The autumn scenery with red maple leaves makes you want to capture it in a photograph.
There are many beautiful spots for autumn leaves in Kasaoka City, and at the scenic spot "Ojin-yama" in Kasaoka City, there are places where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage while climbing the paths.
This is the Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, which connects the ties of "people, things, and events."
In late October, the maple trees along the approach to Shirakumo Taisha Shrine began to change color, signaling the arrival of autumn.
Since 2018, Shirakumo Taisha Shrine has been holding the Maple Festival to allow visitors to enjoy the autumn leaves.
In 2022, the Maple Festival transformed into "Maple Pilgrimage", featuring a market called Musubiyori, a jazz concert, traditional Japanese drumming, and the Kasaoka City event.
This article introduces how to explore Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, the autumn foliage spots for Maple Pilgrimage, and the events.
Additionally, we have picked up beautiful photos of the autumn leaves!
The information provided is based on the article published in November 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Maple Festival at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, where you can enjoy the changing seasons?
Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, located in Ojin-yama, has been enshrined since 1945 and is known for its power in "marriage ties" and "healing of injuries and illnesses". It has many believers not only from the local area but also from all over Japan.
Due to its location in Ojin-yama, it is reputed to allow visitors to feel the changes of the seasons through the trees and flowers in the shrine grounds and along the approach.
In spring, you can savor the gradual transition of seasons from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms, then to azaleas and wisteria.
In summer, you can feel the vigorous life from the fresh green of the trees, and in autumn, you can enjoy the rich and elegant autumn foliage unique to Japan. It is truly a place to experience and enjoy harmony throughout the year, known as "Izumo-san of Kasaoka," Shirakumo Taisha Shrine.
Along the approach to Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, there are many maple trees, making it a hidden spot for capturing the beautiful red foliage from late October to early December.
During the 2019 Maple Festival, events such as kimono dressing experiences, photo model experiences, tea ceremonies, and kiriko (traditional paper cutting) workshops were held.
In 2020, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, unfortunately, the events were canceled, but the Maple Festival itself was still held to allow people to enjoy the changing leaves.
The highlights of the 2020 Maple Festival included a limited-time goshuin (temple seal) featuring maple leaves and the illumination of the autumn leaves on November 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23!
The 2021 Maple Festival featured events such as a "movie music concert," "Bitchu Kagura," and "candles of prayer."
In 2022, it became "Maple Pilgrimage," and on November 3 (Thursday), it will be lively with the Musubiyori market, a jazz concert, traditional Japanese drumming, and the Kasaoka City event at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine.
There will also be the annual illumination of the autumn leaves!
The illumination after sunset is sure to create a magical landscape.
"We invite you to come to the creatively arranged Maple Pilgrimage," the staff at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine said.
Visit the main hall before enjoying the Maple Festival at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine
Before climbing the beautiful approach lined with autumn leaves, let's first pay our respects at the main hall.
Here’s how to proceed to the main hall.
Climb the stone steps to the main hall
There are a total of six parking lots at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine, and the first parking lot you reach is the starting point.
We will introduce how to proceed from this parking lot.
▼As soon as you exit the parking lot, go up the slope to your right.
▼Go up the stone steps to the left of the resting area "Nagomi" and head towards the main hall.
Then, after passing through the torii gate, you will arrive at the shrine grounds where the main hall is located.
About the new worship method
To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the worship method has changed in some ways from the traditional approach.
Please check the posted guide for worship and other precautions.
I asked the chief priest about how to worship at the main hall.
He said to follow this order for worship:
Purify yourself at the temizuya
↓
Offer a prayer at the Harae Shrine
↓
Worship at the main hall
After following this, let’s enjoy the autumn leaves.
According to the chief priest, there are few shrines with a Harae Shrine.
He mentioned that more people have been coming to worship from Izumo Taisha Shrine, which has a Harae Shrine.
How to explore Shirakumo Taisha Shrine while enjoying the autumn leaves and scenery
Now, let’s introduce how to fully enjoy the autumn leaves at Shirakumo Taisha Shrine!
Please note that the photos included in the exploration guide were taken on October 30, 2020, so the maple leaves have not yet changed color.
The best viewing time is from mid to late November.
▼There is a guide map for autumn foliage spots at the shrine office to the left of the main hall. Please go to the shrine office and ask for the guide map.
Miho Ebisu Shrine is the first autumn foliage spot
It is recommended to start from "Miho Ebisu Shrine," which is located to the right of the main hall.
You will pass behind the main hall.
As you proceed through the narrow passage, Miho Ebisu Shrine will appear ahead.
▼To the left of Miho Ebisu Shrine, there is a pond where koi swim gracefully.
When the maple leaves above Senshin Pond turn red, they will reflect on the water's surface, making for a photogenic scene!
Pass through the torii gate of Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi) and head to Shinkai Shinkon Shrine
To reach the Okumi of Hinomisaki Shrine, you will need to pass through the torii gate at the entrance of Okumi and ascend the approach.
The Reiwa ema was created by Yoshiyuki Manki, a flower art director, to coincide with the Ojin-yama Daikoku Festival in 2019.
