5 Photogenic Power Spots in Okayama | Recommended Instagram-Worthy Shrines and Temples

Okayama Prefecture is dotted with scenic power spots that make your heart leap and think, "I want to photograph this!" Let's set out on a journey where both your heart and your photos are beautifully filled in mystical spaces woven by history and nature.

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1. Saijo Inari (Takahashi City, Kibi District)

Saijo Inari, counted as one of Japan's Three Great Inari, stages an overwhelming shot with the tunnel of vermilion torii gates lined up along its approach. The connected torii gates form a fantastical corridor reminiscent of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto.

• Photogenic Point: Shooting from a low angle toward the depths of the torii creates a magnificent view where the gradation of vermilion produces depth.
• Best Time: Around 8 a.m., when the soft early-morning light streams onto the torii. The autumn foliage season is also ideal.
• Access: About a 20-minute walk from "Hattori Station" on the JR Kibi Line, or about 30 minutes by car from the Okayama IC

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2. Kibitsu Shrine (Kita Ward, Okayama City)

Kibitsu Shrine boasts a main hall in the hiyoku-irimoya style, designated as a National Treasure. The point of particular note is the corridor stretching a full 360 meters. The gently curving wooden corridor has a serene beauty as if time has stopped.

• Photogenic Point: A one-point perspective composition making use of the corridor's vanishing point is ideal. The contrast with the green trees is also splendid.
• Best Time: The time slot when morning light streams in. The fresh greenery of May to June is especially recommended.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Kibitsu Station" on the JR Kibi Line

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3. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Takahashi City)

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, famous as a sky-high mountain castle, is a miraculous spot where you can photograph its fantastical figure floating in a sea of clouds from autumn into winter. One of the 12 existing castle keeps, its appearance is dignified and beautiful.

• Photogenic Point: In the sea-of-clouds season, a bird's-eye shot from the "Gagyuzan" observation deck is a must-capture. The castle and the layer of white clouds look like a dream world.
• Best Time: Early morning from September to November (1 to 2 hours after sunrise). The day after a clear day with a large temperature difference is the aim.
• Access: About 20 minutes by taxi or mountain-climbing bus from "Bitchu-Takahashi Station" on the JR Hakubi Line

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4. Saidaiji Kannon-in (Higashi Ward, Okayama City)

Saidaiji Kannon-in is nationally famous for the "Naked Festival (Hadaka Matsuri)," but in fact, the contrast of the three-storied pagoda and the sky at dusk is a magnificent photo spot. The scene where the red of the temple and the orange of the sunset melt together is breathtakingly beautiful.

• Photogenic Point: With the three-storied pagoda in the foreground and the gradated evening sky in the background, in a vertical composition. The stone pavement of the grounds is also full of atmosphere.
• Best Time: The magic hour 30 minutes before sunset. The period from autumn to winter, when the air is clear, is especially beautiful.
• Access: About 10 minutes by bus or taxi from "Saidaiji Station" on the JR Ako Line

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5. Hofukuji Temple (Soja City)

Hofukuji Temple, where Sesshu is said to have spent his childhood, is a hidden photogenic spot known to those in the know, with a beautiful mossy stone pavement and three-storied pagoda. Its appeal is also that there are few tourists, so you can photograph to your heart's content in quiet time.

• Photogenic Point: Shooting the approach heading toward the three-storied pagoda along the stone pavement with a wide-angle lens makes for a dramatic shot. Combinations with fresh greenery and autumn foliage are also ideal.
• Best Time: On cloudy days, the soft light brings out the green of the moss, making the moist Japanese beauty stand out.
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from "Soja Station" on the JR Hakubi Line

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In Okayama, there are still many "photogenic" sights you have yet to encounter. By all means, with a camera in hand, go out to search for your very own shot.

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