Black Swan

This image of Matsumoto Castle represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. After capturing Himeji and Osaka castles on our first trip to Japan, I was eager to add Matsumoto to my collection on our second visit. Despite its out-of-the-way location, we made a dedicated day trip from Tokyo to see this architectural marvel.

Our day in Matsumoto was filled with delightful surprises. We explored the charming town, savored local cuisine, and even stumbled upon a whimsical festival celebrating cats. But the true jewel of our journey was, without doubt, the castle itself.

As we walked the castle grounds, I found myself captivated by the interplay of light on the dark wooden structure and the gentle movements of birds around the moat. I knew I wanted to capture an image that encompassed all these elements, showcasing the castle's unique beauty.

For about an hour and a half I waited patiently, observing the changing light and the comings and goings of wildlife. My persistence paid off when I finally lined up the perfect shot: the castle's distinctive silhouette reflected in the still waters of the moat, its famous red balcony (tsukimi-yagura or "moon-viewing tower") adding a pop of color to the predominantly black and white structure, with a graceful swan gliding through the darkened water of the castle’s reflection—adding life to the scene and creating a sense of scale that emphasized the castle's grandeur.

The resulting image captures not just the architectural beauty of Matsumoto Castle, often called "Crow Castle" for its dark exterior, but also a moment of perfect harmony between the man-made and natural worlds. The swan's presence in the reflection seems almost too serendipitous to be real, a reward for the time spent waiting and observing.

After capturing this shot, we toured the castle interior, climbing to the top. The experience of exploring the ancient structure added depth to my appreciation of the photograph, knowing the history and craftsmanship that lies behind its striking façade. And the view of the surrounding city from the highest tier of the castle is not to be missed!

This image serves as a reminder of the rewards of patient observation in photography, the joy of exploring Japan's rich cultural heritage, and the unexpected delights found when venturing off the beaten path.