5 Photogenic Power Spots in Tottori | Recommended Instagrammable Shrines and Temples

Tottori Prefecture holds spectacular scenery that sleeps beyond just the sand dunes. Mystical torii gates, moss-covered stone pavements, the grand views of mountain sacred sites... Power spots that take your breath away and stir your heart with every turn of the camera are scattered throughout. This time, we introduce five sacred sites that are sure to be Instagrammable. ✨

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01 | Hakuto Shrine | Photographing Japan's Oldest Love Story at the Stage of a Myth

Hakuto Shrine is known as the birthplace of the "White Hare of Inaba." It is a one-of-a-kind, cute shrine where rabbit stone statues line up here and there across the grounds.

• Photogenic point: The contrast between the pure-white rabbit stone statues and the vivid vermilion shrine pavilion is exquisite. On sunny days, white sand and blue sky join in, for a photo that feels like wandering into the world of a picture book.
• Best time and season: The hours in the morning when soft light streams in are recommended. In spring, the combination with cherry blossoms is also great.
• Shooting angle: A "bokeh" composition, blurring a rabbit stone statue in the foreground while capturing the pavilion in the background, is popular.
• Access: about a 40-minute bus ride from JR Tottori Station

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02 | Daisenji Temple | A Thousand-Year-Old Ancient Temple Cradled in the Bosom of the Sacred Mt. Daisen

Standing on the mid-slope of Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku region, Daisenji Temple is a sacred site where overwhelming natural beauty and history merge.

• Photogenic point: The stone pavement leading along the approach and the primeval beech forest spreading on both sides form a grand "green tunnel." In autumn it is dyed in golden foliage, and an unsurpassable spectacular view unfolds.
• Best time and season: Early in the morning during the autumn foliage season (late October to early November), when morning mist hangs low, you can capture a fantastical shot that feels like another world.
• Shooting angle: Stand in the center of the stone pavement and capture the approach continuing into the distance in a vertical composition for an outstanding sense of depth.
• Access: about a 50-minute bus ride from JR Yonago Station

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03 | Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple Nageiredo | The Most Dangerous National Treasure in Japan, Clinging to a Sheer Cliff

The "Nageiredo," tucked snugly into a cliffside rock cavern, is a mystical architectural beauty that overwhelms all who see it.

• Photogenic point: A vermilion hall that suddenly appears amid the lush green mountainside. The surreal feeling that makes everyone tilt their head and wonder "How did they build that?" is reflected directly in the photo.
• Best time and season: May to June, with the fresh greenery, is the peak of the contrast between green and vermilion. The front lighting in the morning beautifully highlights even the building's fine details.
• Shooting angle: Shooting from the observation deck across the way with a telephoto lens is the standard. Capturing the hall standing small within the vast mountains makes its strangeness stand out.
• Access: about a 40-minute bus ride from JR Kurayoshi Station

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04 | Ube Shrine | An Ancient Shrine Where a Great Figure Depicted on the Ten-Thousand-Yen Bill Resides

Ube Shrine, which enshrines the Minister of the Treasury Takenouchi no Sukune, is a power spot also famous for being depicted on the old ten-thousand-yen bill.

• Photogenic point: The charm lies in the dignified beauty exuded by the massive stone torii gate and the stone steps leading along the approach. Moss-covered stone steps and great cedar trees create a solemn atmosphere that seems to transcend time.
• Best time and season: The morning, when dappled sunlight streams through, is recommended. In the fresh-greenery season, the contrast of light and shadow is especially beautiful.
• Shooting angle: A composition looking up from the bottom of the stone steps makes the torii gate and giant trees fill the frame for an overwhelming shot.
• Access: about a 15-minute bus ride from JR Tottori Station

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05 | Shitori Shrine | A Hidden Sacred Site Where the Gods of Starry Skies and Matchmaking Reside

Shitori Shrine is an ancient matchmaking shrine that Tottori takes pride in. Precisely because it is not well known, you can aim for quiet spectacular scenery without crowds.

• Photogenic point: The tranquil grounds surrounded by mountains, and the shrine pavilion that is simple yet dignified, make a fine picture. At night, because there is little light pollution, you can also challenge yourself to starscape photos that capture the pavilion together with a sky full of stars.
• Best time and season: Summer nights are a chance to aim for a collaboration with the Milky Way. The golden time just after sunrise is also fantastical.
• Shooting angle: A composition that takes in a wide expanse of sky with a wide-angle lens and silhouettes the pavilion is fantastical and recommended.
• Access: about a 20-minute taxi ride from JR Kurayoshi Station

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The charm of Tottori's shrines and temples is that you can take "photos with a story" wherever you frame them. Please set out on a pilgrimage journey to search for your very own shot. 🌿

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