Miyajidake Shrine

   One of my favorite places in Fukuoka is Miyajidaké Shrine. In early June the shrine holds its annual iris (shôbu) festival. These photos were taken when I visited this time last year.

   Miyaji Daké (Peak). The entire mountain is contained within the shrine's vast borders.

   The shrine claims to have Japan's largest shimenawa, the straw rope hanging above the entrance to the shrine's main building. The same claim is made by Izumo Taisha in Shimane prefecture.

   Purportedly, the biggest dingdong in Japan.

   Japan's largest drum, according to the shrine. Surely there are others that are larger.

   Behind the main shrine are paths that meander up to the top of Miyaji Daké. Along the way, you'll find several shrines as well as the occasional temple. 

Miyaji Daké

   I first went Miyaji Daké Shrine about five years ago when I was on my way to see the fireflies at a nearby river. Although the shrine was holding its annual iris festival at the time, there were very few visitors. What a shame, I thought, because I had never seen anything like it. The inner courtyard between the shrine's main gate and the grand shinden had been filled with purple and white irises that were just starting to bloom. 

   When I returned a week later with my camera, there were still only a handful of worshippers.

   Only a handful, and yet one of them was a young woman dressed in a beautiful kimono the color of irises.

   Every June I try to return to the shrine and explore its grounds in order discover something new about the place. I have posted some photos of my most recent visit here.