On the afternoon of August 15, 2025, I started my photography walk along the west bank of Sumida River. The sun was perfect at 4:30 PM, and I began my journey from Azuma Bridge, walking along the riverside path on the Sumida side.
Standing on Azuma Bridge and looking toward the Tobu Isesaki Line, I saw an endless river with railway bridges crossing above it. The blue sky filled with white clouds looked like a beautiful painting made by nature. At Azuma Bridge boat station, it was sunset time. The river surface sparkled with golden light, reflecting the warm evening sun. The peaceful beauty made me want to stay longer.
When I entered the Sumida River Park area, Tokyo Skytree stood tall right in front of me, so close I felt I could almost touch it. On the green spaces beside the walking path, visitors were lying on the grass, relaxing peacefully. The whole atmosphere felt calm and happy, making me slow down my steps naturally.
The most surprising part was meeting wild animal friends along the way. On the walking path, I found a seagull sitting quietly. Its eyes were gentle and calm. Even when I walked close to it, the bird stayed relaxed and unafraid. This peaceful moment touched my heart deeply. Walking further, I discovered a pair of elegant herons resting by a small pond. I found a bench nearby and sat down quietly, watching these beautiful birds.
As the sky grew darker, the herons were still there. I changed to a large aperture lens and captured the most magical moment – a heron standing on a stone while the pond water reflected the lights from the shore. In the shimmering water, the heron looked like something from a dream. This scene is still clear in my memory today.
On my way back, walking under the railway bridge, I looked back at Azuma Bridge and the yakatabune boats on the river. The colorful lights against the quiet night created the perfect ending to this wonderful photography journey.
