Niigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine | Hydrangeas and Wind Chimes in a Play of Light and Shadow

2026July 2026JulyNiigata PrefectureNiigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrinehydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)Various Sceneryblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)wind chime
Wind chimes photographed at Niigata’s principal shrine, Hakusan Shrine, with a focus on the light and shadows of blue hydrangeas

This photo was taken at Hakusan Shrine, the principal shrine of Niigata, where I captured a wind chime while paying close attention to the interplay of light and shadow on the blue hydrangeas. The soft hues of the hydrangeas blend with the transparency of the wind chime, conveying the cool, refreshing atmosphere typical of a shrine in summer.

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 solids1/323s
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)

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