While scouting for the annual JDS Essence of Autumn Japan photo tour workshop, our workshop leaders explore areas near the 100 year old kominka that doubles as the Niigata field office, which is a traditional Japanese home, to photograph autumn leaves.  One of the areas that they visit is the Yahiko region and its ancient shrine, especially during autumn.  Some of our friends and colleagues ask why our Japan photography workshop leaders return to places that they’ve already seen dozens upon dozens of times, and the reply is that they’ll visit those same places at least a dozen more times because they approach all of their photographic endeavors with the beginner’s mindset.  A camera, for our workshop leaders, is simply an extension of their visual art perspective at that moment.  While researching Japanese history and culture, our main photo workshop leader came upon D.T. Suzuki’s teachings and the beginner’s mindset; his philosophy regenerated his perspective back to the moment when he first picked up a camera.  He then understood he had been living his teachings since his youth.  This practice rewards him sharpening his senses and constantly reminds him of the beginner’s mindset as each day brings one more learning opportunity.

Returning to the siren that is Yahiko Shrine, from the moment you pass through the torii, or outer temple grounds gate, a sense of calm washes over you.  Torii are usually placed at the entrance of Shinto shrines, and Yahiko is no exception.  Yahiko’s enormous fire red gate serves as the separation point from the everyday world and the spiritual, a marker for entering a power spot vortex.  Another of Yahiko Shrine’s appeals is the extended path leading to the shrine’s main hall.  In any season, the path is an extravaganza of photo worthy locations for you to enjoy.  And that is just the shrine.  Mt. Yahiko itself is also considered a sacred location, making it a local power spot and attraction for visitors from across Japan and internationally as well to visit and take photographs every autumn.  Standing 634 meters tall, it is precisely the same height as the Tokyo Skytree, but in our workshop leaders' opinions, the photographs taken while adventuring in Yahiko are much more gratifying.  Nature abounds in the area, and the spirituality that emanates from the shrine and the mountain make the location a must see for anyone in the Niigata area.  There is a ropeway to take, but our Japan photo workshop leaders enjoy hiking the mountainside as part of a mini-pilgrimage while photographing some of the most breathtaking Japanese maples in red, gold, and orange.