Pix4Japan

2023-01-17

Samukawa Shrine

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/10 sec. at ƒ/11

Vilvia/Vivid film simulation

Purification Fountain before Visiting Shrine

Almost every Shinto Shrine has a “temizuya” (手水舎), which is a small roofed pavilion with a fountain of water where visitors wash their hands and rinse their mouths to purify oneself before entering the holy space of the shrine grounds.

At Samukawa Shrine, however, they use the reading of “temizusha” for 手水舎 instead of temizuya. This shot shows how large the pavilion is, which reflects the need to accommodate the nearly 2 million visitors to the shrine every year.

During my visit to Samukawa Shrine, I saw vehicle license plates from all over the Tokyo Metropolitan area including Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka Prefectures! Clearly this shrine is well known far beyond the borders of the local farming and industrial community surrounding the shrine.

The shrine is in a class of its own in that it is one of the few major shrines in Japan that has been visited by a few members of the imperial family where they have planted commemorative trees during their visit.

Each tree is well looked after and placards are easily visible next to pathways where inscriptions state which member of the imperial family visited the shrine, when the tree was planted, and a short message from said family member.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/11

Vilvia/Vivid film simulation

Shrine Gate with Paper Float Display

The main gate to Samukawa Shrine is named Shinmon Gate (神門). The gate itself is relatively new having been built in 1993. What I find impressive is how they were able to find craftsmen and artisans who still have the skill and knowledge to build such a structure that appears no different from similar gates dating back hundreds of years.

In this shot, we are able to enjoy the view of Geishun Nebuta—a large paper float inspired by the moving floats paraded at night in the streets of Aomori city during the summer Nebuta Festival.

Each year, Samukawa Shrine commissions the creation of a float by Nebuta masters in Aomori. Then in late December, the paper float is mounted to the upper portion of the gate and displayed for about 2 months to welcome visitors and the new year.

This year’s design expresses hopes for peace in an unstable world of wars, an end to the pandemic, bountiful harvests, successful pregnancy, and safe childbirth.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/11

Astia/Soft film simulation

Stone Lion-Dog Statue

The komainu (狛犬) of Samukawa Shrine consists of the standard pair of lion-like dogs used to protect the shrine and shrine visitors by warding off evil

This shot is of the komainu on the right side of the shrine’s main gate, which was carved from stone and presented to the shrine in 1994.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/55 sec. at ƒ/11

Astia/Soft film simulation

Shrine on Clear Winter Day

In this shot, I tried to capture the beautiful architecture of the shrine from under the eaves of a covered wall surrounding the courtyard of Samukawa Shrine in the sleepy rural town of Samukawa, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

The main structure is this shot is the haiden (拝殿), or worship hall, which is where visitors approach to offer prayers or make a wish after tossing some coins as a monetary offering into the saisenbako (賽銭箱), or offertory box.

The courtyard of a shrine is called a keidai (境内), and the wall surrounding such a courtyard is called a tamagaki (玉垣).

At Samukawa Shrine, the tamagaki is roofed with lanterns hanging from the rafters, and extends completely around the courtyard making it very convenient to visit the shrine even on a rainy or snowy day.

From under the roof of the tamagaki, there is a ramp leading up to the front of the haiden making access very easy for the elderly, mothers with baby strollers, or visitors using wheelchairs.

It is not always easy for many structures built hundreds of years ago to implement barrier free access, but Samukawa Shrine has done a good job of making the shrine accessible to all, which I think is partially due to it being located on a large plot of flat land surrounded by suburban homes and farmland.

Back to the courtyard, if you look closely at the hanging lantern on the left, you can see a version of the chrysanthemum seal, which is almost identical to the crest used by the emperor and the imperial family. The symbol is also the national seal of Japan and is used on the front cover of Japanese passports.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/70 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Provia/Standard film simulation

Shrine Main Hall Architecture

This unconventional shot aims to illustrate the beautiful architecture of Samukawa Shrine located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

By viewing the shrine at this angle, I hope to illustrate the use of metal fittings that are placed on the ends of rafters that extend out to the edge of the eaves and at the base of pillars.

Such fittings are often made of iron, copper, or gilt bronze, and are not only decorative, but also help to protect the ends of structural elements from weathering.

