More pretty views from Biei, Hokkaido, Japan from our trip a month ago. Unlike those posted before, these are from our first day there, when it was much more hazy, overcast, and gloomy. Still, a few nice shots came out, I think, with common themes throughout.

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 35mm — 1/2500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Dirt, Utility Poles, and Mountains

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 135mm — 1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Farmhouse, Utility Pole, and Mountain

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200mm — 1/250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 320 — map & image data — nearby photos
Farmhouse, Field, and Mountains

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 55mm — 1/1250 sec, f/4.5, ISO 320, — map & image data — nearby photos
Dirt and Mountains

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 125mm — 1/350 sec, f/8, ISO 200, — map & image data — nearby photos
Clouds, Fields, and Mountains

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 @ 17mm — 1/2000 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200 — map & image data — nearby photos
“Oyako no Ki”
親子の木
Literally: Parents-and-child Trees
The trees in the last shot (which is better viewed with the larger version — as with most photos I post, click on the image to view) are somewhat famous, even being marked and labeled on area maps. There were at least a dozen people along the road taking pictures of these trees when we came by. How silly, taking pictures of trees. I'm glad I have enough self respect to not lower myself like that. 🙂
Anyway, hmmm, I wonder whether it would make a nice desktop background....?
I love how the fields look like chocolate. Yes I am hungry right now.
The lighting looks like it was hard to work with. One of those days that keeps the contrast down.
I have been reading your blog for the last month and your photos helped me make up my mind on buying the 17mm-55mm 2.8 lens. I also have to complement you on how much updated content you have on your blog.
Fellow ex-pat and photophile,
Landon