5 Photogenic Power Spots in Aichi: Instagrammable Shrines and Temples

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.

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

One of Japan's three great Inari shrines, Toyokawa Inari. The countless vermilion banners lining the approach create an otherworldly feel reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari. The morning hours, when light streams in, are especially beautiful, and a vertical angle aiming at the main hall through the banners is the classic photogenic composition. The combination with golden autumn trees is also exquisite.

Access: A short walk from Toyokawa-Inari Station (Meitetsu Toyokawa Line).

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

The approach lined with giant camphor trees several centuries old is a dreamlike space wrapped in a veil of green. Early morning, when sunlight filters through the leaves, is the golden hour. Standing in the center of the stone path and shooting toward the depths of the approach with one-point perspective creates an overwhelmingly photogenic image. The deep-green season of early summer is especially recommended.

Access: A 3-minute walk from Jingu-nishi Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line).

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

From late February to March, the plum blossoms coloring the grounds of Oagata Shrine are magnificent. The sight of pale pink and white plum blossoms enveloping the torii gate is like a dream. The "frame composition," using the torii as a picture frame to capture the plum grove, is hugely popular on social media. On cloudy days the colors come out evenly for a soft impression.

Access: A 20-minute walk from Gakuden Station (Meitetsu Inuyama Line).

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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 old stone steps surrounded by cedar groves blend the green of moss with a historic atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind mood. Shooting upward from the bottom of the steps creates a mystical image that seems to continue endlessly. In the November foliage season, the contrast of burning red and the stone steps is spectacular.

Access: About a 25-minute bus ride from Hon-Nagashino Station (JR Iida Line).

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

The head shrine of about 3,000 Tsushima shrines nationwide. During the "Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival" in July, a dreamlike scene unfolds as lantern-decorated boats color the river. Reflection photos that make use of the mirror-like water surface come out surprisingly beautiful even on a smartphone. Outside the festival season, the vermilion tower gate and the greenery of the grounds still make a picture.

Access: A 15-minute walk from Tsushima Station (Meitetsu Tsushima Line).

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Aichi's power spots are all places where the weight of history and photogenic beauty coexist. Grab your favorite camera or smartphone and set out on a photogenic journey.