3 Scenic Spots in Okayama Prefecture, Featuring the Seto Naikai and Torii Gates

Okayama Prefecture Official Tourism Site

The spots we will introduce this time are relatively easy to access from famous tourist destinations, so be sure to stop by when you visit Okayama.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Anaishi Shrine (Setouchi City): A tranquil seaside shrine with a hidden feel
• 2. Anaba Inari Shrine (Kurashiki City): A spectacular view of the Seto and a group of red torii gates
• 3. Tatsuchi no Uranimasu Shrine (Kurashiki City): A historic shrine that has also been featured in anime
• summary

1. Anaishi Shrine (Setouchi City): A tranquil seaside shrine with a hidden feel

The first place we'll introduce is Anaishi Shrine in Setouchi City. This shrine is located on a quiet coastline in the southeastern part of the city, and is rarely visited by ordinary tourists, making it a truly "hidden" spot. In a small cove visible through the trees, an old torii gate, exuding a sense of history, stands quietly.

The road to the shrine is very narrow, so we recommend traveling by compact car (kei car in Japan), motorcycle, or electric bicycle. You will need to walk down to the beach at the end. Be careful not to miss the small footpath beside the road.

After descending the zigzag slope, you will arrive at a beautiful beach. This beach is the approach to the shrine, and the pristine coastline is so quiet and refreshing that it will soothe your soul.

The plants create a tropical atmosphere, reminiscent of the coasts of Okinawa and other Nansei Islands. The colorful stones that have washed up on the beach also create a very mystical impression.

The reason there are so many driftwood here is probably because it is a place where things tend to wash up easily. Since ancient times in Japan, there has been a belief that unusual driftwood from the sea is worshipped as a god, so shrines and temples are often built on coasts like this.

The view of the Harima Nada(part of the Seto Naikai) from this beach is both picturesque and majestic. The Ieshima Islands floating faintly offshore look fantastical, like a mirage.

It takes a little time to get there, but it's not too far from Ushimado(a famous tourist spot in Okayama), so we recommend combining your visit with sightseeing in Ushimado.

2. Anaba Inari Shrine (Kurashiki City): A spectacular view of the Seto and a group of red torii gates

Next on our list is a shrine called "Anaba Inari." You can enjoy the mystical sight of a row of red torii gates and a spectacular view of the Seto Naikai . Located in Shimotsui , Kurashiki City , it's easily accessible from the Mt. Washuzan Skyline, so be sure to stop by when sightseeing at the Seto.

The approach to the shrine is quite a steep climb. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sneakers, or at least hiking gear. The steep slope is like a cliff, so it may be a bit difficult for those with a fear of heights.

The three torii gates each face in a different direction, giving you the mysterious feeling of being lost in another world.

Most observation spots for the Seto allow you to look up at the bridge from below or down from above, but this is a rare spot where you can see the cars and trains traveling on the bridge from the same height.

It takes a relatively short time to reach the worship hall (the building where you pray), but there is a long and steep climb to the inner sanctuary (the Oku part of the shrine).However, once you have climbed hard and are looking back, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.

The plaza and parking lot you can see below is Tadotsuura Park, a spectacular spot where you can look up at the gigantic Seto from directly below.

At the top of the climb, you will find the inner shrine of "Anaba Inari," where you will find an adorable Inari (fox god) enshrined within a rock formation that appears to be an iwakura (a huge rock where a god is said to reside).

3. Tatsuchi no Uranimasu Shrine (Kurashiki City): A historic shrine that has also been featured in anime

Just hearing this beautiful name makes you want to visit the shrine to see what it's like.

It is located in Shimotsui , Kurashiki City , on the opposite side of the Seto from Anaba Inari. From here, you can also see the beautiful islands of the Seto Naikai(a beautiful landscape created by the many islands) and the impressive Seto.

In the animated film "Napping Princess: The Story of the Unknown Me," released in 2017, the main characters are set to live in Shimotsui, and the surrounding scenery appears many times throughout the film. The film is set in 2020 and focuses on autonomous driving, with content that seems to foreshadow current technological developments. It is available to watch on video streaming sites, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

Beyond the torii gate, the quaint scenery of an old Port town spreads out before you. In the movie, the main character runs down these stairs to the bus stop and weaves his way through the narrow alleys between houses, which is vividly depicted. Mitsuki Takahata, who voices the main character, speaks in the charming Okayama dialect, which makes the Okayama worth watching just for that.

summary

Whenever I come across a scene of the sea and torii gates while traveling, I can't help but stop and stare in awe. It's not just a beautiful sight, but it also moves me to think of the history of the people of that area who have continued to cherish and protect nature and traditions for a long time.

Finally, as a special feature, we will introduce Takashima Shrine in Minami Minami Ward , Okayama City . The shrine is located on Takashima , the most likely site for Kibi Takashima Palace, where Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, is said to have lived for eight years, and is located on an isolated island in Kojima . As there are no regular ferries and the shrine faces out to sea, the only way to visit is to charter a boat yourself or to worship from the worship site (a place where you can worship the shrine from afar) on the opposite shore.

However, there is one special way to get there: by taking the ferry bound for Shodoshima , which departs from Okayama Port. From the ferry, you can see the torii gate and shrine building directly in front of you, making for a truly mystical worship experience from the sea. If you're visiting Shodoshima from Okayama Port, be sure not to miss Takashima Shrine.

Visit these hidden shrines and experience the beauty of the Seto Naikai and Japan's ancient religious culture for yourself. It's sure to become an unforgettable memory of your trip.