I typically try to avoid taking photos from "iconic" locations, as they have been photographed by everyone and their dog. Creating a worthwhile image from this location is both easy and difficult at the same time. It's easy because all of the pieces are right there, all you have to do is point the camera and hope the weather plays nice. However, it's difficult because the photo you take will be compared to all those taken before it, including images taken by some very well established photographers.
That being said, on my 4th trip to Yamanashi, I decided to wake up at 3am for some night photography from this location. While that photo didn't quite work out, I hung around for sunrise in hopes of getting a consolation prize. Waiting around in -7C weather for 3 hours in the dark isn't easy, but the view is more than worth losing feeling in my toes... I need better shoes.
*Footnote: I just want to nip this comment in the bud right off the bat --- I didn't removed the rope on the Pagoda because it's a religious structure and I'm wary about removing anything from religious structures, if I'm unsure of the significance.
This is amazing. It’s one of the best I’ve ever seen from this location
It’s even better than Elia’s but his had a 4.5 rating and this one had a 3! Just shows that photos by famous people get higher ratings. If that one is a 4 star then this one is a 5 for sure!!