The earliest written records show that Samukawa Shrine was rebuilt in the year 727. The shrine structures predating the current shrine were rebuilt in 1927 after the Great Kanto Earthquake. The current structures were rebuilt in October 1997 using hinoki timbers (Hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa) that were sourced from Mt. Ontake in Nagano Prefecture.

It is only natural for a shrine to be built from native trees, with hinoki being the number one choice for many temples and shrines for spiritual reasons in addition to structural and natural insect-repelling advantages of the wood.

Although Samukawa Shrine was becoming a bit worn and needed repairs, dismantling a shrine and rebuilding it with new timbers and fittings is not that uncommon regardless of the shrine’s condition.

With the fast pace of advances in technology, it is all too easy for centuries-old skills to become lost and forgotten. This process of rebuilding ensures that the skills and know-how of craftsmen and artisans in various fields of carpentry, sacred treasures, apparel, etc., will be passed on from generation to generation.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/300 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Astia/Soft film simulation

Paper Fortune Wrapped on Straw Rope

A popular activity when visiting a shrine or a temple is to pick a random omikuji (御神籤/おみくじ), which is a small paper with a fortune written on it.

Should you acquire an unlucky fortune, you can either take it home with you and hope for the best while keeping a watchful eye out for whatever misfortune might befall you, or you can take the unlucky omikuji and tie it to a straw rope, metal rack, or the branches of a pine tree on the shrine grounds in hopes that the bad luck will remain with the omikuji and not follow you home.

In this shot, the omikuji likely had a bad fortune, and the bearer would rather leave the fortune behind at the shrine for proper disposal in hopes of minimizing their chances of succumbing to misfortune in their daily life.

If you look closely, you can see a karakusa pattern (唐草模様) on the omikuji. Although this pattern is often associated with burglars in modern Japanese culture, this auspicious pattern is originally based on the stems and leaves of intertwined vines, which represent vitality, prosperity, and longevity.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/70 sec. at ƒ/2.2

Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Japanese Cypress Hinoki Torii Gate

There are three huge torii gates leading up to the Samukawa Shrine. The first one, Ichi-no-Torii, is 850 m from the shrine. The second one, Ni-no-Torii, is 240 m from the shrine. Finally the third one, San-no-Torii, is located at the entrance grounds of the Samukawa Shrine as shown in this shot.

Kamiike-bashi (Kamiike bridge) is made of stone and stands next to Kamiike pond to the right of the bridge. The bridge was rebuilt in 2022 due to decay.

The San-no-Torii was rebuilt with Japanese cypress (hinoki) in 1990 to celebrate the 2,650th anniversary of the accession of Emperor Jinmu, who is the legendary first emperor of Japan and founder of the imperial dynasty.

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2023-01-02

Enoshima Island Hatsumode

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

48 mm ISO 100 for 50 sec. at ƒ/16

Torii Gate and Bamboo

(Enoshima Island, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

This torii gate is the first major landmark you come across as you make your approach up the narrow alley of shops that lead to the large set of stairs that take you up to the top of the island and all of its various shrines.

As is normal anytime of year, the torii gate is decorated with a straw or hemp rope called shimenawa with white zigzag folded rice paper called shide attached to the rope.

This shot was a 50-second exposure, so naturally, the shide and upper portions of the bamboo grass were moving in the wind resulting in blurry shots.

The bamboo are a symbol of strength and prosperity, and in this case are used to ward off evil during festivals, such as during New Year’s Day.

This particular gate is a bit unique in that it is made of a bronze or copper material and if you look closely, it has beautiful metal work of dragons and other traditional motifs.

Capturing a shot of this shrine is nearly impossible during the day time as so many tourists want to have their picture taken in front of the gate. To avoid the crowds, I arrived here at 5:00 a.m. several hours before sunrise.

The plaque at the top center of the gate is using a very old fancy script that is hard to read, but says “Enoshima Daimyo-Jin” (Enoshima Daimyo Shrine) and was originally constructed of wood in in 1747 for Enoshima Benzaiten worship.

The gate was later reconstructed in 1821. Names of the donors who helped finance the gate are inscribed onto the pillars with the names of modern donors being added to the columns even now.

