Shrines, Temples, Castles

Shuzenji Temple (Izu)｜Air in the precincts conveyed by stone statues and flags

This photo was taken at Shuzenji (Izu) to show the stone statues and flags in the back of the temple, and one that conveys the atmosphere of the temple.

2026February 2026FebruaryShuzenji(Izu)imageShrines, Temples, CastlesVarious SceneryShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raiku Shrine｜Torii characters in the light

This photo was taken at the Raikyu Shrine at a striking moment when the light hit the word "nou" on the torii gate.

2026February 2026FebruaryKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, CastlesShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raiku Shrine｜Depth of a series of torii gates

This photo was taken at the Raikyu Shrine with a depth-conscious composition of the lined torii gates.

2026February 2026FebruaryKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, CastlesShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raingu Shrine｜Bamboo grove surrounded by tranquility

This photo was taken at the Raikyu Shrine to show the bamboo spreading through the shrine in a quiet atmosphere.

2026February 2026FebruaryKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, Castlesbamboo thicketVarious SceneryShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raiku Shrine｜The expression of the Shinto shrine area drawn by shadows

This photograph captures the scene created by the shadows of the bamboo branches reflected in the paper drip and torii at the Raikyu Shrine.

2026February 2026FebruaryKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, CastlesShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raiku Shrine｜The precincts of the shrine still retain signs of human presence

This photo was taken at the Raikyu Shrine with a daringly dark finish to show people inside the shrine.

2026February 2026FebruaryKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, CastlesShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Raiku Shrine｜Lights peeking through bamboo branches

This photo was taken at Raikyu Shrine from a slightly higher vantage point to show the lanterns visible through the gaps in the bamboo grass.

2026February 2026FebruaryLanternsKuromiya ShrineShrines, Temples, CastlesVarious SceneryShizuoka prefecture (Chuubu area)

Odawara Castle｜Castle and plum blossoms in a row

This photo was taken at Odawara Castle, combining plum blossoms and part of Odawara Castle.

2026February 2026FebruaryOdawara CastleChinese plumKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, Castlesblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)

Odawara Castle｜Castle reflected in the blue sky

This photo was taken at Odawara Castle with a clean composition of blue sky and Odawara Castle.

2026February 2026FebruaryOdawara CastleKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, Castles

Odawara Castle｜The keep seen through the garden

This photo was taken at Odawara Castle, with the plum tree and Odawara Castle Keep together from the backyard.

2026February 2026FebruaryOdawara CastleChinese plumKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, Castlesblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)

Nebuta decorating the entrance of Samukawa Shrine

This photo was taken at the Samukawa Shrine to document the Nebuta of the Year of Noon set up at the entrance.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, CastlesShrine and Ritual DecorationsVarious Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜Scenes of tied fortunes

This photo captures the atmosphere of worship at the Samukawa Shrine, where omikuji are being tied.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, CastlesShrine and Ritual DecorationsVarious Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜A scene of worship with votive ema (votive picture tablet)

This photo shows a line of votive ema (votive votive tablet) at the Samukawa Shrine.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, Castlesvotive picture (originally of horse)Various Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜Close-up of a white horse ema

This photo was taken at the Samukawa Shrine with a close-up of a white horse ema, symbolizing the year of the noon.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, Castlesvotive picture (originally of horse)Various Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜Look up at the powerful Nebuta composition

This photo was taken at the Samukawa Shrine, with a composition looking up at the Nebuta at the entrance from below to emphasize the power of the event.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, CastlesShrine and Ritual DecorationsVarious Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜Hakuba Nebuta emphasizes the three-dimensionality of the Nebuta

This photo was taken at the Samukawa Shrine, looking up from below at the white horse Nebuta of the Year of the Horse in the Year of Noon, with an eye to creating a three-dimensional effect.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, CastlesShrine and Ritual DecorationsVarious Scenery

Samukawa Shrine｜Look up at the powerful Nebuta

This photo was taken at the Samukawa Shrine and captures the powerful Nebuta from below looking up.

January2026January 2026Samukawa ShrineKanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)Shrines, Temples, CastlesShrine and Ritual DecorationsVarious Scenery

Kashima Shrine｜Roofs laden with snow

This photo was taken at Kashima Jingu Shrine, showing the previous day's snow on top of the building.

January2026January 2026Shrines, Temples, CastlesIbaraki prefecture (Kantou area)Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine｜The Tranquility of the Precincts

This photo was taken at Kashima Jingu Shrine to show the building and the snow.

January2026January 2026Shrines, Temples, CastlesIbaraki prefecture (Kantou area)Kashima Shrine

Kashima Shrine｜A Faint Glow

This photo was taken at the Kashima Jingu shrine, showing the building and a few lights.

January2026January 2026Shrines, Temples, CastlesIbaraki prefecture (Kantou area)Kashima Shrine