“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” – John Muir, American naturalist (1838-1914)
Coincidentally, just last week I was looking back at a photo taken of me in Hakuba (which I wrote about in my last post) – I had the biggest smile and it made me think, this is definitely where I’m most content. Warm sunshine and fresh air. Beautiful flowers of all colours. Lots of trees and possibly even a waterfall… Yep, my happy place is being in the great outdoors, the wilderness. Whether it’s while hiking through the mountains or strolling around a city garden, I always feel a boost in energy as soon as I’m immersed in nature. Problems and stress dissolve and I’m left in a peaceful state.
For this week’s Photo Challenge, I’ve selected pics from different locations in and around Tokyo.
Thank you Krista for this week’s Photo Challenge theme.
Celia in Tokyo 
最初の人間、アダムとイブは エデンの園(その)から 追放(ついほう)されるまで、
うつくしい自然の中で しあわせに くらしていました。わたしたちも エデンの園の
ような 美しい故郷(こきょう)に 戻りたい のだと おもいます。それなのに 人間は
この地球(ちきゅう)を ずいぶん 破壊(はかい)してしまいました。
そして 将来(しょうらい)、核戦争(かくせんそう)を 起こして
もっと 破壊するかもしれません。
ですから 都会の造園(ぞうえん)された自然の美しさだけでなく、
野性(やせい)の自然の中でも 心の安(やす)らぎを えたいと おもいます。
高尾山や丹沢の森の中を ハイキングする セリアさんは ほんとうに しあわせですね。
LikeLike
はい、いい景色を見ながらハイキングする時は本当に幸せでーす！エデンのような故郷に戻りたいという理由かどうか分かりませんが、自然な場所に惹かれています。人間の皆さんは環境を大切にしないといけないですよね。
LikeLike
Hi Celia,
Great selections that show Japan’s natural beauty. I understand what you mean about the great outdoors, but is there a specific “happy place”, somewhere when the mind goes when seeking calm? I know mine is a hilltop on Mount Hotham in winter. I’m looking forward to seeing your autumn season shots. Cheers … John
LikeLike
Hi John! That’s a great question. I would probably have to say Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto. I’ve only been there once, and just for a day, but I remember feeling like ‘ahh this is the life’ as I sat in a secluded rotenburo next to a river in the middle of the mountains!
Mt Hotham is a beautiful place, also. I imagine you’re a bit sad winter is over then?
Thanks, super excited for autumn!! :)
LikeLike
Very nice to hear you know where your happy place is. This is such a lovely set of photos, and my favourite image would be the last one of Shinjuku Gyoen. Love the autumnal colours and brown on the leaves. My happy place would be somewhere warm too, with fresh air, and where the sun is shining brightly :)
LikeLike
Thanks Mabel! I was really shocked at how stunning those colours were at Shinjuku Gyoen – just wasn’t expecting it! Your happy place sounds exactly like my image of Oz – perfect :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous shots. Love the light in the one entitled Tanzawa …
LikeLike
Thank Rebekah! Tanzawa is a mountain range just south-west of Tokyo, full of challenging hiking trails. Love it there :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see I need to go and check out Shinjuku Gyouen for the autumn colours!
LikeLike
Yes, definitely!! The start of December is a good time, if I recall correctly!
LikeLike
really? I though it would be earlier than that for the leaves! That&s good gives me plenty of time to get myself organised!
LikeLike
Yeah I was surprised they were still so vibrant. I went on Dec 12th! The rest of the park was pretty bare though.
LikeLiked by 1 person