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

68 mm ISO 100 for 60 sec. at ƒ/22

Shopping Street to Shrine

Shot taken halfway up Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street where you get a peek of the large vermilion torii gate where visitors begin their ascent to the shrines, temples, and gardens atop Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

This long, narrow street begins with the bronze torii gate (see previous post) and ends at the huge vermilion torii gate you can see in this shot.

The street is lined with many old mom-and-pop shops selling traditional Japanese dishes, fresh seafood, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. There are also ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns), western hotels, onsen (hot spring baths), and several narrow alleyways leading to small beaches and coves.

The term “Nakamise-dori” is actually the name of any street close to a shrine or temple that has come into being to serve the needs of visitors, tourists, and parishioners of temples and shrines since ancient times. This street, like many Nakamise streets, still retains its retro vibes, and hasn’t changed much since my first visit over 30 years ago.

This shot was taken at 5:30 in the morning, and even then, I had to wait for a clear shot as a newspaper delivery bike was buzzing by and New Year’s holiday visitors were already starting to make their way to the shrines atop the island.

On a normal weekend, the street is packed with both local visitors, tourists from outside of the prefecture, and foreign tourists from all over the world. The island is only a 60- or 70-minute train ride from Tokyo making it an easy and affordable destination for a one-day excursion.

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

37 mm ISO 100 for 30 sec. at ƒ/29

Enoshima Grand Torii Gate

At the end of the Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street, the Grand Torii gate of Enoshima Shrine will quickly come into view.

The vivid, vermilion lacquered torii is the gateway to the large Enoshima Shrine complex that consists of three main shrines located at the top of a winding set of stairs.

The original vermilion torii gate was built 1805, and rebuilt in 1936 as a gift from Toshiko Hayashi–the headmistress of the Yamada School of Koto (a Japanese half-tube zither instrument that has thirteen strings made of twisted silk), which was founded sometime between 1781 and 1801.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1 sec. at ƒ/22

Gatehouse to Shrine

Zuishinmon, the gatehouse at the top of the first set of stairs, just past the grand torii gate, is modeled after the mythical Dragon King Castle (Ryugu-jo) that is depicted in the Japanese folktale “Urashima Taro.”

The kanji characters used for Zuishinmon (瑞心門) literally mean “pure” + “heart” + “gate” and named as such in hope that the hearts of visitors will be purified as they pass through the gate as they approach the shrines atop the island.

In this shot, we can also enjoy the sight of chochin paper lanterns that have been put out for the New Year’s holidays and used to light up the winding stairs leading to the top of the island.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 2 sec. at ƒ/16

Main Shrine atop Enoshima Island

Hetsumiya (辺津宮), is the main shrine atop Enoshima Island. The first structure was built in 1206 under direction of the third shogun during Kamakura Period (1185–1333).

As is the case with many shrines and temples in Japan, the shrine was rebuilt or renovated many times over the past 1,000 years with the current building having been renovated in 1976.

During the Kamakura Period, the shrine was visited by samurai warriors to pray for victorious battles. However, during the much more peaceful Edo Period (1603-1867), the shrine became associated with praying for prosperity, healing of illnesses, safe childbirth, and safe travels.

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

80 mm ISO 100 for 1/15 sec. at ƒ/29

First Sunrise of the New Year

Catching the first sunrise of the new year in Japan dates back to ancient ceremonies of nobility during the Heian Period (794 to 1185). During the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912), the observance of the first sunrise spread to the common people and continues today.

Hatsuhinode (初日の出), the first sunrise of the new year, is enjoyed on the morning of January 1st often after many people have visited shrines or temples to pray for health and prosperity in the new year.

For some people who might be too busy on the 1st or need some time to rest, going out to catch the sunrise on the 2nd instead is a nice option if you want to avoid the huge crowds or need to accommodate for extra travel time to one’s hometown for the holidays.

In this shot, I waited for my first sunrise of the year on the northeastern shore of Enoshima Island just as a fishing boat was setting sail.

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
88 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/11

Mt. Fuji Across the Bay

On a clear day, you can catch a view of Mt. Fuji on the other side of Sagami Bay from the western shore of Enoshima Island.

According to visibility records maintained by the city of Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, you’ll have the best chance of seeing Mt. Fuji in its entirety between November and February.

