Taken on September 14, 2026. This is a windmill in front of the Otorii gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I thought it might be one of the last chances to see it, so I went to take a look.

Guided by the Autumn Leaves In December 2024, while visiting Tenryuji in Kyoto, I stumbled upon this scenery as I walked through the temple grounds. Scattered across the stone steps were fallen leaves, with maple trees, a torii gate, and the shrine deep in the background ahead. At that moment, I felt that the scene before me was dreamlike, so I paused to take this photo. At the time of taking the photo, I didn't pay much attention to the name of this place, but later I learned that it was the Reiki Shrine within Tenryuji. Looking at this photo again, it seemed as if the autumn leaves on the stone steps gradually led my gaze deeper toward the torii gate, so I named it 'Guided by the Autumn Leaves.' This unexpectedly encountered scene also became an unforgettable moment during this trip. Location: Reiki Shrine, Tenryuji, Kyoto City

The torii gate serves as a barrier between the human world and the realm of the gods. "The autumn leaves in the back seem like a different world"—I suddenly felt that presence. Location: Nezu Museum, Tokyo Metropolis

The blue, clear summer sky and the vividly shining green fields create a scene reminiscent of Japan's original landscape, where a retro vehicle quietly stands. The torii gate visible in the distance adds a sense of narrative and nostalgia to this scenery, capturing a moment of summer in Japan, where the sound of cicadas seems to echo.

The torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at sunset. In the slowly flowing time, the moment spent gazing at the torii gate was meaningful.

Taken on July 1, 2014. This is a windmill in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was around 7:30 in the morning in the shrine grounds.

Kodai Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 14, 2026 The Kodai Fire Festival will take place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The lights of the kodai (small torches) will emerge fantastically from the area around Harajiri Falls, illuminating the Ogata Plains. 【Event Date】Friday, August 14, 2026 ※Postponed by one day in case of bad weather 【Location】Around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata Plains ※Traffic regulations will be enforced from 18:30 on the 14th. Please follow the instructions of the staff. 【Ignition Time】19:30, simultaneous ignition 【Number of Lights】Approximately 10,000 【Flame Sculpture Exhibition】 Around the venue, local residents will create unique torii gates and stone bridges with torches, showcasing their beauty in a competition. 【Contact for Event Inquiries】 Ogata Branch, Bungoono City, Phone: 0974-42-2111 Harajiri Falls Roadside Station Co., Ltd., Phone: 0974-42-4140 ❚ What is the Kodai Fire Festival? A traditional event passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to be related to the memorial for the Bon festival, the wish for a good rice harvest, and the memorial for victims of uprisings that occurred during the Edo period.

Tsukiyomi Shrine 15 Matsumuroyamazoe-chou, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Parking available After walking a few minutes south along the road from the red torii gate of Matsuo Taisha, Tsukiyomi Shrine will appear on your right. At Tsukiyomi Shrine, the moon deity, said to have been enshrined from Iki, quietly resides. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and later became an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha. At Tsukiyomi Shrine (an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha), you can basically receive the goshuin at the issuance office of Matsuo Taisha as "Tsukiyomi Shrine" goshuin. You can receive it at Tsukiyomi Shrine. It's a written seal! Usually, it is available during the reception hours at Matsuo Taisha's shrine office (approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and there may also be written seal options, so it's best to check the latest information on the official Matsuo Taisha website or goshuin information sites before visiting.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a moment of tranquility at Shoishohama Beach, renowned for its exceptional beauty and selected as one of Japan's top 88 bathing spots. We are excited to announce the "NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama." This project is supervised by NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd., a company with extensive experience in light displays, allowing you to experience a special space enveloped in enchanting blue light. Witness the breathtaking gradient created by the setting sun transforming into the shimmering blue waves. This series of artistic experiences will gently stimulate your senses, inviting you into a space woven with the sounds of the waves, the sea breeze, and light. It truly is a mindful healing time that focuses your awareness on "the here and now." Regain your peace of mind and immerse yourself in the magical scenery of the beautiful sunset at Shoishohama and the blue, illuminated waves. We invite you to experience this miracle. Event Overview NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama (Date) From Saturday, October 17, 2026, to Monday, October 19, 2026 (Time) 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (sunset expected around 5:19 PM) (Venue) In front of the second parking lot at Shoishohama Beach (approximately 200 meters of shoreline illuminated) (Supervision) NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd. (Lighting Support) Pi Photonics, Inc. Event Features - Breathtaking shoreline light display : Blue lights dance with the waves, creating a unique and enchanting spectacle. - Torii gate illumination : Experience the lighting of the torii gate standing at Shoishohama and a path of light leading to it. - Gentle lighting decoration at your feet : Lights along the bridge path and viewing areas will support your steps. - Appealing food trucks : Warm beverages and snacks will enrich your autumn nights. - A cozy dining space with lanterns : Enjoy your meal while admiring the enchanting scenery. - Mindfulness sound : Pleasant music that promotes mindfulness through auditory experience will envelop the space. Important Notes and Safety Guidelines To provide everyone with a safe and comfortable experience, please keep the following points in mind. - The sea at night can be very dangerous. Please enjoy the event only within the designated viewing areas. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents that occur within the venue or during the viewing. - There will be no seating available at the venue. If needed, please bring your own chairs or mats. - Some coastal areas may have limited lighting at night. For safety, we strongly recommend bringing a flashlight. - Parking spaces are limited, so we kindly ask everyone to share and use them considerately. - We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or thefts that occur in the parking area. - This event utilizes natural phenomena, so due to weather conditions or wave conditions, the sunset and glowing waves may not be clearly visible. - In the event of sudden bad weather or unavoidable circumstances, the event may be canceled without prior notice. Notifications of cancellations will be posted on the town's website. This autumn, indulge in an unparalleled mindfulness experience woven by light and waves, exclusively at Shoishohama. [Office] Mihama Town Tourism Promotion Division Phone: 0770-32-6705 (8:30 AM - 5:15 PM)

