Pix4Japan

2025-03-19

Divine Juniper

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Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・11:18
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Revered Grove of Divine Junipers at Cape Osezaki
大瀬崎のビャクシン樹林：夫婦ビャクシンの発見

At the end of Cape Ose lies a revered grove of approximately 130 juniper trees, which is the northernmost natural old-growth juniper forest in Japan. This rare and small colony of naturally growing junipers is particularly unique in the Japanese archipelago.

Among these towering, centuries-old trees, some are estimated to be over 1,500 years old. Recognizing its significance, the Japanese government designated the forest a Natural Monument in 1932, naming it the Osezaki Juniper Forest. Since then, it has been protected not just as a biological rarity, but as a spiritual sanctuary.

The species, Juniperus chinensis—commonly known outside Japan as Chinese juniper—belongs to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). While found throughout Korea and central China, this conifer is native to Japan, thriving in coastal regions on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Adapted to rocky shores and strong winds, these trees often develop dramatically twisted trunks and limbs, which add to their visual and spiritual allure.

One tree in particular caught my attention: a towering pair known as the Husband and Wife Juniper (夫婦ビャクシン・Meoto Byakushin). Two trunks, born from the same root, stretch upward in quiet union. Around them, a braided shimenawa straw rope wraps gently, marking them as sacred in the Shinto tradition. These conifers are divine trees (御神木・Goshinboku) believed to house the presence of spirits or deities.

Standing before these trees, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet reverence. Their age of over fifteen centuries renders them almost beyond my comprehension. They've witnessed the rise and fall of empires; survived the movement of earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons; and have been a focus of worship and prayers by generations of local villagers, local fishermen, and countless travelers.

Google Maps links + list of references for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-juniper

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Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・11:18
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/3.5

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Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・11:24
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
34 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/4

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Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・11:29
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
63 mm ISO 400 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/4.5

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Cape Ose

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Tranquil Coastline under a Brooding Sky

大瀬崎の穏やかな海岸線

A serene view of Cape Osezaki’s rocky shoreline, where deep green coastal forests meet the calm, turquoise waters of Suruga Bay. The overcast sky and distant hills add dramatic contrast, highlighting the natural beauty and quiet isolation of this rural Japanese peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.

In the left mid-ground lies the Osezaki Juniper Forest, an ancient grove of around 130 naturally growing juniper trees—some believed to be over 1,000 years old. This is one of the rarest and most ecologically unique forests of its kind in Japan.

On clear days, this vantage point offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji rising above Suruga Bay. Remote coastal fishing villages, centuries-old trees, and the iconic snow-capped peak make for one of my favorite seascape scenarios. Alas, capturing a clear view of Mt. Fuji can be elusive, often requiring multiple visits and patience. It is this pursuit that is part of the magic—and a welcome escape from the relentless pace of my daily grind in the concrete jungle of Tokyo’s metropolis.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:54
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
63 mm ISO 100 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11

Google Maps links + list of references for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-osezaki

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Ose-jinja Torii

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Mossy Torii and Stone Guardians on Tranquil Cape Ose
松風が吹き抜ける中、佇む大瀬神社の鳥居と苔むす狛犬

A serene view of a traditional Shinto shrine entrance in Japan, framed by a weathered stone gate (鳥居・torii) and flanked by moss-covered lion-dog statues (狛犬・komainu). Stone lanterns (石灯籠・ishi-doro), a sacred straw rope (注連縄・shimenawa), and engraved kanji stone tablets emphasize the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred site. Nestled among dense Japanese pine trees (松・matsu) and rugged stone pathways, the setting captures the peaceful atmosphere and enduring traditions of Japanese spirituality and architecture.

On the evergreen bush to the left, you can see paper fortunes (御神籤・omikuji) tied to its branches. These fortunes reveal one’s luck for the near future. If you draw a good fortune, it's customary to keep it and take it home. However, if the fortune is bad, you can leave it at the shrine by tying it to a designated rack or a sacred tree or bush (as seen in this photo). The belief is that shrine staff will later burn the bad fortunes, and the shrine’s deity will purify or exorcise the misfortune on your behalf.

