5 Photogenic Power Spots in Ibaraki

Mystical light and nature intertwined—Ibaraki's power spots await. Here are five handpicked sacred locations whose photogenic quality is as striking as their spiritual energy. Camera in hand, come and claim both good fortune and great photographs.

01. Kasama Inari Shrine (Kasama Inari Jinja) / Kasama City

One of Japan's Three Great Inari Shrines, Kasama Inari Jinja commands respect as one of the country's most prestigious shrines. The contrast of the vibrant vermilion gate (romon) against lush cedar trees is overwhelmingly beautiful. During autumn foliage season, vivid reds, oranges, and crimson overlap in layers, producing a photograph as striking as a painting.

• Shooting Angle: Low angle looking up at the gate to emphasize depth and perspective
• Best Time: Soft morning light between 8:00–10:00 a.m.
• Access: Approximately 20-minute walk from JR Mito Line "Kasama Station"

02. Oarai Isosaki Shrine (Oarai Isosaki Jinja) / Oarai Town

Renowned as Ibaraki's premier "photogenic shrine," Oarai Isosaki Shrine's "Kami-iso no Torii" (divine rock torii gate) stands on a rocky outcrop jutting into the sea—delivering a dramatic shot where crashing waves and the sacred gate meet in a single frame. The moment the sun rises directly behind the torii at dawn is an absolutely breathtaking spectacle.

• Shooting Angle: From the rocky shoreline straight-on, composing the gate with the horizon line
• Best Time: Just after sunrise (particularly beautiful around the winter solstice)
• Access: Approximately 20-minute walk from Kashima Rinkai Railway "Oarai Station"

03. Oiwa Shrine (Oiwa Jinja) / Hitachi City

Oiwa Shrine, visited by pilgrims from across Japan as the "ultimate power spot," has an approach lined with towering ancient cedar trees where light filters through the canopy as dappled rays—creating fantastical photographs that feel like a gateway to another world. The moss-covered stone pavement, with its beautiful gradations of green, captures the living breath of nature in every shot.

• Shooting Angle: Vertical (portrait) composition pointing down the stone-paved approach toward the depths, emphasizing the receding path
• Best Time: Morning hours when dappled light filters through the trees (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
• Access: Approximately 30 minutes by bus from JR Joban Line "Hitachi Station"

04. Kashima Shrine (Kashima Jingu) / Kashima City

One of the oldest shrines in the Kanto region, Kashima Jingu's inner approach (Oku-sando) is flanked by ancient cedar trees hundreds of years old—among the most solemn atmospheres in all of Japan. The moment when filtered light creates a curtain of rays across the stone pavement takes the breath away. The tunnel-like composition of walking through this cathedral of green will earn instant admiration from followers.

• Shooting Angle: One-point perspective from the side of the approach toward the torii gate in the distance (avoid the center of the approach, called seichu, which is considered the path of the deities)
• Best Time: Early morning 6:00–8:00 a.m.; new green leaves of May are especially recommended
• Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from JR Kashima Line "Kashima Jingu Station"

05. Amabiki Kannon (Sakuragawa City)

Official name: "Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple." A uniquely photogenic location where freely roaming peacocks welcome visitors to the temple precincts. A photograph of a peacock with its feathers fully spread, set against the vermilion Nio-mon gate in the background, is Instagram royalty. During the hydrangea season (June), approximately 5,000 hydrangea plants bloom throughout the precincts, transforming the entire temple grounds into a floral paradise.

• Shooting Angle: Frame the peacock and the Nio-mon gate together in natural light
• Best Time: Bright morning hours; June hydrangea season
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Mito Line "Yamato Station"

Ibaraki still has many more undiscovered "photogenic power spots" waiting to be found. Please visit and search for your own special photograph.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closed days: At Oiwa Shrine (752 Irishiken-cho, Hitachi City), worship hours are 6:00-17:00, the hours for climbing the sacred mountain are 6:00-15:00, and the shrine office is open 9:00-17:00. At Amabiki Kannon (1 Motoki, Sakuragawa City), the closing time may change during events such as the "Hydrangea Festival."
• Admission: Worship at Oarai Isosaki Shrine, Kasama Inari Shrine and Oiwa Shrine is free of charge. At Amabiki Kannon, a mountain entry fee of 500 yen per person applies only during the "Hydrangea Festival" period (it is refunded to those who apply for a prayer or memorial service).
• Access: Oiwa Shrine is at 752 Irishiken-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture (tel. 0294-21-8445). Amabiki Kannon is at 1 Motoki, Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture (tel. 0296-58-5009). Oarai Isosaki Shrine is at 6890 Isohama-cho, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture (tel. 029-267-2637).
• Parking: Parking Lot No. 1 at Oiwa Shrine is open from 8:00 to 18:00. It cannot be used outside those hours, so if you are planning to photograph in the early morning or at night, be sure to check in advance.
• Etiquette when visiting: Oarai Isosaki Shrine states on its official website, "Please do not bring stones from the sea into the shrine." Do not carry stones picked up on the shore into the precincts. There is also official guidance on bringing pets, so please check in advance.
• Photography rules: Oarai Isosaki Shrine has a contact point on its official website for "inquiries about photography, publication in books and the like." For photography intended for commercial use or publication in books, please make an inquiry in advance. Be considerate and do not occupy the approach path or the area in front of the offering box for long periods.
• Safety notes: The reef on which the Kamiiso no Torii gate stands is washed by waves, making it slippery and extremely dangerous. Do not step onto the rocks; take your photos from the coastal promenade side. The rear approach at Oiwa Shrine is a mountain trail, and the climbing hours (6:00-15:00) must be strictly observed.

Note: Information on sunrise times and changes to closing times due to events is announced on the official websites of each shrine and temple. Be sure to check just before your visit.

(Sources: Oarai Isosaki Shrine official website; Oiwa Shrine official website; Amabiki Kannon (Amabikisan Rakuhoji Temple) official website)