2025 Definitive Edition: 6 Wind-bell Spots in Kanto, a Spectacular View of Coolness Swaying in the Wind
🎐 Chasing the summer sounds swaying in the breeze.
The moment the wind gently blew, a transparent sound rang out: *🎐*Chirring...*
that A moment of coolness Drawn to it, this year I tooWandering around wind chimes with a camera in handis doing.
The charm of wind chimes isn't just their cool appearance.
✨Glass sparkling in the lightShadows swaying beneath the eaves, figures fading into the hazy summer sky—
A single photograph may not capture sound,Wind chimes reflect the presence of sound.📸
This time, I'd like to introduce some photos I actually took myself.Top 5 Wind Chime Spots in the Kanto RegionThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
EverywhereA place that looks cool and is fun to photographonly.
I hope the gentle breeze I felt there and the cool sounds echoing through the air come through in these photos, even just a little bit. 😊
🎐Approximate timing for wind chime events
Mid-July to mid-August is the peak season for wind chime displays!
To create a cool atmosphere, we focus on the period "after the rainy season ends to around the Obon holiday."
For locations with nighttime illumination, visiting from dusk to night is also recommended📷✨
📷 5 Tips for Photographing Wind Chimes
① Wait for the wind! Natural sway is the soul of this dance🎐
Wind chimes, as their name suggests, are subjects that truly come alive only when the wind blows. By capturing that moment when the wind stirs them, freezing that “vibration that seems ready to make a sound,” you can bring the “feel of the wind” to life in your photograph. Using a shutter speed of 1/500 second or faster can freeze the movement completely, while conversely, using 1/60 second or slower creates a blurred motion that conveys the swaying motion and adds atmosphere.
② Make backlighting and translucency work for you 🌞
Glass and acrylic wind chimes come alive when photographed against backlight or oblique light. Aim for compositions that let light pass through, keeping the sun's position in mind. Set your aperture to around F5.6 to F11 for delicate, detailed rendering.
③ Background processing is super important🪄
A cluttered background can drown out the delicate beauty of wind chimes. Using a solid-colored wall, blue sky, or green bokeh as a backdrop makes the subject stand out. Blurring the background with a telephoto lens like the EF70-200mm F2.8L effectively makes the wind chimes pop.
④ Create a “suspended effect” with vertical composition📐
Wind chimes are tall subjects, so a vertical composition looks more appealing and better conveys the feeling of them being suspended. Including vertical lines like trees or pillars in the background creates rhythm and unity throughout the image.
⑤ A piece that makes you feel like you can almost hear the “sound”🎶
Aim for a shot where the focus aligns with the edge of the paper strip or wind chime, creating an image that makes viewers feel like they can almost hear the sound. You can go for a close-up of a single wind chime, or capture a row of them from a distance to express the “flow of sound”—both are interesting approaches. If you can convey a sense of narrative within a single frame, your wind chime photography might already be pro-level.
💠 Recommended Wind Chime Spots (Kanto Region)
There are several wind chime spots in the Kanto region that announce the arrival of summer with their sound.
Traveling with a camera in hand, the charm of wind chimes lies in encountering different kinds of “coolness” and “sound” at each location. Here, we introduce such uniquely charming wind chime spots.
First to catch your eye is the one located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.Kawasaki Daishi Wind Chime FestivalThe sight of over 30,000 wind chimes—representing approximately 900 varieties gathered from all 47 prefectures—lined up within the temple grounds is truly a “sound exposition.” As wind chimes of diverse materials and shapes ring out in unison, visitors are overwhelmed by the sheer scale yet find themselves drawn to listen intently to each individual tone.
Adachi Ward, TokyoNishi-Arai DaishiHandmade wind chimes line the grounds, imbued with the charm of old downtown Tokyo. Amidst the soft interplay of light and shade, the cool, overlapping sounds create a nostalgic and gentle moment. This is the perfect spot for those seeking quiet solace over bustling crowds, where you can capture that one special shot.
An oasis in the city center,Ueno, Shinobazu PondSometimes you can witness the harmonious pairing of lotus flowers and wind chimes. Against the backdrop of lotus blooms flourishing in the pond, the sight of wind chimes gently swaying in the morning's stillness truly embodies “urban cool.” The exquisite balance between nature and artistry lends a serene rhythm to the photograph.
Kiryu City, Gunma PrefectureHoutokuji TempleThis temple is known for its vibrant greenery and autumn foliage, particularly the “floor maple” display. In summer, the Wind Chime Festival is held, featuring a colorful array of wind chimes lining the approach and adorning the main hall. The sound resonating through the clear air and the unique tranquility of a Zen temple somehow brings a sense of mental clarity. It's a place that leaves an impression not only in photographs but also in the memory of the heart.
Kawagoe City, Saitama PrefectureKawagoe Hikawa ShrineThis spot is especially popular for summer wind chimes. The wind chime corridor, known as the “Matchmaking Wind Chimes,” sparkles brilliantly in daylight as the clear glass catches the light, and transforms into a fantastical space at night with its illumination. With visitors in yukata, wind chimes, and the summer night breeze—all coming together, this place is truly a treasure trove of picturesque scenes.
Meanwhile, in Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City,Kiuizu ShrineThis is a quiet wind chime spot that remains relatively unknown. While its charm is understated, the gentle sound of wind chimes softly blends into this space cherished by locals. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle, this place allows you to relax and surrender to the breeze and sound—truly a hidden gem. For those seeking tranquil photos, it offers a place to spend a pleasant, peaceful time.
As I travel around various places, I find that even a single subject like wind chimes,Completely different expressions depending on the locationI am made aware that there is.
This season when sound takes center stage, why not head toward the sound of wind chimes?
Your lens will surely capture the gentle echoes of summer.
