An Afternoon Walk Along the Riverside
On the afternoon of August 15, 2025, I started my photography walk from Azuma Bridge along the west bank of the Sumida River. The sun was still strong at 4:30 PM, casting bright reflections on the water. Walking slowly along the riverside path, I saw railway bridges crossing the river in the distance, with blue skies and white clouds creating a natural scene.
The atmosphere at Sumida River Park was relaxed and peaceful, with some visitors resting on the grass. As time passed, the sun gradually set, and the light became softer.
An Unexpected Encounter – A Gentle Seagull
On the walking path, I came across a seagull sitting quietly. At first, I thought it might be injured, but when I approached, it showed no signs of panic and remained calm in its spot. Its eyes were gentle and peaceful, which felt comforting to see. I think it must be very used to people walking nearby. This calm presence left a strong impression on me. Having such a close encounter with a wild bird was quite special.
An Elegant Figure by the Pond
Walking further, I discovered a heron by a small pond. The water reflected its image beautifully, and I really loved that moment. I found a nearby bench and sat down quietly to watch and photograph.
After the sun went down, the heron flew to a small tree by the pond. The way it bent its neck to groom its feathers was very graceful.
The Magic of Nightfall
As darkness fell, the heron was still there. The rippling water reflected the lights from the shore, and the heron stood on a small stone in the pond. I switched to a large aperture lens to enhance the light effects, making the scene even more dreamlike. On a small island in the pond, there was a boat-shaped lamp glowing softly, its reflection shimmering on the water, adding a poetic touch to the evening. This was the most special moment of the day.
In the distance, Tokyo Skytree glowed gently, with tree branches creating silhouettes in the foreground. On the river, yakatabune boats moved toward Azuma Bridge, with colorful lights decorating both the bridge and the boats. On my way back, walking under the railway bridge, I saw many visitors still sitting on benches along the shore, quietly enjoying the riverside night view.
This photography journey from afternoon to night brought me many unexpected scenes. The peaceful atmosphere by the Sumida River and those wild bird friends willing to be near people became the most beautiful memories of this summer twilight.
