On the last day of my trip, I visited Niigata’s guardian shrine, Hakusan Shrine. As soon as I stepped inside, I was drawn to the colorful flower water basin.
After praying at the main hall, I was blown away by all the unique omamori charms and goshuin—so many to look at.
Hakusan Shrine is known for blessings like business success, good relationships, and safe childbirth. I walked past the matchmaking wall covered in ema plaques and made my way to a sacred stone called the “Hakusan Kukuri Stone.”
They say if you touch it, you can receive Hakusan’s energy. The moment I did, a gust of wind suddenly blew through, and the pinwheels on both sides started spinning. It felt like I connected with nature for a second—and it was such a magical way to end the trip.
Niigata Soshinju Hakusan Shrine | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Chidorigafuchi Moat)
A 700-meter promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by nature so rich that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of Tokyo, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Chidorigafuchi Green Way is one of Tokyo’s classic cherry blossom spots. When the sakura are in full bloom on both sides, walking along the moat feels like watching cherry blossoms cascade down like a waterfall. During the day, the sight of small boats gently drifting on the water is incredibly relaxing.
However, once night falls and the cherry blossoms are lit up, that peaceful feeling seems to belong only to the people out on the water. On the shore, the real photography battle is just getting started. The nighttime sakura were beautiful, but the competition for photo spots along the bank was so intense that after quickly pressing the shutter a few times, I decided to leave the battlefield early and head home! -
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Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail
The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.
I stayed overnight in Arashiyama and happened to catch the nighttime illumination event, so I walked into the bamboo grove after dark.
The bamboo path, which is usually packed with people, was much quieter at night. Lights illuminated the bamboo along the way. When the wind blew through the grove, the bamboo kept creaking as the stalks bumped into each other. Together with the sound of light rain hitting my umbrella, it felt like a symphony of nature.
There were fewer people, but the overall atmosphere was mysterious. It’s a nighttime walk that takes a little courage. -
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Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown is a complex “city” featuring 6 buildings and wide spaces of greenery. This complex encompasses a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, green spaces, a hotel and a museum.
Among Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots, which one best captures the city’s urban atmosphere? I’d say it’s definitely Tokyo Midtown.
The cherry blossoms bloom right in the heart of the city, surrounded by tall buildings. During the day, they have a refined and charming beauty, and walking through the area feels stylish and elegant. But once night falls, the lights illuminate the cherry blossom avenue, reflecting beautifully with the lights from the buildings and instantly turning the scene into a dazzling cityscape.
I stayed from daytime until night and got to see the cherry blossoms in completely different moods. Every minute was worth it. -