Taken on June 16, 26. This is a pinwheel in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is a windmill in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is the spinning wheel at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. As the matchmaking wind chimes begin, this is the last chance to see the spinning wheel in front of the torii gate and next to the main hall.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, this is the windmill in front of the Otorii Gate. It features yellow and orange. Speaking of orange (Oranje), it seems to be the nickname for the Netherlands national team.

As my health has improved, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the shrine grounds around 7:30 in the morning. I prefer to visit alone and take my time.

Taken on May 18, 2014. When I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a wedding ceremony was just about to start. Encountering a wedding ceremony at a shrine is said to bring good fortune. May you all have wonderful things happen to you as well.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was having a pre-shoot.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was around 8:30 in the morning. In the afternoon, I tried facial yoga.

Photographed on March 21, 2014. The cherry blossoms at Senba Toshogu Shrine are also in full bloom. 🌸

Fushimi Inari-taisha 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The biggest attraction at Fushimi Inari-taisha is the Senbon Torii. The sight of rows upon rows of vermilion torii gates is simply breathtaking! The items held in the mouths of the foxes at Fushimi Inari-taisha are mainly four kinds: rice ears, a scroll, a jewel (hoshu), and a key. These are said to be carried by the foxes (white foxes), messengers of Inari Ōkami, and each has a different meaning. Types and meanings of the items the foxes hold The fox statues at Fushimi Inari-taisha typically hold one of the following four items. Rice ears: Symbolizing a bountiful harvest and indicating that Inari Ōkami is a deity of agriculture. Scroll: Representing wisdom and knowledge, and believed to record the divine virtues of Inari Ōkami. Jewel (hoshu): A symbol of Inari Ōkami’s spiritual virtue or soul. Key: Seen as the key to Inari Ōkami’s treasure house, or as a symbol of the desire to possess the jewel (spiritual virtue).

In 1634, Kyokugaki Heikuro galloped up the stone steps on horseback, presented a plum branch to Tokugawa Iemitsu, and was praised as Japan’s greatest equestrian master. Wishing to share the luck of the Year of the Horse, he climbed the success steps.🐎

Photographed on December 29, 2025. This is the torii at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine dressed for New Year’s. 🎍

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is Kawagoe Kumano Shrine around 6:00 a.m.

Today I attended Kawagoe Hachimangū's year-end Ōharae (Great Purification) ceremony. I had my body and mind purified of sins and impurities, and I feel refreshed and ready to welcome the New Year. 🎍🐎

I am in Tokyo today for an exam. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine around 8:00 a.m.

This photo was taken at Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture. There is a thousand Torii (shrine gates) here, and you can see it from the high ground. It shows various expressions in Four Seasons, but this photo is not from a high ground, but from a Torii (shrine gate). The wonderful curves were impressive, and Impression of the superb view that unfolded ahead was aroused.

Photographed 10/18/25. Prayer at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a festival float of Benkei in Shita Town.

Photographed on August 9, 25. It is the staircase of Success in life of Atago Shrine. Without looking down, I climbed in one fell swoop. Success in life is something that only God knows.

Photographed on July 3, 25. I had an And at Iidabashi, and before that, I Prayer at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The Tanabata decorations were stunning. 🎋 Precincts around half past seven in the morning.

Fushimi Inari Taisha 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha, which attracts attention from overseas pilgrims, is also called "Inari-san". It is the main shrine of Inari Shrine, which is said to have about 30,000 shrines nationwide, and is popular with people all over the country, regardless of age or gender. The beautiful "Senbon Torii (shrine gate)" with its bright vermilion color creates a fantastic and graceful scene. The messenger of the gods at Inari Shrine is a fox. At the Keihama Fushimi Inari Shrine, which I visit Prayer this time, such a stone statue of a fox welcomes Worshippers. There are 108 of them!!