Although I said in the title that I was going to reflect on the event, I only thought that it was enjoyable and that I would like to go back again. I am not really reflecting on the Tadami Line trip.
Since returning to Tokyo, I have been going about my normal, hectic daily life again. The only thing that has changed is that I now have this tenugui towel on my living room wall, which I bought as a souvenir, and look at it every once in a while, smiling and soaking in the memories.
Pretty good, isn’t it? I bought these Tadami Line support goods produced by Maderleaf, a local Tadami-cho planning company, which was selling them at a temporary tent shp near Tadami station. It is an official merchandise that has been proudly approved for commercialization by JR East. When I looked at the accurate side sketches of each bridge on the tenugui, I was deeply moved by the vivid memories of the site.
The tenugui hand towels depict the first through the eighth “numbered bridges” across the Tadami River, but I was not able to photograph the third and fifth bridges during the three days of the tour due to the schedule. I took pictures of the 3rd bridge last autumn, but it is regrettable that I missed the 5th bridge.
Instead, I was able to take pictures of some bridges that are not on the Tadamigawa River (Ookawa, Takiya, Natsuigawa, and Managawa). I also photographed the Ootani River Bridge, the Shiozawa River Bridge, and the Kanazugawa River Bridge, which are major “non-numbered” bridges.
It is of course fun to dream of “completing all bridges” in this way, but from my experience of taking pictures for only 8 days in 3 seasons, I know that the Tadami Line area surrounded by nature looks completely different depending on the season, weather, and angle of light, so even if you take the pictures in the same place, they will turn out different every time. Therefore, there are an infinite number of Tadami-Line photos that I haven’t taken yet, so what I’m trying to say is that I haven’t reflected on my experiences,
I haven’t taken enough.
Furthermore, I have come to know that there are many scenic spots and scenes worth seeing and photographing in this area, even if I do not take pictures of bridges or trains. This trip made me want to visit various places and travel around Oku-Aizu in various seasons.
Actually without the appearance of trains, early summer in Oku-Aizu was fascinating enough.
Finally, as a reminder, I’ll note a few things I noticed about the series of shooting lines, in no particular order.
◼️ Parking problem
The parking space was more than I expected in advance.
But not secured well in those → 3rd, 5th, 6th, Kanouzugawa
◼️ Toilet problem
It is not good if you don’t know where you can use the restrooms.
Be especially careful when shooting between Tadami station and Aizu-Kawaguchi station.
◼️ Bridge problem
In Yoriiwa bridge, Kami-igusa bridge, Shikisai bridge, and Saijikibashi bridge, you have to take pictures while blocking the traffic of cars on the roadway completely. Anticipation of danger, good manners, and speed of deployment and removal are important.
◼️ Issue of rest
In Okuaizu, there is often a problem that the restaurant you were expecting to go to is not open. I encountered this in Yanaizu, Miyashita, Tagokura Lakeside View, and other places.
As a countermeasure, I always carry a drink and a calorie mate.
◼️ Issue of sunlight
It is important to know in advance where the sun will be on what day and at what time of the day, and how the sun will shine or not shine at your target location. Otherwise, you will end up shooting under strong backlight or in blacked-out mountain shadows when you have a precious photo opportunity.
Here is a site I found useful
◼️Weather problems (not “problems” though)
I’m not sure how much fog is going to come out of the mountains and the river, but if it comes out too much, it’s not going to make a good photo. I have to anticipate where and how much fog will appear, anticipate it, and then pray for it.
And then there is the wind. Even when it is perfectly calm and the water mirror is beautiful, it often collapses when the wind blows within a few dozen seconds. Once you have composed your image and set up your camera, you have no choice but to pray for this as well.
This time, the god of fog was cold to me, but the god of wind was rather kind to me.
◼️Car Rental Problem
When you rent a car in Koriyama, there is always a risk of getting stuck in traffic jams in Koriyama city, even if the rest of the city is smooth.
Also, the road from Koriyama to Aizu-Bange on the Ban-Etsu Expressway has some ups and downs, so a gasoline-powered car will consume a lot of fuel. If you have a low fuel level, it is a good idea to refuel before getting on the highway just to be safe.
That’s all. Thank you very much for your patience with my ramblings.