Ose Shrine may not be well known outside the bounds of the local fishing village, but that is precisely what draws me to it. It embodies the essence of a truly local shrine—quietly cherished by generations of villagers. While I still appreciate the grandeur and historical significance of major shrines, there's something uniquely heartfelt and grounded in visiting a place created for and by the local community. The experience feels more intimate, and the connection to the spiritual presence more immediate.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:40
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/3.5

Google Maps links + list of references for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-carving

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Ose Shrine

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Intricate Carvings and Enduring Traditions of Ose Shrine
精巧な彫刻が施された大瀬神社の本殿

According to traditional stories passed down through generations, the shrine was founded in 684. However, no surviving records confirm the exact year of its establishment.

Today, the shrine enshrines Hikitajikara-no-Mikoto (引手力命), a guardian deity of the sea. For centuries, fishermen navigating the formidable depths of Suruga Bay have worshipped here, holding annual festivals to pray for bountiful catches and safety at sea.

The upper woodwork beneath the eaves showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Among the carvings are two long-nosed, semi-divine figures known as yamabushi tengu (山仏師天狗), a warrior wielding swords and a folding fan, and delicately rendered trees—resembling pine or juniper—alongside a bird figure that, to my eye, may represent a phoenix.

The yamabushi tengu, often seen in carvings at both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, are long-nosed supernatural beings said to inhabit mountains. They typically have wings, enabling them to fly, and are believed to possess magical powers used for both benevolent and malevolent purposes.

Historically, tengu were regarded as demonic figures and enemies of Buddhism—an interpretation that echoes their origin in Chinese folklore, where they were considered inauspicious omens. One theory suggests tengu were believed to be reincarnated Buddhist priests who had succumbed to pride and arrogance.

Beginning in the Edo period (1603–1868), the image of the tengu began to soften. They transformed from fearsome bird-like monsters into more human-like beings with long noses. Over time, some communities came to revere tengu as protectors capable of preventing disasters such as forest fires, and as enforcers of humility, punishing those who displayed excessive pride.

These intricate carvings and enduring traditions are more than artistic expressions, they embody centuries of spiritual devotion and cultural storytelling that help explain the natural world. Whether you’re interested in mythology, Japanese history, or religious architecture, many Shinto shrine offer a captivating window into Japan’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:31
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 800 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Google Maps links + list of references:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-carvings

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Shishi and Baku

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Mythical Protectors: Shishi and Baku Carvings of Ose Shrine
神話の守り神「獅子」と「獏」：大瀬神社の美しい木鼻彫刻

One of the things I love most about certain Shinto shrines is their raw, unadorned beauty. Instead of being hidden beneath layers of paint or lacquer, the natural grain of the wood is left exposed, allowing the craftsmanship to speak for itself. Ose Shrine (大瀬神社・Ose-jinja), tucked away in a remote fishing village, is a perfect example of this timeless aesthetic.

A few notes regarding this shot of the shrine, for those of us who have wondered about various shrine features:

Shimenawa (注連縄)

This is the straw rope hanging from a beam at the front of the shrine, marking a sacred or pure space. Shimenawa can also be seen tied to torii gates, wrapped around sacred trees, or placed near sacred rocks and other sites on shrine grounds.

Shishi (獅子)

This lion-like, left-facing creature sits under the eaves of the shrine roof. Shishi are common architectural decorations, often depicted with their mouths open, and are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Baku (獏)

One of the more fascinating decorative elements found at shrines and temples, the baku is originally based on the tapir. Over time, baku carvings evolved to resemble an elephant's face, nose, and tusks, combined with a tiger's paws. This design became widespread in Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries. In Japanese mythology, the baku is revered for devouring nightmares and offering protection against evil.

Along with dragons, images and sculptures of baku and shishi are frequently placed under the eaves of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines as protective symbols and decorative elements.

Exploring the history of Ose Shrine proved more challenging than researching shrines located closer to major commercial or residential areas. From what I could discover, the shrine’s origins are rooted in legendary myths passed down through generations.

Local villagers recount that Cape Ose (大瀬崎・Osezaki) was once a small island formed by an upheaval of the seafloor during the 684 Hakuho earthquake. At the same time, a similar-sized landmass sank into the sea in what is now Kochi Prefecture, approximately 532 kilometers (330 miles) to the south.

