This is Part 2 of my photo walk along the Kominato Railway in Chiba.
After enjoying a quiet moment at Kazusa-Mitsumata, I boarded a single-car train that was unexpectedly packed to the brim (!). Although the weather was sunny that day, it was likely influenced by the fact that the weather had been less than ideal the days before and after—apparently, this drew crowds of sightseers, including those out for cherry blossom viewing. Since I was one of them, I couldn’t really complain.
I escaped the crowded train at Takataki Station. As a casual railfan, my plan was to photograph the train against the backdrop of the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the station building, but while waiting for the next train, I took a quick detour to photograph Takataki Dam.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom against the dam and lake under a blue sky—what more could one ask for? It’s truly a delightful photo walk.
Then, together with a few fellow enthusiasts, we set up by the railroad crossing to capture the downbound train entering Takataki Station through the rapeseed flowers.
Let’s take a vertical shot as well.
The LUMIX G9 Pro II and Leica DG 50-200mm lens—with excellent sharpness and bokeh, and colors that are neither too vivid nor too muted—make for a truly reliable combination.
Since this is a “ride & shoot” trip without a car, I don’t have time to check if my shots turned out well; I have to hurry on so I don’t miss the next northbound train.
But just before the station, the flowers were in such full bloom that I couldn’t help but stop in my tracks, mesmerized, and snap a photo.
Also, one shot at Takataki Station, using the ticket gate as a picture frame.
Let’s consider the Takataki Mission complete.
Next, we’ll take an upbound train and “return” to Kazusa-gawa for now.