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

68 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/11

Vermilion Bridge and Mt. Fuji

Following along the footpaths atop Enoshima Island, you will reach the furthermost western side of the Island. At the bottom of a steep set of stairs near the water is a newly restored pedestrian overpass called Iwayabashi Bridge (岩屋橋) that allows visitors to more easily access the Iwabashi Caves where you can find statues and deities dating back to the year 552.

Photographs from the Meiji Period (1868 to 1912) show a wooden bridge leading to the caves. An unsightly concrete bridge with a chain link fence was in use until a rockfall accident caused the bridge to be closed in 1971 for 22 years.

A new bridge was opened in 1993 but later destroyed when the combination of a high tide and storm surge from Typhoon Lan hit the region in 2017. The current bridge has proper railings, can be lit up at night during festivals, and is painted a lovely vermilion in tune with most of the other bridges on the island.

Although the caves are the main attraction on this side of the Island, you can also enjoy a lovely view of Mt. Fuji across the bay on a clear day.

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Katase-Suwa Shrine

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/10 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Classic Chrome film simulation

New Year’s Decorations at Japanese Shrine

(Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

Founded in 723, Katase Suwa Shrine was rebuilt in its current location in 1347 in Fujisawa, a coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

This shot illustrates a typical Shinto shrine all decked out for the New Year’s festivities:

- stone lanterns, a torii gate, a temizuya where you wash your hands before approaching the shrine, chochin paper lanterns with the names of the shrine or names of devoted parishioners (both individual and corporate), and paper placards announcing the shrine is open for hatsumode (初詣)--the new-year festivities where locals visit the shrine to pray for a healthy and prosperous new year.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/13 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Torii Gate and Bamboo
(Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

The long rows of pink lanterns cast a pink glow on all of the shrine grounds reminiscent of the cherry blossom season, which is why I pulled my car over and stopped to explore this shrine at 3:30 in the morning.

Torii gates are typically decorated with just the shimenawa straw rope with paper shide hanging from the rope. During the New Year’s holidays and a few other festivals, you can see bamboo tied to the torii gate.

Bamboo can mean a number of things in Japanese culture including strength and prosperity or be used to ward off evil.

Most likely, the bamboo shafts tied to the torii gate in this shot are being used to ward off evil and to ensure strength and prosperity for the visitors to the shrine as they make wishes for a safe and prosperous new year.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 3200 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Chochin Paper Lanterns
(Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

In this shot at Katase-Suwa Shrine, I tried to focus on the two types of paper lanterns (chochin) on display at the shrine during the New Year’s holidays of hatsumode.

I have an affinity for all the different kinds of chochin you can see in Japan, whether they are used at a shrine, temple, ramen shop, bar, pub, festivals, parks, Chinatown, etc.

The main lantern in this shot has the name of the shrine written from top to bottom: Katase | Suwa | Jin | Ja (Katase-Suwa Jinja) and includes the shrine’s crest of three oak tree leaves (side).

The importance of this lantern can be seen in that it has its own little roof. While all of the “lesser” lanterns are pink, have names of individual and corporate sponsors, and are more decorative for festive purposes.

2022-12-20

Hakone

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/4.5

Historical Teahouse

(Hakone, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

According to a 2008 interview of the proprietor, Tatsuo Yamamoto, the Amazake-chaya Teahouse was established in the early 1600s during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867) to provide relief and refreshments to travelers on the ancient Tokaido Road, a cobblestone “highway” that linked the imperial court in Kyoto with seat of the Shogunate in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).

The interview with Mr. Yamamoto revealed that he had hopes that his son, Satoshi, would take over for him if and when the time was right. Since that interview in 2008, I can happily confirm that Mr. Yamamoto’s son, Satoshi, has indeed succeeded his father in operating the teahouse by the same family for 13 generations!

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

40 mm ISO 100 for 1/13 sec. at ƒ/11

400-Year-Old Teahouse

(Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan)

Amazake-chaya Teahouse has been serving travelers its famous amazake drink for most of its history dating back to the early 1600s.

Their menu is very simple and includes mochi (glutinous rice that is steamed and pounded into a paste) that is grilled over charcoals and coated in isobe soy sauce, uguisu sweet young soy bean powder, or uguisu mixed with black sesame seeds.

The shop’s namesake drink, amazake, is a traditional fermented rice drink. The teahouse has been using the same recipe for 13 generations where no yeast is used, thus resulting in a naturally sweet drink that has no alcohol.

The drink has a texture closer to rice porridge rather than sake, is loaded with lots of nutrients, and is often served or sold at temples and shrines during winter festivals.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 3200 for 1/4 sec. at ƒ/2.0

Astia/Soft film simulation

Sunken Hearth at Teahouse

(Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan)

The Amazake-chaya Teahouse has retained its charm dating back to the early 1600s. The entrance still has the hard earthen floor where wooden tables and chairs are made available for guests.

Farther back are the more traditional woven straw tatami mats where guests sit on the mats and enjoy their drinks and food on knee-high tables.

The centerpiece of the interior is the irori (open sunken hearth), which has a unique figure-8 shape (typical irori are square or rectangular) surrounded by beautiful hardwood flooring.

In this shot, you can also see the jizaikagi—a contraption that includes a pothook attached to a rope that runs through a bamboo pole and extends up to the ceiling timber directly over the irori. The height of the pothook can be changed to adjust the temperature of the food or liquid in the pot.

Irori were common in the main living room of traditional Japanese homes where wood, charcoal, or even coal was burned. Upper-class homes would have had an additional irori in the tea ceremony room where smokeless charcoal was used.

Irori also provided homes with some lighting at night, heat for the main room, and could be used to dry wet laundry, cook food, boil water, and to dry fish and fruit.

Smoke from the irori, specifically the tar in the smoke, was also an essential component for preserving the structural integrity of thatched-roof buildings. While the heat from the irori drew moisture from the building’s timbers and thatched roof to prevent rot and mold, the tar from the smoke would coat and permeate the wooden beams and underside of the thatched roof helping to further prevent mold and rot, and was especially effective at repelling pests, and added an extra layer of waterproofing against rain and snow.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/11

Ropeway Gondola Over Volcanic Vents

(Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan)

Owakudani Valley, a popular tourist site in the Hakone mountains, is occasionally closed for months at a time when there is unusual volcanic activity in the hot-spring resort area located a couple hours southwest of Tokyo.

The Hakone Ropeway carries visitors directly over the volcanic crater that still has active vents spewing hydrogen sulfide and steam, and geothermal hot springs.

Each gondola on the ropeway can carry up to 18 passengers, and on a clear day, passengers can take in panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.

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

105 mm ISO 200 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11

Southeastern Slope of Mt. Fuji

Although Owakudani Valley in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is more famous for its volcanic activity of vents spewing hydrogen sulfide and steam, the peak overlooking the valley offers fantastic views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

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

53 mm ISO 100 for 13.0 sec. at ƒ/20

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
53 mm ISO 100 for 13.0 sec. at ƒ/20

Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji

The Hakone Taikanzan Observatory in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, is on the list of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Spots—a list that was originally compiled by two major newspapers in 1927.

After several visits to this site in 2022, I was finally able to catch a clear shot of Mt. Fuji towering over Lake Ashinoko in the foreground.

Prior to the pandemic, tour buses filled the nearby parking lot and the local city bus made regular stops at the Taikanzan bus stop. I have no idea if and when services will resume, but if you have a driver’s license, driving to the peak is half the fun of visiting this peak, especially if you take the Hakone Turnpike from Odawara.

Note that many online English articles of this mountain peak refer to “大観山” as Daikanzan, which is also how some Japanese visitors will assume the kanji is read. However, the correct name is Taikanzan, which you can see on the sign at the nearby bus stop, and is also the reading used by material provided by both the Odakyu train line and the Izu-Hakone bus timetable.

2022-12-07

Hiratsuka Hachimangu

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 10 sec. at ƒ/8

Shrine Crest Crane

On both of the huge paper lanterns between the street and the torii gate are beautiful motifs of cranes, which is the symbol used on the shrine’s crest and is found on several structures throughout Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine (Hiratsuka, Japan).

At the time of the shrine’s founding in 381 CE, the shrine’s original name was Tsurumineyama Hachimangu (鶴峯山八幡宮) Shrine. The “Tsuru / 鶴” part of the name means “crane” in Japanese.

Although the name of the shrine changed over the years, the symbol of the crane as the shrine's crest has continued for more than 1,600 years.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 10 sec. at ƒ/14

Torii Gate at Shrine

The first of two torii gates at Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine in the coastal town of Hiratsuka, located about 60 km (38 mi) southwest of Tokyo.

