Ashigara Pass Camera lowered, following the lines of snow

When I arrived at the Ashigara Castle ruins in winter, the grass underfoot was dry and Mount Fuji beyond it was covered in snow. I tucked my chin towards my scarf and held my camera with both hands. I was struck by how different winter looked at my feet and on the summit, so first I simply watched the scenery before me.

From the summit downwards, the snow continued in many streaks. Wondering how far it reached, I lowered my gaze to overlapping mountains below, with a town nearer still. I’d planned to photograph Mount Fuji alone, but I wanted to remember the places where people lived at its foot too. Before I’d even chosen a composition, there was more I wanted to look at.

Beside me stood a thick wooden table, with leafless branches reaching into the sky. Still holding the camera at my waist, I looked from the mountain to the branches and back again. If I put the scenery before me into one picture, how much should I include? I thought I was looking with a photograph in mind, yet my hands stayed still for a while.

Long ago, Ashigara Pass was an important point on the Ashigara road linking eastern and western Japan. Today there are walking paths around places such as the Ashigara Castle ruins, so you can get out and walk during a drive. Before arriving, I’d only been looking forward to the view of Fuji, but now I wanted to think about the people who’d crossed the pass too. After seeing the mountain, I’d like to follow the paths around the castle ruins.

For a treat on a trip to Oyama, I’d also choose Kikuya’s Kintaro sablé biscuits. Recognisable by Kintaro, they’re made with local eggs and butter from Hokkaido. Once back in town, perhaps I’d look for some to take home and enjoy with today’s photos. That way, snack time could bring back the time I’d spent looking at the mountain.

At last I raised the camera and took a photo that included the town at the mountain’s foot. Looking back at the screen brought to mind the moment I’d been following those streaks of snow. If you visit Ashigara Pass in winter, try taking a break at the Ashigara Castle ruins on a clear morning. I want to remember this view that I watched for so long before taking the photo.