5 Photogenic Power Spots in Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is dotted with shrines and temples so beautiful they make you sigh. Clear air, moss-covered stone pavements, fantastical torii gates... Grab your camera and set out on a mysterious journey

① Nangu Taisha (Ichinomiya of Mino Province — Grand Headquarters Shrine of Mining and Metalworking Nationwide)

The ichinomiya (premier shrine) of Mino Province, enshrining Kanayamahiko no Okami, and the grand headquarters shrine for mining and metalworking industries across Japan. The vivid vermilion shrine buildings and romon gate command an overwhelming presence. Along the approach lined with deep stands of trees, a breathtaking scene unfolds each time sunlight filters through the leaves.

• Best time and season: Morning hours when light filters through the leaves / In the autumn foliage season, a spectacular combination of gold and red
• Shooting angle: Capture the romon gate head-on with a wide-angle lens for a shot with a strong sense of depth
• Access: 1734-1 Miyashiro, Tarui-cho, Fuwa-gun, Gifu Prefecture / South of JR Tokaido Main Line Tarui Station. Walking takes over 20 minutes, so a taxi is also convenient.

② Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple (Gifu's Finest Cherry Blossom Corridor)

Renowned as the final temple of the 33-temple Saikoku Kannon pilgrimage, in spring a cherry blossom tunnel appears, completely enveloping the approach. Walking through the archway of pale pink blossoms feels like being in a dream.

• Best time and season: Early morning in early April, when the contrast with the blue sky is beautiful
• Shooting angle: Shooting from the side of the approach toward the far end makes the cherry blossom tunnel stand out (avoid the center of the approach, called seichu, which is considered the path of the deities)
• Access: By bus from Yoro Railway Ibi Station or Tarumi Railway Tanigumiguchi Station (services are infrequent, so always check the latest timetable)

③ Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine (A Shrine Wrapped in Mysterious Mist)

A power spot that protects the Hida-Takayama area. From autumn through winter, the early mornings wrap the shrine grounds in mist, producing fantastical photographs as if you have strayed into another world. The contrast between the large sacred tree and the torii gate is also a must-see.

• Best time and season: October through December, just after dawn, when morning mist tends to form
• Shooting angle: Aiming at the torii gate floating in the mist from a low angle heightens the sense of mystery
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Main Line Hida-Ichinomiya Station

④ Hida Senkoji Temple (Ancient Temple in Nyukawa-cho, Takayama City)

A mountain temple located in Shitabo, Nyukawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, known for its "Enku Butsu Jiho-kan" hall which houses many Enku Buddha carvings. The temple buildings that blend into the deep mountain greenery create a one-of-a-kind landscape. The contrast between the moss-covered stone steps and the trees is like a painting.

• Best time and season: The fresh-foliage period of May to June; after rain, the moss shines vividly
• Shooting angle: Looking up from the bottom of the stone steps captures the vertical composition that conveys the deep forest atmosphere
• Access: 1553 Shitabo, Nyukawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture (TEL 0577-78-1021). Located in the mountains, so check road conditions before visiting, especially in winter.

Gifu still has many more Instagram-worthy spots waiting to be discovered. Grab your camera and head out to find your own unique shot.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closing days: At Nangu Taisha Shrine and Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine, the hours for worship in the precincts differ from the reception hours of the amulet office. Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple has set viewing hours for its main hall, and the Enku Buddha Treasure Hall at Hida Senkoji Temple has set viewing hours and closing days (tel. 0577-78-1021).
• Admission: Worship in the shrine precincts is free of charge. Some of the halls at Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple, and the Enku Buddha Treasure Hall at Hida Senkoji Temple, require an admission fee.
• Access: Nangu Taisha Shrine is at 1734-1 Miyashiro, Tarui Town, Fuwa District, Gifu Prefecture (tel. 0584-22-1225). Hida Ichinomiya Minashi Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Hida-Ichinomiya Station on the JR Takayama Main Line. Hida Senkoji Temple is at 1553 Shimoho, Nyukawa-cho, Takayama City, and is not in Gujo City. Buses to Tanigumisan Kegonji Temple are infrequent, so check the timetable.
• Parking: Each shrine and temple has parking for worshippers. Car parks fill up and traffic builds at the peak of the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons and over the New Year.
• Etiquette for worship: Nangu Taisha is the ichinomiya (highest-ranked shrine) of the former Mino Province, enshrining Kanayamahiko no Okami, and is the head shrine for mining and metalworking industries throughout Japan. Remove your hat in front of the main hall and do not step inside the tamagaki sacred fence.
• Photography rules: Photography of Buddhist statues inside the halls (especially the Enku Buddhas) may be prohibited. Using a tripod or shooting for commercial purposes may require prior permission, so consult the shrine or temple office. Please refrain from taking photographs during prayers and memorial services.
• Safety notes: Hida Senkoji Temple is in a mountainous area, and access can be difficult in winter due to snow and ice. Check road conditions before visiting.

(Sources: Nangu Taisha official website https://www.nangu-san.com/ / Hida Senkoji Temple official website https://www.senkouji.com/ )