Naturally, there are a pair of komainu (狛犬), or so-called “lion-dogs” on both sides of the torii gate to protect the shrine from evil.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 25 sec. at ƒ/20

Chochin Paper Lanterns

(Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine, Hiratsuka, Japan)

The sidewalk leading to the shrine is lined with a stone fence that has four rows of lanterns with the names of individuals, shops, and companies who made donations to the shrine for its maintenance and upkeep.

Unlike a typical signboard on the side of a highway, I actually appreciate seeing the names of sponsors of local shrines and seeing first-hand how the funds are used to preserve the local culture, traditional customs, festivals, and used to pay the artisan craftsmen who preserve the buildings, structures, lanterns, torii gates, koi fish ponds, and gardens.

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

53 mm ISO 100 for 6 sec. at ƒ/10

Temizuya Water Purification at Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine

(Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken, Japan)

When entering shrine grounds, you need to “purify” yourself before approaching the main worship hall (haiden) of the shrine complex that is open to the public.

As you approach the shrine, there is a small-roofed structure (temizuya) on the left that has a huge stone basin with running water and bamboo ladles (hishaku) resting right above the basin.

After dipping the ladle into the basin, you pour the water over each hand so that the “dirty” water drips down onto the stones placed around the base to catch such water, thus keeping the water in the basin fresh and clean. After this purification ritual, you can then approach the shrine’s haiden worship hall.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 8 sec. at ƒ/10

Three Subordinate Shrines

(Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

Shinmeisha Shrine (神明社)

The small shrine on the left enshrines three deities of success and prosperity in business.

Wakamiya Shrine (若宮社)

The slightly larger shrine in the center enshrines a guardian deity for parenting and children.

Suwa Shrine (諏訪社)

The small shrine on the right enshrines a deity of good luck and traffic safety.

All three shrines have an ancient style of Shinto shrine architecture with forked finials called chigi (千木) that extend out and above the roofline.

An old document from the year 804 references the prescribed dimensions of the finials, which have both a structural and decorative purpose.

Open-ended slots at the ends of the finials indicate that a female deity is enshrined, where a vertical slot indicates a male deity being enshrined.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 8 sec. at ƒ/10

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine

(Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

Viewing the shrine at this angle helps illustrate the use of metal fittings that are placed on the ends of rafters that extend out to the edge of the eaves and at the base of pillars.

Such fittings are often made of iron, copper, or gilt bronze, and are not only decorative (飾金具/kazarikanagu), but also help to protect the ends of structural elements from weathering (小口金物/koguchikanagu).

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 5 sec. at ƒ/10

Offertory Box of Main Hall

(Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine, Hiratsuka, Japan)

The wooden box at the top of the steps is an offertory box (saisenbako) for making offerings to the enshrined deity. Offerings were originally made in the form of rice and gradually changed to coins in the 15th and 16th centuries.

I especially like the shrine’s crest of a crane on the front of the saisenbako. The courtyard lights make the gilt bronze fittings shine more than what you’d normally experience in the middle of the afternoon.

1. Large shamoji (rice paddle or rice scoop): a traditional symbol of the bond between mothers and wives as the shamoji gets passed down as an heirloom symbolizing the family duties inherited in the marriage. The enshrined deity blesses parents and children in their daily lives, and whereas every home has a rice scoop, this rice scoop is “blessed” with prayers or slogans to be passed onto worshipers to the shrine (from left to right).

Real shamoji are naturally used to “meshi wo toru” (飯を取る) "to get some rice," which sounds like “meshi toru” (召し取る) "to get a woman for marriage." So there is a symbolic pun for the shamoji as well for young men hoping to find a bride.

Writings on the shamoji are as follows reading right to left:

商売繁昌: Prosperous Business

天下泰平: World Peace

一国一社の八幡宮: Literal translation is: Hachimangu of One Shrine of One Country. Roughly translated as the one and only holy site (Hachimangu) of all the shrines in all of the (Soushu) Region (which is modern Kanagawa Prefecture). Between 724 and 749 CE, Emperor Shomu visited this site and recited a Lotus Sutra at the shrine declaring it to be the only sacred place (a Hachimangu) in the whole of the Soushu Region (now Kanagawa Prefecture)．

鎮地大神: Chinji Okami = the name given to the shrine by Emperor Suiko (between 593 to 628 CE), which means “God for the Peaceful Land.”

