Goshikidai Watch the Seto Inland Sea at sunset from a mountaintop terrace with a reflecting pool

I stepped onto the terrace with the reflecting pool and turned my phone sideways. Across the water, I could see Seto Ohashi Bridge, with the sky above it growing dusky. Clouds were reflected in the pool at my feet, and I couldn't decide where to frame the shot. I stopped on the wooden edge and took in the whole view first.

“Try getting the reflection in, too,” my driving friend said. I angled my phone down a little, bringing more of the reflected sky into the frame. I'd come to photograph the sea and the bridge, but now the nearby water was becoming the star of the shot. I steadied my phone with both hands and compared the top and bottom of the frame.

The breeze stirred the sleeves of my ivory sweater. I tapped the shutter, took one photo and lowered my phone. I'd been more focused on getting the photo right than on looking at the view. I lifted my gaze toward the sea and watched the sunset light reach the water.

When my friend showed me her photo, it showed more of the sky than mine. We were standing in the same place, but the view we wanted to capture was a little different. Maybe next time I'll frame the clouds, too. With every photo we had a little more to compare, and even waiting for dusk became fun.

After one more photo, I slipped my phone into my pocket. I was staying at the inn tonight, so I could watch the sunset without thinking about where to go next. I'd love to try Sanuki udon for breakfast tomorrow, too. Watching the sky reflected in the pool with my friend, I was glad we'd made an overnight stay part of this autumn trip.