MENU

The Yahiko Shrine Complex is one of the cornerstones of Niigata’s history and a location I love to explore during a private or group Niigata Tour with a camera in hand. Temples and shrines in Japan can sometimes have founding dates that are thousands of years old. In the case of the Yahiko Shrine, it was referred to as ‘ancient’ even in a poem written during the Nara Period in Japan (710 - 794). If referred to as ancient even then, you know the shrine carries nearly unparalleled importance as a power spot and spiritual vortex for Niigata and all of Japan. Yahiko Shrine’s power spots are focused on energy related to love and good fortune. Still, I encourage you to investigate with me on a Niigata Photo Workshop to engage with the power spot on your own. The shrine is home to several ‘Important Cultural Properties of Japan’ such as armor and swords either donated by the samurai from the Minamoto clan or by Uesugi Kenshin himself. It’s also home to the Shida-no-Otachi, the longest Tachi/sword in Japan, at 2.2 meters.

Tha main shrine at the Yahiko Shinto Shrine complex. There are dozens of historical buildings in the complex including an open air theater.

The shrine skirts the northern edge of city limits and serves as a gateway to spirituality nestled away in the lush forests that surround the shrine. Above the shrine complex, there are dozens of hiking trails you can climb to Mt. Yahiko; along the way, you will find dozens of smaller shrines that are part of the Yahiko Shrine Complex.
When visiting Yahiko village, and once you enter the shrine’s grounds, you will already feel the energy emanating from this one-of-a-kind power spot. For the inexperienced traveler, the number of potential photo ops can be overwhelming with the natural beauty and abundance of Japanese architecture. Spots like the ‘Divine bridge,’ the Shinen Garden, and the Rokuen Garden are all important destinations, but visiting at the right times and going to the correct spots inside the gardens themselves is key. As a Niigata resident, I have scouted this location for years, and I know it like the back of my hand, so I can recommend locations and perspectives to help you immortalize the time you spend at Yahiko with gallery-worthy photographs.

If you choose to visit in November, you will be greeted by thousands of chrysanthemums. The event boasts more than 4,000 pots filled with the most beautiful, emblematic chrysanthemums cultivated from all over the prefecture. And several of the botanists choose to cultivate different styles of chrysanthemums, large-sized, cascade style, small-sized, and even bonsai-styled chrysanthemums. In one location, in particular, there is a themed showcase where approximately 30,000 chrysanthemums are assembled to create a landscape to communicate a message. I look forward to visiting each year to see the annual theme. And my clients on my annual autumn in Yahiko Niigata tour love this segment of the Niigata photography workshop.

Autumn flowers at the Yahiko Shrine Complex, where there are thousands of flowers on display during the autumns flower event and contest, which is held annually.

Students of Shintoism and possibly they will be shinto priests one day, they are performing at the Yahiko open air theater, and there are sacred dances and performances held often. I took this image whiled leading a Niigata tour.

A once in a lifetime performance, at the open air theater at Yahiko's Shrine complex. I took this image while leading a Niigata Private walking tour, and of course I included this stunning performance in the photo workshops.

Filming a Japanese tv drama. Yahiko shrine complex is often used for dramas, films and tv commercials and ads. I took this image on set filming a Japanese drama.

Yahiko is also home to breathtaking autumn leaves and brings people from all over Niigata and all over Japan, and even some international visitors, to witness the beautiful reds, golds, and oranges that arrive each year. Yahiko Shrine is nestled perfectly along the mountainside for a day balanced among capturing photos of the most brilliant autumn leaves. I have spent years visiting and re-visiting Mt. Yahiko leading Niigata tour Workshops and personal scouting. I have several locations that I recommend for capturing/feeling the power vortex and getting a few awe-inspiring photos. Autumn leaves, coupled with the historic Yahiko Shrine and the chrysanthemums in November, make Yahiko a destination that everyone should visit at least once. And let's not forget Yahiko's Ryokans have natural healing hot spring baths that you can enjoy after a long day on your feet exploring Yahiko with me.

Yahiko's Shrine complex dressed in full autumn colors. I took this image while on a movie set in Yahiko.

Private Hot Spring in the Yahiko region, with a spectacular view. The onsen in Yahiko are said to be some of the most soothing and healing across Japan.

Join Me on a Niigata Tour photo Adventure to Yahiko in Autumn or Any Time!
Previous Post Next Post

Archive

Go
CLOSE