平塚八幡宮： Hiratsuka Hachimangu (current name of shrine as of 1978)

五穀豊穣：Bountiful Harvest

除災招福: Warding Off Evil

2. The straw rope is called “shimenawa,” the tassles are just decorative, and the white rice paper are called “shide.”

The shimenawa (sacred straw/hemp rope) on a tree, rock, or strung up between two poles, rocks, trees, etc. indicated the border between realm of the spirit and humans and is used to ward off evil spirits from holy places or holy objects.

The shide are just one component of any device used in purification (shimenawa rope, ornamental belt worn by sumo wrestlers, etc.), but are most often suspended from sacred border ropes (shimenawa) to demarcate a sacred or a ritual space. In such cases, they symbolize sacred borders.

3. The shimenawa (sacred straw/hemp rope) is the border between the realm of the spirit and humans and wards off evil spirits.

This shrine belongs to a group of 6 Hachimangu shrines that belonged to one domain under were split up from one main shrine hundreds of years ago so that commoners could more easily access the enshrined deities for healthy families, healthy children, and bountiful harvests.

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

80 mm ISO 100 for 30 sec. at ƒ/22

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

34 mm ISO 100 for 25 sec. at ƒ/14

Reflections of Torii Gate in Koi Pond

(Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Pref., Japan)

Among the many subordinate shrines found throughout the Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine complex, the Benzaiten Shrine is probably the smallest of all. The shrine is on a small island in a pond of koi fish and ducks. The exact age of the pond is not clear, but documents from the Edo Period (between 1603 and 1867) make reference to the pond as a sacred spot.

This shrine was gifted to the main shrine complex in 2011, and is popular for visitors wishing for good luck or fortune in matters relating to finances, entertainment, or personal beauty.

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

34 mm ISO 100 for 20 sec. at ƒ/14

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine

Located in the coastal city of Hiratuksa along the Shonan coastline in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, this Shinto shrine is one of the six major shrines built for the old Sagami province, which is now Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Annual events include the Hamaori Festival, the Bonbori Festival, Shichi-go-san, Cherry Blossom Festival, and more. The courtyards are said to be especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are out in spring and the roses are in bloom in early autumn.

Originally built under the direction of Emperor Nintoku in the year 380, this shrine was regarded as the protector of land for all of Sagami (modern-day Kanagawa).

The deities enshrined in the main shrine, and numerous subordinate shrines draw visitors wishing to improve company finances, get married, have safe a childbirth, raise healthy children, for physical beauty, for success in studies, for success in the entertainment industry, for good luck in life, for longevity in battle, for warding off evil, for a bountiful harvest, and more.

The shrine affords super easy to access with a flat approach from Hiratsuka Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line. If you have pets or a small family and prefer to drive, there are several coin parking lots in the neighborhood surrounding the shrine grounds including a huge underground parking garage behind the shrine.

Unlike Tokyo, parking is really cheap. I only paid 300 yen for parking during my photo shoot which was almost 6 hours long.

Driving from the direction of Shizuoka or Odawara, or from the direction of Tokyo or Yokohama, all you have to do is get on National Route #1 until you reach Hiratsuka. The highway runs right next to the shrine and if you check out the pictures in my blog there is no way you can miss the shrine! It is the only shrine on Route 1 between Tokyo and Odawara with a huge torii gate and a high wall of chochin lanterns that stretch along the highway.

Visit my blog for about 12 other photos, access links, references in both English and Japanese, and historical details of what I could find on this nice little shrine that has a lot to offer visitors.

2022-11-08

Mt. Myojinyama

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

34 mm ISO 100 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/9.0

Teppo-Kinokashira| Myojinyama Mountain Peaks in Yamanashi Pref., Japan

Rising a mere 1,291 m (4,235.56 ft) above sea level, the peak of Myōjinyama Mountain (鉄砲木ノ頭 or 明神山）offers lovely views of Yamanako Lake to the west and grand views of Mt. Fuji to the southwest (on a clear day).

The mountain is basically composed of ancient mounds of volcanic pumice from Mt. Fuji’s most recent eruptions thus creating conditions that are not ideal for heavy tree growth but perfect for grassy species like susuki!

