Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Provia/Standard film simulation
Torii Gate at Shinto Shrine
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 13:50 April 5, 2023
After I arrived at the parking lot, I began my journey towards Miho Shrine by following the Kamino-no-Michi path. This picturesque 520-meter (1,706 feet) path consists of a raised wooden walkway, lined with majestic 300- to 400-year-old pine trees, and leads directly to the torii gate of Miho Shrine.
It is a highly recommended destination for visitors, whether they be tourists or locals, who are exploring the Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove located on the Miho Peninsula.
Miho Shrine and the surrounding Kami-no-Michi path offer a truly enchanting experience that one should not miss.
Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Astia/Soft film simulation
Miho Shrine on Miho Peninsula
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:14 April 5, 2023
The shrine has a long history, dating back to the 9th century when it was first founded. Its main building was constructed under the orders of Japan's first shogun of the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), Tokugawa Iyaseu. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed by a fire in 1868, and the shrine was subsequently rebuilt during the middle of the Edo Period.
Today, the shrine is considered a valuable cultural asset and has been designated as a tangible cultural property by the city of Shizuoka. One of its prized possessions is an old piece of fabric, which is said to be from the feather robe of the Hagoromo Legend.
Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Provia/Standard film simulation
Sacred Dance Stage at Miho Shrine
Location: Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:14 April 5, 2023
Miho Shrine boasts a sacred dance stage known as a maidono (舞殿). This stage is utilized annually during one of the shrine's most significant festivals held on November 1st.
The festival highlights the "Hagoromo Dance," which reenacts the tale of a celestial maiden who flew over the Miho Peninsula and was captivated by the splendor of the white sands, green pines, and shimmering water. The celestial being descended to earth and left her feathered robe (hagoromo) on a 500- or 600-year-old pine tree that is still venerated to this day.
Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Pro Negative High film simulation
Cherry Blossoms at Shinto Shrine
Location: Miho Shrine, Miho Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:15 April 5, 2023
This photograph captures the exquisite beauty of the yaezakura cherry blossoms, possibly belonging to the fugenzo variety. Each blossom boasts an impressive 30 to 40 petals, initially appearing a delicate shade of pink before deepening into a richer hue as they mature. The foliage of these trees is also striking, with fresh leaves displaying a warm, coppery brown.
Behind the blossoms, we can see two important structures of Miho Shrine. On the right, there is the haiden (拝殿), or front shrine, which serves as a prayer hall for visitors. To the left, we can see the shrine's maidono (舞殿), or dance pavilion, which is used for traditional court music performances. Both of these buildings are beautifully adorned with intricate architectural details that highlight the rich history and cultural significance of the shrine.
As simple and mundane as this photograph may seem, it reminds of the stunning tribute to the natural and cultural wonders of Japan that one can find even at a small local shrine.
Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Astia/Soft film simulation
Path of the Deity
Location: Miho Shrine, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:21 April 5, 2023
An ancient legend states that on the Miho Peninsula, when the Gods arrive at the grove of nearly 600-year-old pine trees known as Hagoromo-no-Matsu, they are welcomed by the Miho Shrine after traversing a 500-meter (1640.42 ft) long row of pine trees commonly known as the "Kamin-no-Michi" or Path of the Gods. Strolling along this path, adorned with majestic pine trees aged between 200 to 400 years, provides a sense of purification.
To safeguard the pine trees, the pathway has been maintained as a boardwalk to prevent people from stepping on the roots. Furthermore, the path is illuminated after sunset, creating an even more enchanting ambiance.
Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/9
Pro Negative High film simulation
Elegant Old Pine Tree
Location: Kami-no-Michi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 14:26 April 5, 2023
The Kami-no-Michi (Path of the Gods), is a relaxing 500-meter boardwalk that connects Miho Shrine to the beautiful Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove, located on the water's edge of the Miho Peninsula.
These trees were planted between 200 and 400 years ago and have faced harsh coastal winds and typhoons that come in from off the coast. As a result, some of them have been shaped in unique and fascinating ways, adding to their beauty and character. However, due to their age and the harsh conditions they face, some of these trees require additional support to ensure their survival.
By providing a boardwalk for visitors to walk on, the Kami-no-Michi helps to protect the fragile root systems of the trees, preventing them from being damaged by people walking over them. This helps to preserve the beautiful pine trees for future generations to enjoy.
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