5 Photogenic Power Spots in Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture has plenty of mystical spots that make you want to visit camera in hand, such as spectacular views with Mount Fuji in the background, moss-covered stone pavements, and vermilion torii gates. This article covers Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, Kinomiya Shrine, Mishima Taisha, Kunozan Toshogu and Okuni Shrine.

1. Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha (Fujinomiya City)

The head shrine of about 1,300 Sengen Shrines nationwide. The combination of the vermilion-lacquered tower gate and Mount Fuji towering behind it is the strongest spot where you can take a "this is Japan" shot.

• Photogenic point: The composition capturing Mount Fuji beyond the tower gate is spectacular. The Wakutama Pond in the grounds is a deep emerald color, sparkling like a jewel when light shines in.
• Best time: A clear day on a winter early morning, when snow-clad Mount Fuji is crisply visible, is recommended.
• Shooting angle: Aiming from the front of the tower gate at a low angle puts Mount Fuji and the torii in a straight line.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Fujinomiya Station" on the JR Minobu Line

2. Kinomiya Shrine (Atami City)

A power spot enshrined in Atami's forest, known for its great camphor tree over 2,000 years old. It boasts overwhelming popularity among Instagrammers as well.

• Photogenic point: The great camphor tree lit up at night is mystical, with light radiating from the trunk as if it were another world. In the daytime too, sunbeams filtering through the trees pour down like a spotlight.
• Best time: The light-up time after sunset, or the early morning when morning mist remains.
• Shooting angle: The angle looking up from the base of the great camphor tree is full of impact. An earlier time slot is good so that people do not get in the frame.
• Access: About 5 minutes by bus from JR "Atami Station," get off right at "Kinomiya Jinja-mae"

3. Mishima Taisha (Mishima City)

A famous shrine boasting the highest prestige in Izu. The grounds, where flowers of all four seasons bloom in profusion, are picturesquely beautiful no matter the season you visit.

• Photogenic point: During the autumn-leaf season the entire grounds are dyed red and yellow, and the color contrast with the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings reaches its peak.
• Best time: The autumn-leaf season from late November to early December. The morning time slot with soft light is great.
• Shooting angle: Shooting from the great torii of the approach toward the main hall in portrait orientation creates depth for a beautiful shot.
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from the south exit of "Mishima Station" on JR and the Izuhakone Railway

4. Kunozan Toshogu (Shizuoka City)

The gorgeous, splendid shrine buildings enshrining Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, at the top after climbing 1,159 stone steps. The richness of color is just like a jewelry box.

• Photogenic point: The shrine buildings adorned with polychrome carvings have an overwhelming presence no matter where you crop. The blue of the strawberry fields and Suruga Bay spreading along the stone steps make an exquisite contrast.
• Best time: The morning time slot when light beautifully illuminates the golden ornamentation of the shrine buildings. In spring, the combination of cherry blossoms and the shrine buildings is also great.
• Shooting angle: Framing the Higurashi-mon gate and aiming at the shrine building beyond it creates depth and three-dimensionality.
• Access: About 5 minutes by ropeway from Nihondaira. Get off at the Shizutetsu Bus "Nihondaira"

5. Okuni Shrine (Mori-machi, Shuchi District)

A serene shrine standing in the forest, known as the ichinomiya of Totomi Province. A mystical air that makes you forget the hustle of the city drifts here.

• Photogenic point: The moss-covered stone pavement laid across the approach and the tunnel of giant cedar trees towering on both sides are dreamlike. In the fresh-greenery season, the contrast of light and shadow is breathtakingly beautiful.
• Best time: The fresh-greenery season of April to May, in the morning when sunbeams filter through the trees, is best.
• Shooting angle: Shooting in portrait orientation from the side of the approach toward the back makes the cedar rows draw a beautiful vanishing point (avoid the center of the approach, called seichu, which is considered the path of the deities).
• Access: About 5 minutes by taxi from "Totomi-Ichinomiya Station" on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway

Scattered across the land of Shizuoka are beautiful spots as if the spiritual energy of Mount Fuji dwells within them. Do head out, camera in hand, to search for a shot all your own.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closing days: Kinomiya Shrine is open 9:00-17:00 (reception for prayer rituals until 16:30) / at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, Mishima Taisha and Okuni Shrine the hours during which the precincts can be visited change with the season, so check the official websites / for Kunozan Toshogu, note the operating hours of the Nihondaira Ropeway
• Fees: Worship within the precincts of each shrine is free of charge (charges apply for such places as the main hall and museum at Kunozan Toshogu and the treasure hall at Mishima Taisha)
• Access: Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha = about a 10-minute walk from "Fujinomiya Station" on the JR Minobu Line / Kinomiya Shrine = about a 5-minute walk (roughly 400 m) from "Kinomiya Station" on the JR Ito Line, or about an 18-minute walk or 20-minute bus ride from JR "Atami Station", getting off right in front at "Kinomiya Jinja" / Mishima Taisha = about a 15-minute walk from JR "Mishima Station", or about a 7-minute walk from "Mishima-Tamachi Station" on the Izuhakone Railway / Kunozan Toshogu = about 5 minutes by ropeway from Nihondaira / Okuni Shrine = direct on the Akiha Bus "Okuni Jinja Kaiun Line" from "Enshu-Mori Station" on the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad
• Parking: Kinomiya Shrine introduced paid parking on 1 December 2022, and because spaces are limited visitors are advised to use the municipal car park in front of Kinomiya Station and similar facilities at busy times / Mishima Taisha charges 300 yen per hour for small cars and 1,000 yen per hour for large vehicles / Okuni Shrine has a free car park with about 700 spaces
• Etiquette when visiting: The great camphor tree at Kinomiya Shrine is a nationally designated Natural Monument. Please pray and take photographs from outside the fence, so as not to compact the soil around its roots or touch its trunk
• Photography rules: Refrain from photographing the interiors of shrine halls or prayer rituals in progress. Using a tripod on the approach path or occupying a spot for a long time inconveniences other worshippers. Commercial photography may require prior application
• Safety notes: If you walk up to Kunozan Toshogu from the foot of Mt. Kuno, you will climb 1,159 stone steps. If you are not confident of your stamina, use the Nihondaira Ropeway. Okuni Shrine is about a 50-minute walk from the nearest station, "Totomi-Ichinomiya Station", so visiting by bus or car is the surer option

Note: The times of the illumination of the great camphor tree at Kinomiya Shrine are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.

(Sources: Kinomiya Shrine official website, "Access" / Mishima Taisha official website, "Access" / Okuni Shrine official website, "Access")