Summer Pilgrimage at Biei Shrine in Hokkaido

Renting an electric bicycle at Biei Station, I encountered a wonderful shrine very early on the way to the Blue Pond. Its name is Biei Shrine. From the station side, I first saw what seemed to be the back gate with its wind chime path, and was about to turn back, when I spotted the main gate's torii and entered from that side instead. Both the grounds and the main shrine building are incredibly beautiful. However, the real highlight during a midsummer visit is undoubtedly the wind chime path. Every time the countless wind chimes, accompanied by a banner reading "Summer Pilgrimage," sway in the breeze, the sound of the bells brings a cool sensation. It's truly magical how it makes you forget the heat, enveloping your overheated body in a comforting embrace.

Biei Shrine