The sight of many red-orange torii gates at shrines is one of the most iconic Japanese images for many foreigners. Other styles maybe wooden or white and there is a golden torii gate shrine in Kyoto which has featured on Tokyo Fox a few times. I thought that was a one-off but it seems there is another shrine including multiple golden gates.

Travel around Japan has become rarer but wanting to get out of Tokyo for a bit and actually do something with my holiday back in July I decided to go on a day trip to what is often voted Japan’s least attractive prefecture. For the record, I wholeheartedly disagree with the results of that survey.

Whilst a trip to Tsukuba from Tokyo is fairly quick and easy, going to the more north-eastern parts of Ibaraki Prefecture always seems a bit too much for a day trip but with the comfort of a few days off afterwards (not that I need that much recovery!!) I decided to leave behind my home comforts and go on an adventure to the Hitachinaka area.

Nippori to Katsuta on the JR line for about two hours was soon followed by a local train to Ajigaura station which is the final stop on the Hitachinaka Kaihin Tetsudo Minato Line.

On a scenic hilltop location in a quiet neighbourhood just a couple of minutes on foot from the station was the shrine that I’d come to see. Its history is relatively short having been built as recently as 2019, and it’s dedicated to the local specialty hoshiimo (dried sweet potatoes).

The specially shaped ema wooden plaques for wishes were actually the first thing to catch my eye at this power spot.

Just beyond that are the striking golden torii gates standing in double rows which brought this place to my attention a few years ago.

It was designed by renowned art director Taku Satoh.

The shrine was the first one built in the current Reiwa Period and it is called Hoshiimo Shrine. It should also be noted that hoshi means want in Japanese so it may be something of a pun given what you want from your prayers.

A golden handprint awaits you once you’ve gone through the vivid gates. Place your right hand on the print to make a wish.

Having originated in Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, sweet potato production finally began in Japan in the 16th century and cultivation methods quickly became quite widespread. However, production didn’t begin in Hitachinaka city until 1908 when it was introduced from Shizuoka which was an advanced sweet potato region.

By the mid 20th century Hitachinaka had become the country’s number one as it is an area blessed by sun and wind.

It may all be a bit gimmicky and perhaps a little tacky but it’s a fun and photogenic place to visit. It’s no doubt appealing for the Instagram generation and maybe veteran bloggers too!

There are few other golden gates facing the ocean to the side of the main ones. These were added in July 2020.

These smaller gates lead to a golden heart which is something to do with the sweet potato leaves supposedly being heart shaped. Given that there’s a bell next to it, I’m sure it must also be a place for couples to declare their love or something like that!

Nearby is a golden jet ski which was dedicated by a resident of Sakado in Saitama.

That wasn’t the only vehicle on display at this shrine as there was also a huge three-wheel golden, gleaming motorcycle parked in front of a golden vending machine.

Less than 10 minutes on foot down the road was Ajigaura Beach.

Expectations were fairly low so I was quite surprised to encounter a beautiful, golden sand beach with a swimming area and a couple of dozen people enjoying the seaside.

From there I walked on to Minohama-gakuen station ready to take the train a little further down the coast to visit another amazing little shrine.

Click here to read ‘Tokyo Daytripper: Top 10 Ibaraki Sights’

Click here to read ‘The Alternative Tour of Kyoto’

Click here to read ‘Izu Coastal Adventures: A Uniquely Coloured Torii Gate, Northern Izu’s Finest Beach & The Real Life ‘Shogun’ Setting’

Click here to read ‘Pilgrimage to Find a Religious Cult Building in Ibaraki Prefecture (+ Details Of 4 Others in Japan)’