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

Yamaguchi Prefecture is dotted with shrines and temples so beautiful they take your breath away. The spectacular scenery woven by history and nature is perfect for coloring your Instagram feed. This time, we introduce 5 special spots where just visiting boosts both your luck and your photo appeal!

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1. Motonosumi Shrine (Nagato City)

A breathtaking photogenic spot where about 123 vermilion torii gates line up along a coastal cliff against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan. It is a powerhouse that was even selected by CNN as one of "Japan's 31 Most Beautiful Places."

Photogenic Point: The contrast between the tunnel of torii gates and the blue sea and sky is the strongest. A composition looking up at the row of torii from below is especially recommended.

Best Time and Season: Morning light illuminates the vermilion of the torii more vividly. Aim for a blue-sky day in spring to summer.

Access: About 30 minutes by bus or taxi from Nagato-shi Station

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2. Rurikoji Temple (Yamaguchi City)

A celebrated temple representing Yamaguchi, where the national-treasure five-story pagoda blends with the nature of the four seasons. Its fantastical figure during nighttime illumination, in particular, looks just like a painting.

Photogenic Point: The "upside-down five-story pagoda" reflected on the surface of the pond is the pinnacle of the photogenic. A windless morning, when the water surface is still, is your chance.

Best Time and Season: Early morning or during the nighttime illumination. The autumn foliage season is especially fantastical in atmosphere.

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Yamaguchi Station, within walking distance

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3. Sumiyoshi Shrine (Shimonoseki City)

A prestigious shrine considered one of the "Three Great Sumiyoshi" among the roughly 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide. The deep-green approach and the historic shrine buildings create a solemn and beautiful space.

Photogenic Point: Shooting the approach, which has become a tunnel of deep green, in a vertical frame creates depth and boosts the photogenic level.

Best Time and Season: Mornings when the sunlight filters beautifully through the trees. May to June, with its fresh greenery, is recommended.

Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Shimonoseki Station

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4. Hofu Tenmangu (Hofu City)

A shrine of distinguished origin said to be the earliest established of all Tenmangu shrines nationwide. It is also famous as a plum-blossom spot, and in spring white and pink plum blossoms color the precincts.

Photogenic Point: Capturing the cobblestone approach and the vermilion two-story gate from the front lets depth and dignity spread across the whole frame. During plum season the entire precinct is dyed pink.

Best Time and Season: During the plum festival period in February to March. Do not miss the moment when the evening slanting light makes the shrine buildings glow golden.

Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Hofu Station

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5. Ryuzoji Temple (Yamaguchi City)

An ancient temple standing quietly in the mountains of Yamaguchi City. The solemn approach created by rows of cedar trees several hundred years old is filled with a mysterious air, as if time has stopped.

Photogenic Point: A low-angle shot looking up at the giant grove of cedars produces overwhelming impact. On misty early mornings you can aim for a fantastical shot.

Best Time and Season: Early autumn mornings, the period when mist and autumn foliage overlap, is the best photo opportunity.

Access: About 20 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Station

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Yamaguchi Prefecture's power spots are all luxurious places where you can receive both "photogenic appeal" and "power" at the same time. Be sure to bring your camera and head out to find your very own one-of-a-kind shot!

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