Tranquil sunset at Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Japan, with iconic torii gate.
Tranquil sunset view of Oarai Isosaki Shrine with iconic torii gate in Japan.

Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway

Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.

January 1st, 4.30am. After a two-hour drive from Tokyo, we finally arrive at Oarai. Hundreds of people here, car parks full and combini (convenience) stores besieged. But we’re happy to be here. Conditions seem to promise a crazy hatsuhinode (first sunrise of the year)! I’m seething with impatience.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

6.50am. While we’re wondering if there’ll be a repeat of the terrifying Great Wave off Kanagawa, the sun finally rises behind a raging ocean. It’s anything but peaceful!

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

So 2018 is here! Akemashite! Yoi otoshi! Happy New Year! Exchange kisses. And now …

Torii! Together!

The waves go wild, break on the gravel beach, and force the helpless photographers against the stone wall. We’re all trapped.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

People start to run. Surprised cries ring out. And splaaaash! Soaked bodies! Me, I’m lucky: only my trousers washed by the cold ocean waves. Oh, wait! Another one! Awesome!

Torii? Yes, but battle-hardened!

This torii is battered by the elements but doesn’t flinch. On the contrary. To impress, it multiplies before our eyes.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

If you fail to be impressed, then sorry, my photos mustn’t be up to scratch.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

Kamiiso no Torii

Its real name is Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. There are two other torii at the Oarai shrine, but this one (established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690), is the most revered.

You’ve had enough of this torii? Bear with me. There’s a rock island I want to climb before we go.

On the Rocks

Look there, iPhonauts endangering the life of their electronic companions! Irresponsible! Hey, your selfies are silhouetted against the sun, and your specs have fallen off.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

In my ears, Mylène Farmer’s Un jour ou l’autre  (One Day or Another). In the background, the waves leaping and crashing. I know, some don’t care what happens to me, but the atmosphere adds to the magical spirit of things.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

Freed!

When I start to talk like that, better wake up. Get out of there. Ah, but before we go, here’s two pictures from my archives, taken a few months earlier.

atmosphere, ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, special, spiritual, sunset, thing, tori

Oarai becalmed is really cool too, isn’t it?

atmosphere, ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, special, spiritual, sunset, thing, tori

Oarai was too crowded to be able to quietly meditate. So on the way back, I stop at the …

Forest Shrine

And so ends the morning of this first day of 2018.

ibaraki, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, ocean, religion, religious, sea, shinto, spiritual, sunrise, thing, tori

If you can find this shrine, let me know! I’d love to hear about it. For now, I’ll keep it to myself (that said, you really have to be keen to go there).

I’ve been preparing a collection of torii photos for years, but in the meantime, go visit and discover Les Torii Insolites de Kyoto on the Suteki.fr website, it’s worth the trip! And if you want to know more about torii, there’s a brilliant illustrated piece by Joranne at: Les Portes du Japon (both in French).

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Starry night whispers, Light-soaked sakura in bloom — Ethereal glow. 星空ささやく 光浴びる桜 幻想的な輝き #offbeatjapan #夜桜 #hanami #cherryblossom #etherealglo #ruraljapan #夜の美しさ #japan
Rainbow balconies, Colors dance on gray canvas— Urban art alive.---レインボー・バルコニー、 灰色のキャンバスに踊る色— 都市のアート生きる。---#rainbowfacade #urbanart #colorfularchitecture #japanesearchitecture #modernjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Sunlight whispers through, blue hues dance on wooden beams— echoes of old hands.光がしのび寄り、 青い色が木の梁に踊る— 古き手の響き。#offbeatjapan #hiddenhistory #vintagejapan #explorethepast #japan #ancientcrafts #forgottenplaces #quietmoments
Lush cliffs guard the sea, Deep blues kiss rocky outcrops, Isle whispers secrets.豊かな崖 青海と岩を抱く 島が囁く#offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #coastallandscape #naturephotography #japan #serenebeauty #wanderlust
Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan