5 Photogenic Power Spots in Kanagawa

Kanagawa is dotted with power spots so beautiful they take your breath away. Historic shrine buildings, fantastical torii gates, cobblestones wrapped in greenery... every one is a place that makes a picture no matter where you crop it. This article covers Hakone Shrine, Enoshima Shrine, Egara Tenjin Shrine, Oyama Afuri Shrine and Hokokuji Temple.

01 | Hakone Shrine (Hakone Town) -- The "Torii of Peace" Floating on the Lake

The "Torii of Peace," whose vermilion is reflected on the surface of Lake Ashi, is one of Kanagawa's premier photogenic spots. The contrast with the lake is breathtakingly beautiful.

• Photogenic point: When the torii reflected on the water surface overlaps with Mt. Fuji, you get a miraculous shot.
• Best time: Early morning to before noon (the water surface is calm and the air is clear).
• Shooting angle: From the edge of the pier at a low eye level, aim for Mt. Fuji through the torii.
• Access: Right by the "Moto-Hakone" stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus.

02 | Enoshima Shrine (Fujisawa City) -- An Approach Leading to the Sea and a Vermilion-Lacquered Shrine

The symbolic shrine of Enoshima, where vermilion torii gates line up against the backdrop of the Shonan sea. The contrast of blue x red boasts an overwhelming degree of photogenic appeal.

• Photogenic point: The blue sea and sky spreading out through the picture-frame composition of the torii.
• Best time: The golden hour in the evening (the orange sky and sea are fantastical).
• Shooting angle: The correct approach is to line up the torii of the approach in a tunnel shape to create depth.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Katase-Enoshima/Enoshima" Station on the Odakyu Line or Enoden.

03 | Egara Tenjin Shrine (Kamakura City) -- Moss-Covered Stone Steps and a Tunnel of Greenery

One of Kamakura's oldest shrines. The stone steps with sunlight filtering through the trees, continuing along the approach, have an irresistible serene beauty.

• Photogenic point: In the fresh-green and autumn-foliage seasons, the tunnel of green and red becomes fantastical.
• Best season: May to June (fresh greenery) and November (autumn leaves).
• Shooting angle: Shooting from the base of the stone steps with an upward tilt creates a sense of depth and scale.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Kamakura" Station on the JR or Enoden lines.

04 | Oyama Afuri Shrine (Isehara City) -- A Mysterious Shrine Standing Above a Sea of Clouds

The lower shrine, enshrined at an altitude of about 700 meters, offers a mysterious landscape floating on a sea of clouds when the conditions align. It is truly a "shrine in the sky."

• Photogenic point: The fantastical combination of the sea of clouds appearing on early autumn-to-winter mornings and the shrine building.
• Best time: Just after sunrise (October to November is best).
• Shooting angle: A wide panoramic composition from the observation deck with the Sagami Plain in the background.
• Access: Bus from "Isehara" Station on the Odakyu Line, then get off at "Afuri Shrine" station on the Oyama Cable.

05 | Hokokuji Temple (Kamakura City) -- A Shower of Light Pouring Down Into a Bamboo Garden

Hokokuji, famed as the "Bamboo Temple." The bamboo grove created by about 2,000 moso bamboo is a magical space that changes its expression each time light streams in.

• Photogenic point: The breathtaking moment when the morning light streams in through the bamboo and glows yellowish-green.
• Best time: The 9 a.m. hour right after the gates open (the light enters at an angle and is most beautiful).
• Shooting angle: Shooting the ceiling of bamboo from a looking-up angle creates overwhelming impact.
• Access: Bus from "Kamakura" Station on the JR line; get off at the "Hokokuji-mae" stop and you're right there.

Kanagawa's power spots are not just "photogenic" -- they are all places where you receive a mysterious power each time you visit. By all means, head out to find your favorite shot.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closing days: The bamboo garden of Hokokuji Temple is open from 9:00 to 16:00. It is closed to visitors over the New Year period (December 29 to January 3), and may also close because of the weather and other circumstances.
• Admission: Admission to Hokokuji Temple is 400 yen for high school students and older and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Worship in the precincts of Egara Tenjin Shrine, Hakone Shrine and Enoshima Shrine is free (except in the paid areas).
• Access: Hokokuji Temple is about 12 minutes by bus from the east exit of JR Kamakura Station; get off at "Jomyoji" and walk about 3 minutes (about 7 minutes by taxi, or about 10 minutes from Asahina IC on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road). Egara Tenjin Shrine is about 8 minutes by bus from Kamakura Station; get off at "Tenjin-mae," or walk there in about 20 minutes.
• Parking: There is no information about a car park for visitors on Hokokuji Temple's official website. Central Kamakura has few car parks and gets congested at weekends, so coming by train or bus is the safe choice.
• Etiquette for worship: Both the bamboo garden and the temple precincts are places of religious practice and faith. Follow the designated route, and refrain from talking loudly or sitting down on the ground.
• Photography rules: Regarding goshuin seal stamps, Hokokuji Temple asks visitors to "refrain from requesting a particular calligrapher or taking photographs." For press or commercial photography, you must contact the Hokokuji Temple public relations office in advance ([email protected]). Tripods obstruct movement along the approach, so refrain from using them when it is crowded.
• Safety notes: The Lower Shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine stands on the mountain at about 700 m above sea level, where the temperature is lower than on the plains and the weather changes easily. Be sure to check the time of the last cable car before you go up. The bamboo grove and stone steps become slippery in the rain and just after it.

* Hokokuji Temple may suddenly close to visitors because of the weather. If you are coming from far away, check the official website on the day.

(Sources: Hokokuji Temple official website, "About Visiting"; Kamakura City official tourism information)