Sadly the pumice is unstable and is susceptible to heavy corrosion from hiking trails where the susuki plant life has been killed and can no longer hold the soil together sufficiently.

This small mountain is popular for novice hikers and suitable for paragliding. My main attraction to this mountain were the fields of susuki grass, which provide a golden, beautiful foreground to the vast landscape of Mt. Fuji and the heart-shaped Lake Yamanakako.

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

28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/16

Eastern Slope of Mt. Fuji

The Japanese pampas grass (susuki) in the foreground stands in stark contrast with the dark afternoon shadow cast across the eastern slope of Mt. Fuji.

I had hoped to catch a snow-capped Mt. Fuji, but the autumn sun had already melted the snow before I had a chance to visit the summit of Teppoginoatama (鉄砲木ノ頭)--also known as Myojinyama (明神山).

November seems to be the most popular time of the year to climb this small mountain as many people want to catch a shot of the golden pampas grass with a panoramic view of Lake Yamanaka to the northwest and Mt. Fuji to the southwest.

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

45 mm ISO 100 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/14

Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine (山中諏訪神社の奥宮)

The tiny Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Myojin (明神山) in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, and enshrines two deities dedicated to the safety of hikers and visitors to the summit and the fields of pampas grass.

Names of the enshrined deities are Takeminakata-no-Mikoto (建御名方命) and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto (豊玉姫命).

The date this shrine was established remains a mystery, but ancient documents make reference to the presence of the shrine on the summit of Mt. Myojin.

In 1841, the original shrine was moved to make way for land surveys carried out under the command of Lord Okubo of Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Many years later, volunteer historians and shrine officials discovered the original location of the shrine and returned it to the summit of Mt. Myojin where it resides today.

A festival is held on September 1st of each year to commemorate return of the shrine to its home and to pray for the safety of visitors to the shrine.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Classic chrome film simulation

Border Collie on Summit

She is taking a well-deserved break in the shade of tall pampas grass at the summit of Mt. Myojinyama with the peak of Mt. Fuji in the background.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/280 sec. at ƒ/2.2

Provia/Standard film simulation

Japanese Maples and Susuki Grass

Lone Japanese maples (momiji・モミジ・紅葉) located at the edge of a tight curve on Prefectural Highway 730 next to the parking lot of the trailhead where you can take a hike to the peak of Mt. Myojin (明神山）in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The early evening sun lit up this scene perfectly! It is possible to catch this shot with Mt. Fuji in the background, but you will have to be very patient (or arrive very early) and wait for a clean shot with no cars, motorbikes, or people in the shot.

After climbing to the summit, you can head down to Lake Yamanakako, which is only a six-minute drive from the trail head, or head in the opposite direction and visit the Fuji International Speedway, which is only a 15-minute drive from the trail head.

Highway 730 is a twisty road with tight curves and steep inclines and is the main mountain pass between Lake Yamanaka and Fuji International Speedway. This highway seems to be very popular among motorcycle riders and sports car drivers!

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/3.2

Provia/Standard film simulation

Camera-Shy Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji was very camera-shy while I was at the summit of Mt. Myojin (明神山) in Yamanashi Prefecture. It was difficult to catch any clean shot where she wasn’t hiding behind cloud cover.

Fortunately, the late-afternoon sun helped bring out the golden tones of susuki (Japanese pampas grass).

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 160 for 1/420 sec. at ƒ/2.8

Provia/Standard film simulation

Pampas Grass & Lake Yamanaka, Japan

View of Lake Yamanaka (山中湖) from the trailhead that leads to the peak of Mt. Myojin (明神山）in Yamanashi Prefecture where you can enjoy lovely views of the lake and grand views of Mt. Fuji to the southwest (on a clear day).

Access to the trailhead is only a 45-minute drive from the Shin-Hadano Exit on the Tomei Expressway. The trailhead includes restrooms, picnic tables, and free parking.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter

ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/16

Provia/Standard film simulation

Sleepy Border Collie at the Okumiya of Yamanaka Suwa Shrine

(山中諏訪神社の奥宮)

The tiny shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Myojin in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, which offers grand views of Lake Yamanaka (one of the Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji), and views of Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) with a foreground of waving fields of susuki pampas grass.