The Wind on Hayama Beach
葉山浜の風
Sometimes one visits a place with a particular purpose. I’d like to see the hydrangeas of Meigetsuin in Kamakura, for instance; I’d like to feed the tabby cats of Enoshima; or I’d like to enjoy strawberry-picking in Yokosuka.
Going to Hayama, I had the same frame of mind. I wanted to photograph the elegant flying tombi hawks; I wanted to film them.
At Zushi station, I took the bus bound for Hayama (Route 逗12). Along the way, I passed by Hayama Marina, some shrines, a stretch of rocky beaches, pretty cafes, restaurants, and a few traditional Japanese-style houses. I got off right after the imperial villa (Hayama Goyotei). It took about twenty minutes. Between the gaps of houses, I walked towards the sea.
At the banks of the grass-covered shore of Hayama Prefectural Park (there were some handsome pine trees), my attention was immediately arrested by a cluster of young luxuriant susuki in bloom. Their white cattail-like blossoms dancing in the wind riveted me. I started filming with my iPhone. Above, the tombi hawks glided, drifted, and dived. But they didn’t come near. They only come near if you have some food in your hands; I didn’t bring any onigiri (rice balls). Thus, I could only take a video of them from a distance.
However, the early blooming Japanese pampas grass was attractive enough. I could go near them and I didn’t hear any murmur of complaint from them!
Hayama Prefectural Park is a great place for a picnic. Although I didn’t bring any food or beer, you could spend the whole day in contemplation.
On my way home, I stopped by at Hayama Shiosai Park. There was a Japanese garden where some carp were bathing in the cool water of the pond.