Villagers believed that the gods removed the land from the south and made it reappear offshore. Over time, ocean currents from Suruga Bay carried rocks and sand, connecting the mainland to the small island and forming what is now Cape Ose.

Consequently, Ose Shrine was built to enshrine the guardian god of the sea: Hikitajikara-no-Mikoto (引手力命). For centuries, pilgrims — especially fishermen — have worshipped at this shrine, praying for bountiful catches and safety at sea.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:29
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
58 mm ISO 800 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Google Maps links + list of reference for a deeper dive:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-carvings

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Wakishoji Partition

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The Warrior and the Waves: Symbolic Carvings of Ose Shrine
大瀬崎の大瀬神社：脇障子に刻まれた波、花、そして勇ましい武士

Many small Shinto shrines feature verandas that wrap around the left, front, and right sides of the worship hall. These verandas typically do not extend to the back, so a decorative partition—resembling an artfully adorned folding screen—is installed at the rear ends of the veranda.

This partition, known as a wakishōji (脇障子), serves a dual purpose: it prevents visitors from accidentally stepping off the veranda, where there are no stairs, and it subtly restricts access to the back of the main worship hall (haiden 拝殿), beyond which lies the honden (本殿)—the central structure housing the shrine's sacred object of worship.

Whether large or small, many shrines incorporate uniquely hand-carved wakishōji, often depicting scenes from myth, revered historical or religious figures, or local legends passed down among villagers. Each carving is a quiet but eloquent expression of regional identity and artistic tradition.

In the photo above, the panel features a warrior—likely a samurai—gripping a bow in his left hand. His right arm is drawn back, and a single arrow is slung over his shoulder, the feathered end poking up from behind. Behind him, stylized waves crash dramatically at his feet, while flowering trees bloom above, lending a vivid, almost theatrical atmosphere to the carving.

I couldn’t definitively identify the type of blossoms depicted in the panel. A friend of mine—a professional landscape designer who once lived in Japan—suggested they may be stylized chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums frequently appear in Japanese art, symbolizing royalty and featuring prominently in family crests. Given the rich history of the Izu Peninsula and Shizuoka Prefecture, and the stylistic tendencies of the period, it’s possible the blossoms were intended to represent the shrine’s elevated status—with the warrior standing as its fierce protector.

I'd love to return to this site during a local festival and speak with a shrine priest or village elder to learn more about the origins of the carving and the shrine’s deeper history.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:27
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 400 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Google Maps link + sources:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-carvings

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Emaden Hall

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Emaden Hall: Home to Sacred Offerings of Suruga Bay’s Fishermen
大瀬神社の絵馬殿：漁師たちの奉納品が残る場所

Tucked along the shoreline of Cape Ose, Emaden Hall holds a quiet archive of faith and gratitude, and is part of the tranquil Ose Shrine complex, where local fishermen have long offered photos, paintings, and other tributes to the shrine’s deity. These heartfelt offerings are not only prayers for a bountiful catch, but more importantly, for safety while navigating the unpredictable waters of Suruga Bay.

This peaceful spot is just a 9-minute walk along the shoreline from the Ose Paid Parking Lot, about 171 km (106 miles) southwest of Tokyo—a manageable and rewarding day trip or overnight getaway.

While Cape Ose is perhaps better known as a diving hotspot, with guesthouses and diving schools dotting the area, there’s much more to discover beyond the waves.

For me, the draw was the spiritual and natural beauty of the cape: exploring the shrine grounds, delving into its history, and walking through the nearby Osezaki Juniper Forest. This ancient grove, home to around 130 naturally growing juniper trees, includes specimens thought to be over 1,000 years old. It’s one of the rarest forests of its kind in Japan, with a sense of stillness that lingered with me long after leaving.

Whether you're a diver, a history buff, or simply someone looking to experience a quieter side of Japan, I think Cape Ose is a destination worth the detour.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:18

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

28 mm ISO 800 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Google Maps link + sources:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-emaden

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Peeking Inside Emaden Hall: A Glimpse of Ose Shrine’s Sacred Legacy
大瀬神社・絵馬殿：地元漁師たちの願いと祈りが宿る場所

Peeking inside Emaden Hall of Ose Shrine, I discovered many items classically associated with Shinto shrines throughout the Japanese archipelago.