Manki is a flower designer based in Kasaoka City, who has worked on the medalist bouquets given to athletes at figure skating competitions and is active both domestically and internationally.
▼There are maple trees along the approach, making it a photogenic spot.
▼If you go right, you will find Shingyo Kamokushi Shrine, and if you go left, you will find Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi).
Heading towards Shingyo Kamokushi Shrine, I will proceed along the right approach.
▼As you pass through the torii gate, there are maple trees lining the approach, which should make for great shots.
▼The moss-covered approach has a nice atmosphere, doesn't it?
▼Arrived at Shingyo Kamokushi Shrine!
You can enjoy the autumn leaves along the approach to Shingyo Kamokushi Shrine.
Now that we are here, let's also visit Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi).
From Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi) to Tsukimiya
Just a little further to Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi). Let's also check out Tsukimiya while we're at it.
▼What an atmospheric approach.
▼Along the way, there is the Amamizutori (heavenly water torii).
▼Continuing straight, you will see Hinomisaki Shrine (Okumi).
▼The final point, Tsukimiya.
▼Arrived at Tsukimiya.
▼To the right of Tsukimiya, there is the Phantom Waterfall.
If you happen to encounter a waterfall with flowing water, you might be lucky!
It takes quite a while to reach Tsukimiya by climbing the approach.
However, as you climb while taking photos of the autumn leaves, it doesn't feel like it takes too long, so I recommend the course up to Tsukimiya!
Enjoying the autumn leaves on the way down
You can also take photos of the maple leaves from different angles.
▼Enjoy the scenery from various angles.
▼As you descend while enjoying the autumn leaves, you will reach a spot where you can overlook Kasaoka.
▼A refreshing view from the torii gate of Shirakumo Shrine.
This is a spot I hope you visit even outside of the autumn leaves season when you want to take a breather.
A Moment of Peace at Nagomi
If you get tired from walking the approach, it's nice to take a break in the rest area Nagomi located in this community center.
The rest area Nagomi is open to everyone.
The hours of operation are from 10 AM to 4 PM.
At certain times, it may operate on a self-service basis.
Events at Shirakumo Shrine and Autumn Leaf Shots
Here, I will introduce the events during the autumn leaf festivals of 2020 and 2021, as well as the autumn leaf pilgrimage period in 2022!
2022 Autumn Leaf Pilgrimage
This is the event during the autumn leaf festival period in 2022.
▼On November 3, 2022, from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Musubiyori market was held.
▼On November 3, 2022, from 5 PM to 6 PM, a dedication jazz concert was held featuring former Takarazuka star Hibiki, organist Izumi Suzuki, and saxophonist Koichi Yokoyama.
On November 20 (Sunday), there will be Kasaoka City Market, and on November 23 (Wednesday), a dedicatory wadaiko performance by the students of Okayama Ryukoku High School will take place.
2021 Autumn Leaf Festival
This is the event and autumn leaves during the autumn leaf festival period in 2021.
▼On November 13, 2021, from 5:30 PM, a film music concert featuring Hibiki and Izumi Suzuki was held.
▼Autumn leaves in 2021.
▼The scene of the "Candles of Prayer" event held with the cooperation of the Kasaoka Monzen Street Revitalization Association.
▼ The offering of "Bichu Kagura".
The 2021 Momiji Festival has returned as an event.
With thorough COVID-19 measures in place, many people enjoyed the event.
2020 Momiji Festival
This is the appearance of the autumn leaves during the Momiji Festival period in 2020.
▼ The autumn leaves at Ebisu Shrine.
▼ The autumn leaves along the approach. They are beautifully colored.
The autumn leaves at Shirakumo Taisha are at their most beautiful from mid to late November.
A unique autumn landscape of Japan.
As you slowly ascend the approach, looking at the yellow and red leaves, you feel your heart calm and heal.
Illuminated Autumn Leaves are a Must-See
On November 13 and 14, 2021, and on the weekends and holidays from November 20 to 23, the autumn leaves will be illuminated.
The illumination starts at 6 PM. It can be viewed until 8 PM.
Entry is until 7:30 PM, so let's make sure to visit Shirakumo Taisha with plenty of time!
▼ Illuminated autumn leaves from 2021.
In the new lifestyle, the chief priest of Shirakumo Taisha, Hori Taiten, wants many people to enjoy the autumn leaves, so he was asked about the background of holding the Momiji Festival, highlights, and other events.
2022 Data for Momiji Visit at Hakuun Shrine
| Name | 2022 Momiji Visit at Hakuun Shrine |
|---|---|
| Date Held | 【Period】 From November 3, 2022 (Thursday) to November 30, 2022 (Wednesday) From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 【Light Up】 On November 12, 2022 (Saturday), November 13, 2022 (Sunday), November 19, 2022 (Saturday), November 20, 2022 (Sunday), and November 23, 2022 (Wednesday) From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Entry until 7:30 PM) 【Goshuin】 Limited-time goshuin is 500 yen *Goshuin is available in two types: "handwritten" and "pre-printed" |
| Location | 968-4 Kasaoka, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Admission fee Free |
| Homepage | Hakuun Shrine |
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