5 Photogenic Power Spots in Aichi

Aichi is full of mystical power spots that make you want to press the shutter. The vermilion of shrines, moss-covered stone pavements, dreamlike light, here are five places guaranteed to gather "likes" on social media.

1. Toyokawa Inari (Toyokawa City) — A Vermilion Corridor of a Thousand Banners

Toyokawa Inari is counted among the Three Great Inari Shrines of Japan. Officially, it is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple called Myogon-ji, enshrining the Toyokawa Dakini-shinten deity. The countless vermilion banner flags lining the approach create an atmosphere reminiscent of another world — like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto! The morning hours, when light filters through, are especially beautiful, and the vertical angle shooting the shrine buildings through the banners is the classic photogenic composition. The combination with golden autumn foliage is also exceptional.

Access: Just a short walk from Toyokawa Inari Station (Meitetsu Toyokawa Line).

2. Atsuta Shrine (Nagoya City) — A Green Tunnel and Sacred Air

The approach lined with ancient camphor trees — some hundreds of years old — creates a dreamlike space draped in a green veil. Early morning, when sunlight filters through the leaves, is the golden hour! Standing to one side of the stone-paved path and shooting toward the far end of the approach, using single-point perspective, produces an overwhelmingly photogenic result (the centre of an approach is regarded as the deity’s path and also blocks other visitors, so keep to the edge). The deep green of early summer is especially recommended.

Access: Subway Meijo Line "Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station" or "Atsuta Jingu Denmachi Station," Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line "Jingu-mae Station," or JR Tokaido Main Line "Atsuta Station." From any of these stations, it is about 10–15 minutes on foot to the main hall.

3. Oagata Shrine (Inuyama City) — A Sacred Precinct Dyed Pink in Spring

Oagata Shrine, where plum blossoms beautifully adorn the grounds from late February through March. The sight of pale pink and white plum blossoms enveloping the torii gate looks like something out of a dream. The "frame composition" — using the torii gate as a frame to capture the plum grove — is hugely popular on social media! On overcast days, colors appear more even and soft, which is another photographic advantage.

Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Rakuden Station (Meitetsu Komaki Line).

4. Mt. Horaiji (Shinshiro City) — The Magic of 1,425 Stone Steps on a Sacred Peak

Mt. Horaiji, known as a power spot in its entirety. The ancient stone steps surrounded by a cedar grove — where moss green mingles with the historic atmosphere — create a one-of-a-kind ambiance. Shooting upward from the base of the steps creates a mystical image that seems to extend infinitely. In November, the peak foliage season, the blazing red leaves against the stone steps make for a spectacular view!

Access: From Honchamagashi Station (JR Iida Line), take a Toyotetsu Bus toward Horaiji (service is infrequent, so be sure to check the latest timetable in advance).

5. Tsushima Shrine (Tsushima City) — Dreamlike Night Lights Reflected on Water

The head shrine of approximately 3,000 Tsushima shrines across Japan. During the "Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival" in July, boats decorated with paper lanterns create a fantastical scene on the river. Reflection photos utilizing the shimmer on the water's surface come out surprisingly beautiful even with a smartphone! Outside festival season, the vermilion tower gate and the greenery of the grounds are equally photogenic.

Access: 15 minutes on foot from Tsushima Station (Meitetsu Tsushima Line).

Aichi's power spots are places where the weight of history and photogenic beauty coexist. Be sure to bring your favorite camera or smartphone for a photo-perfect journey.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours, closing days: The precincts of Atsuta Jingu are open all day, but the Treasure Hall and the Kusanagi-kan have set opening hours and closing days (monthly closing days and the year-end period). Toyokawa Inari has set worship hours for the main hall and for areas such as the Reikozuka (fox mound), while Mount Horaiji is meant to be visited during the bright daylight hours.
• Fees: Worship in the precincts of Atsuta Jingu, Toyokawa Inari, Ogata Shrine and Tsushima Shrine is free of charge. The Treasure Hall and the Kusanagi-kan at Atsuta Jingu charge admission. At Mount Horaiji, a mountain-entry contribution may be required on the main approach.
• Access: Atsuta Jingu is a 10-15 minute walk from Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station or Atsuta Jingu Temma-cho Station on the subway Meijo Line, Jingumae Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line, or JR Atsuta Station (note that Jingu Nishi Station is a subway station, not a Meitetsu station). The nearest station to Ogata Shrine is Rakuden Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line (not the Meitetsu Inuyama Line). For Mount Horaiji, buses from Hon-Nagashino Station on the JR Iida Line are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance.
• Parking: Atsuta Jingu and Toyokawa Inari have parking lots for worshippers, but they fill up and the surrounding roads become congested during the New Year period and on the Hatsu-uma festival day. At Mount Horaiji, using the paid summit parking lot lets you skip a large part of the stone steps.
• Etiquette for worship: Toyokawa Inari is not a Shinto shrine but a Soto Zen Buddhist temple (Myogonji). Worship by placing your palms together and bowing once; do not clap your hands. The area around the main sanctuary of Atsuta Jingu is sacred ground, so please do not enter areas marked as off-limits.
• Photography rules: At Atsuta Jingu there are areas where photography should be refrained from, such as in front of the main sanctuary, and photography is prohibited inside the Treasure Hall. At the Reikozuka of Toyokawa Inari, do not touch or move the fox statues. Use of tripods and commercial photography require prior confirmation with each shrine or temple. Please also follow the rules for the spectator seating and restricted areas at the Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival.
• Safety notes: The 1,425 stone steps of Mount Horaiji are mossy and slippery, and some sections have no handrail. They are especially dangerous in rain or after snowfall, so avoid descending after sunset. The riverbank at the Tsushima Tenno Festival is dark and it is hard to see your footing, so take great care not to fall in when photographing near the water.

(Sources: Atsuta Jingu official website https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/ / Toyokawa Inari (Toyokawakaku Myogonji) official website https://www.toyokawainari.jp/ )