Niigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine | Lotus in the Foreground and a Flying Bee

2026July 2026JulyNiigata PrefectureNiigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrineblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)lotus
A photo taken at Hakusan Shrine, the principal shrine of Niigata, showing lotus flowers in the foreground and a bee flying over the lotus flowers in the background

This photo was taken at Hakusan Shrine, the principal shrine of Niigata, where I used the lotus flowers in the foreground to create a bokeh effect, capturing the lotus flowers in the background and a bee flying above them. With the depth of field and the movement of the tiny bee, this image conveys the vibrant summer scene of the lotus pond.

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 solids1/1250s
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