There used to be farms at Negishi in Yokohama. This beautiful rural landscape was a short distance from the foreign settlement. Negishi was called Mississippi Bay by the foreigners, apparently this was coined by Commodore Perry whose flagship bore that name. They also called it “the most scenic spot in the world” and would come here to enjoy the fantastic view on the sea and the faraway cliffs at Honmoku. At the foot of the cliffs, local women and children combed for shellfish at low tide.
One of a set of six pairs of photos at
Dunego.
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(Tried to embed the pics but it wouldn't work.)
This reminds me of an Early California Impressionist painting I picked up last week. While not as developed as the Japanese location is does bring this closer to home.
It is easy to look at these paintings and dismiss them as simply landscapes but they are important as they preserve the spectacular natural view of the now heavily developed American West Coast.
The painting was done c. 1946 at Emerald Bay, at the end of the great era of California Impressionist painting. The difference between then and now is to access that beach you must pay 4-5 million for a house plus regular community fees.
Located in Orange County, north of Laguna Beach, California, Emerald Bay is now a private seaside enclave.
Whoops, gave the wrong image link in the above comment:
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