Within the hall, various offerings made by local fishermen to the shrine’s deity reflect their hopes for bountiful catches and safe journeys at sea. These offerings include hand-carved model fishing boats, wooden votive plaques (ema) depicting fishing scenes, handwritten prayers, photographs, paintings of fishing vessels, and even items taken directly from the boats. When launching a new vessel, it was tradition for a fisherman to donate a model of his boat to the shrine as a prayer for protection while at sea.

Since ancient times, fishermen have dedicated these handcrafted models and drawings to the shrine. These artworks, vividly portraying the lives and aspirations of seafaring communities, have been recognized as one of the 100 Best Historical and Cultural Properties of Japanese Fishing Villages.

Other visitors to the shrine, other than local fishermen, would often bring senjafuda (千社札): paper name tags inscribed in sumi ink using traditional Japanese calligraphy. Pilgrims would paste these slips onto hidden surfaces within the hall using a rice-based adhesive. The belief was that by leaving behind your name, you would continue to receive the shrine’s blessings long after departing.

Mounted on the wall are two striking tengu masks—one black, representing the karasu tengu (烏天狗) with its crow-like beak, and one red, representing the yamabushi tengu (山仏師天狗) with a human face and long nose. Tengu are mythological, shapeshifting mountain spirits. Once feared as mischievous or malevolent beings, over time they evolved into guardians of sacred places and guides for spiritual seekers.

I’m grateful to the local Osezaki community for preserving these cultural treasures, and for allowing visitors like myself to experience the wonder and stories behind each relic.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:18

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

48 mm ISO 1600 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Google Maps link + sources:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-emaden

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2025-03-19

Revered Grove of Divine Junipers at Cape Osezaki大瀬崎のビャクシン樹林：夫婦ビャクシンの発見

Tranquil Coastline under a Brooding Sky

大瀬崎の穏やかな海岸線

Mossy Torii and Stone Guardians on Tranquil Cape Ose松風が吹き抜ける中、佇む大瀬神社の鳥居と苔むす狛犬

Intricate Carvings and Enduring Traditions of Ose Shrine精巧な彫刻が施された大瀬神社の本殿

Mythical Protectors: Shishi and Baku Carvings of Ose Shrine神話の守り神「獅子」と「獏」：大瀬神社の美しい木鼻彫刻

The Warrior and the Waves: Symbolic Carvings of Ose Shrine大瀬崎の大瀬神社：脇障子に刻まれた波、花、そして勇ましい武士

Emaden Hall: Home to Sacred Offerings of Suruga Bay’s Fishermen大瀬神社の絵馬殿：漁師たちの奉納品が残る場所

Peeking Inside Emaden Hall: A Glimpse of Ose Shrine’s Sacred Legacy大瀬神社・絵馬殿：地元漁師たちの願いと祈りが宿る場所

Revered Grove of Divine Junipers at Cape Osezaki
大瀬崎のビャクシン樹林：夫婦ビャクシンの発見

Mossy Torii and Stone Guardians on Tranquil Cape Ose
松風が吹き抜ける中、佇む大瀬神社の鳥居と苔むす狛犬

Intricate Carvings and Enduring Traditions of Ose Shrine
精巧な彫刻が施された大瀬神社の本殿

Mythical Protectors: Shishi and Baku Carvings of Ose Shrine
神話の守り神「獅子」と「獏」：大瀬神社の美しい木鼻彫刻

The Warrior and the Waves: Symbolic Carvings of Ose Shrine
大瀬崎の大瀬神社：脇障子に刻まれた波、花、そして勇ましい武士

Emaden Hall: Home to Sacred Offerings of Suruga Bay’s Fishermen
大瀬神社の絵馬殿：漁師たちの奉納品が残る場所

Peeking Inside Emaden Hall: A Glimpse of Ose Shrine’s Sacred Legacy
大瀬神社・絵馬殿：地元漁師たちの願いと祈りが宿る場所