There are countless shrines in Japan. Of the popular shrine routes, my two favorites are the Oku no Hosomichi and the Kumano Kodo, which are also two must-visit trails for anyone hiking in Japan. Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which I’m reviewing this time, is a shrine located along the Kumano Kodo. Everyone knows that most shrines in Japan are in remote places, such as in lakes, by the sea, or in secluded forests, and Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is located in just such a remote forest. As you walk in, you can really feel that otherworldly atmosphere, especially in fall and winter. Japan is also in the higher latitudes of Northeast Asia, so it often snows, and the shrine’s winter snowscapes seen on TV look even more dreamlike as they come into view. On cloudy or rainy days, this hidden place in the forest feels even more eerie under the forest canopy. Since Japan is at a high latitude, the trees in the forest look especially tall. At the shrine’s torii gates in the forest, you can also hear the birds calling all at once and in quick succession. On sunny days, 2; when the sunlight falls on the shrine in the forest, it especially feels as if a miracle is taking place. As I walked along the weathered approach with its hundreds of steps, perhaps because it is located in this secluded forest, my mind became peaceful and I felt a sense of emotional release. Step by step, the shrine drew closer before my eyes. After stopping here for a while and lingering around the shrine for a long time, the sunlit shrine was nearing sunset. At that moment, I was reminded that it was time to quicken my pace and leave this tranquil place, returning to the city filled with modern light pollution.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine | Review by 5765 nyu
Other Reviews by 5765 nyu
-
Ichirino Onsen Ski Resort
Ishikawa Prefecture's largest ski resort is located at the foot of sacred Mt. Hakusan, near the Ishikawa entrance to the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road. Its courses accommodate all skill levels, from three steep, ungroomed runs for advanced skiers and several intermediate runs, including the Nodaira slope, to slopes for beginners. The popular kids' park features a variety of fun play equipment and activities such as sledding. Night skiing is also available, allowing families to spend a full day on the slopes from morning to evening.
The fourth stop was Hakusan Ichirino Onsen Ski Resort. After the last ski resort in Fukui Prefecture, I rushed over to Hakusan Ichirino Onsen Ski Resort in Ishikawa Prefecture. When you think of Ishikawa Prefecture, surely you don’t only think of the earthquake, right? There’s actually a ski resort here too, and you can also enjoy the hot springs and stay overnight. By the time I rushed here, it was already dark, so I went straight to the lodging I had booked and stayed the night, soaked in the hot springs, had a good meal, and spent the night there. The next morning, I went to check out what was special about the ski resort here...
-
-
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort is located on the slopes of Mt. Myoko in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. Just a 10-minute drive from the nearest station, Myokokogen Station, the resort attracts many skiers each year. About 80% of its 16 courses are designed for beginner and intermediate skiers, making it an accessible choice for first-timers.
Third stop on my ski resort tour: Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, located in Fukui Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region. Honestly, I'm not very familiar with the prefectures in the Hokuriku region. And the purpose of coming here for the third stop wasn't to ski, but to stand high above the ski resort to admire the sea of clouds, gaze at Mt. Fuji faintly visible in the distance, and see the lush sunset. I also wanted to see how they groom the ski slopes. This is a unique sight that's hard to see in Taiwan, but even northeastern China doesn't have scenery like this. What ski resorts? Then why do Japan and South Korea, also in Asia, both have a skiing culture?
-
-
Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
With 26 courses and 34 lifts, this is the largest snow resort in Japan. The big slope is made up of 6 areas with an array of courses for beginners and the advanced. The quality of snow is so good that skiers and snowboarders flock here seeking for the fluffy powder snow.
The second stop on our ski trip was Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort. By the time we arrived, it was already afternoon. Our plan was to ski for the rest of the afternoon, stay overnight, and ski for another half day the next morning. While we were skiing that afternoon, the setting sun appeared, casting its brilliant glow across the ski resort. It was truly a very different kind of scenery.
-
