Nagusa Itsukushima Shrine, Tochigi, Japan: Gold Minerals Flowing from the Stream. { Photography }

Sunday is the perfect day for a hike and some photography especially in these Covid times. Today I went to Nagusa Itsukushima Shrine in Tochigi prefecture. It was the perfect way to calm the mind after running errands and having some Lamb Biriyani for lunch. The interesting thing about this place is that gold coloured minerals flow naturally from the stream. You should have seen me trying to grab some. 😂

At the foot of the hiking trail there is a fishing/BBq place where you can do some controlled fishing and have them BBQ it for you on the spot.This spot also has a mini zoo as well that kids would enjoy; beetles, turtles, cray fish, small fish and more. I guess I will bring the kids here soon. There are many Japanese summertime foods on sale as well like yakisoba, shaved ice and beer.😁

This is mainly a photography post so I there will be short description under each pic. Yeah, who likes to read right?

_{Like most shrines a gate called a Torii is at the entrance to Nagusa. It lets you know you are entering sacred ground.}

_{Tall trees went as far as the eye could see with sounds of summer creatures giving the perfect abience of... the woods. .}

_{This is where shi got real and the uphill battle began, The humidity had sweat pouring.}

_{A second gate. Not sure what they call this one but it is there to let you know that the shrine is ahead, even more sacred ground.}

_{As I passed the gate, to the left there was a Buddha statue playing a guitar/shamisen looking thing. Seeing it really made me feel at peace. I think I am part Buddhist 😌.}

_{This is the gold looking mineral I was talking about. I am not sure of the name. I grabbed some with my hand it basically looked like glitter that kids use.... some grown women too.}

_{I think this is the best pic of the day, the moss, the rocks, the red bridge and of course, the shrine center stage.}

_{Across the bridge to the right there is a path leading further into the woods. I went up there but decided not to go too far as night would fall soon. I have gotten lost on hikes before, not fun.}

_{After throwing 100 yen in the offering crate and using the rope to ring the bell, I said a little prayer to the creator and was on my way. But before I left, one more snap.}

Thanks for taking the time to view this post. Hope you liked the photography. I am not a professional but do it for the fun. Oh, by the way, If you are into Reggae, do check out the ReggaeJahm Community 😁

_{Camera: Canon M50 AKA KissM
Lens:18-150mm
Editing:Light Room on iOS}