Niigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine | Blue Hydrangeas Bathed in Light and Shadow

2026July 2026JulyNiigata PrefectureNiigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrinehydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)blooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)
A photograph taken at Hakusan Shrine, the principal shrine of Niigata, capturing the play of light and shadow on pale blue hydrangeas

This photo was taken at Hakusan Shrine, the principal shrine of Niigata, and captures the interplay of light and shadow on pale blue hydrangeas. The light streaming onto the pale blue hydrangeas is beautiful, and this image conveys both the three-dimensional quality of the flowers and the serene atmosphere of the shrine.

Date & TimeJuly 4, 2026
photographerwithout batting an eyelid
LocationNiigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine
Address1-1 Ichibanbori-dori-cho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Photography EquipmentCanon EOS R
lensCanon EF70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM
F value2.8
suspended solids1/640s
ISO200
Shooting route on the same dayNiigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine →directional marker or indicatorYorii Beach (Niigata) →directional marker or indicatorWithin Niigata Prefecture →directional marker or indicatorFukushima Lake →directional marker or indicatorNiigata Prefectural Botanical Garden →directional marker or indicatorEchigo Hills National Park →directional marker or indicatorHydrangea Park (Tokamachi City)

■Featured pages for the current season

11 lotus flowers in Kanto
24 Hydrangeas in Kanto
7 irises in Kanto