. Thanks for posting this one...Mae

MLINES (12516) 2006-08-22 19:15

Hi Dan, Excellent composition of this castle enhanced greatly by the two white swans in the foreground. Very well croped with an interesting note. Murray.