Kotohira-gu

I got up before dawn with hopes of seeing a nice sunrise from the shrine balcony overlooking Kotohira. Not to be.
The walk to the shrine entrance was very peaceful with few people awake yet. When I got to the lower entrance, I was surprised it was closed with a sign stating it would open at 6 am. Since sunrise was 5:30, I would have to take the sunrise there. There were few clouds, so there wouldn't be any light show and since I had no and would have to hold my phone, the length of a time lapse would have to be short. A few other older Japanese had joined me to view the sunrise.

Once the shrine was opened, I took video highlighting the beautiful warm morning light on the structures, casting shadows and a morning glow.

I returned to the hotel to enjoy a late breakfast and leisurely checkout, while the crowds and tour groups would start to converge on Kotohira-gu.Read more