As dawn breaks on the first day of 2024, I greet the new year with a tranquil view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi. Captured in late November, this image symbolizes the fresh start and hopes that come with the year’s first light. Reflecting the tradition of Hatsuyume, where the first dream of the new year predicts one’s fortune, this serene scene of Mount Fuji embodies the auspicious ‘First Fuji’—a sign of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Photo Description – Capturing a Symbol of Prosperity
On a peaceful late November morning, I captured the majestic Mount Fuji, its summit graced with snow, against the deep blue sky. The mountain, serene and commanding, mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchi, stands as a timeless symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and a beacon of hope for the new year.
Story Behind the Photo – A Vision for the New Year
This photograph was specifically chosen to share on the morning of January 1st, 2024, as a visual representation of Hatsuyume. In Japanese culture, the first dream of the new year holds significant meaning, and seeing Mount Fuji, a hawk, or an eggplant is considered particularly auspicious. This image of Mount Fuji, therefore, is my wish for everyone’s year to be filled with blessings and good fortune.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Embracing the Dawn of 2024
The challenge of capturing the perfect shot in the backlight of early morning was a rewarding endeavor. With careful positioning to avoid lens flare, I managed to preserve the dignified and tranquil essence of Mount Fuji, reflecting the hope and purity that the new year represents.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: NIKON Df
- Lens: Micro-Nikkor-P C Auto 55mm F3.5
- Shutter Speed: 1/3200s
- Aperture: ƒ8
- ISO: ISO 400
Location