#capemihama

A Quiet Moment at Cape Mihama: Torii by the Sea・神域への朱き門：諸口神社の鳥居

Moroguchi-jinja (諸口神社) is an ancient Shinto shrine nestled among towering matsu (pine) trees, just a short walk from the torii gate overlooking Heda Port in the quiet fishing town of Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture—about 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Tokyo.

Though its origins are lost to history, the shrine is believed to date back to Japan’s medieval period and is home to Moroki-hime (もろき姫), a guardian deity of sailors and fishermen.

For the local seafaring community, this shrine holds a much deeper significance than it might for a visitor like myself. The sea offers both livelihood and peril. Beneath these ancient pines and the watchful care of Moroki-hime, families come to pray for safety, give thanks, and honor the forces of nature.

Check out the full write-up (a 1-minute read) with links to sources and more photos: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-shrine

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:27 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 28 mm ISO 2500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/5.0

Moroguchi Shrine: Home to Moroki-hime—Guardian of the Sea・諸口神社の「もろき姫」—海の安全と豊漁を祈る場所

Moroguchi-jinja (諸口神社) is an ancient Shinto shrine nestled among towering matsu (pine) trees, just a short walk from the torii gate overlooking Heda Port in the quiet fishing town of Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture—about 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Tokyo.

Though its origins are lost to history, the shrine is believed to date back to Japan’s medieval period and is home to Moroki-hime (もろき姫), a guardian deity of sailors and fishermen.

For the local seafaring community, this shrine holds a much deeper significance than it might for a visitor like myself. The sea offers both livelihood and peril. Beneath these ancient pines and the watchful care of Moroki-hime, families come to pray for safety, give thanks, and honor the forces of nature.

Check out my full write-up (a 1-minute read) with links to sources and more photos: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-shrine

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:29

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

73 mm ISO 100 for 2.5 sec. at ƒ/11

Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:39

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

Cape Mihama at Dawn: A Windy Morning Under a Fading Moon・下弦の月に照らされる御浜岬と駿河湾の夜明け

Looking southwest across Suruga Bay at dawn, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a waning gibbous moon rising over the wind-strewn, choppy waves off the western coast of the Izu Peninsula, approximately 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Tokyo. The sky was painted in delicate hues, and the moon, though faint, added a quiet, lunar presence to the restless seascape.

Capturing this image was no easy feat. The dim pre-dawn light demanded a slower shutter speed, yet the relentless wind——howling through the early morning silence——battered me and my tripod. Each adjustment required patience, as I fought against nature’s elements to steady the shot.

Despite the challenge, I found raw beauty in the moment——a reminder of how nature rarely waits for perfect conditions. Still, I can’t help but hope of returning here on a calmer morning, watching the moon sink closer to the horizon, undisturbed by the wind, and capturing the tranquility I could only imagine on this particular morning.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan Timestamp: 2025/03/19・6:18 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 40 mm ISO 320 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8

Photowalk at Cape Mihama on Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Pref., Japan・御浜岬のフォトウォーク・静岡県沼津市（西伊豆）

Cape Mihama, Built by the Currents of Suruga Bay — Along the Shores of Nishi-Izu・駿河湾の流れが築いた御浜崎 — 西伊豆の岸辺で

Heading back to the parking lot, I took a short detour and climbed down off the seawall to get closer to the waves crashing against the hazardous shoreline of boulders that have smoothed over time by the relentless weathering of waves rolling in from the deep, formidable waters of Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan at 2,500 meters (8,202 ft).

I managed to capture three shots I liked, though none felt particularly extraordinary. I had fully expected to get drenched by ocean spray, which is exactly what happened. I was a bit worried about whether my trusty old DSLR could handle it, but after a thorough wipe down and some careful cleaning, it seems to have emerged unfazed.

While I’m in no position to fully understand the life of a fisherman, I can’t help but imagine the courage it must take to head out from nearby Heda Port into these rough, bountiful waters. Over the past 40 years of visiting various shores along Suruga Bay, I’ve yet to see a day when the sea has been calm and relaxing. It makes me think that this bay is always in motion, always challenging.

Google Maps link + sources:

https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20250319-surugabay

Cape Mihama — A Hidden Coastal Gem of the Izu Peninsula・御浜岬：駿河湾沿いの戸田の村と漁港を守る入江

Cape Mihama, located on the western coast of the Izu Peninsula facing Suruga Bay, lies in Shizuoka Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The small beach within the cove draws young families to its tropical waters each summer, while occasional festivals hosted by the Shinto shrine nestled at the tip of the cape maintain the cultural richness of the local fishing village.

The shallow turquoise waters of the cove are popular among the young and old who snorkel here during summer break. On clear days, it’s possible to snorkel while enjoying a stunning view of the iconic Mt. Fuji rising beyond the mouth of the cove across the bay.

The emerald blue sea with a vermilion torii gate and the possibility of capturing Mt. Fuji in the distance were what first drew me to this location. Although storm clouds blocked my view of the mountain this time, the rugged coastline, the quaint fishing village, the hidden shrine within the forest, and the thrill of crashing waves earlier in the morning more than satisfied my desire to photograph dramatic seascapes and to simply enjoy the moment with my border collie.

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan Timestamp: 2025/03/19・08:24 Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP 88 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3

Full write-up (1-minute read) with several Google Maps links and sources for further reading: