<p>A lantern overlooks the tidal Myojin Pond at the foot of Hagi's Mt Kasa</p>

A lantern overlooks the tidal Myojin Pond at the foot of Hagi's Mt Kasa (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Myojin Pond and Shrine

Serene shrine on a tidal pond in northern Hagi

Mandy Bartok May 01, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A lantern overlooks the tidal Myojin Pond at the foot of Hagi's Mt Kasa</p>

<p>The shrine next to the pond is known as Itsukushima, just like its more famous namesake in Miyajima</p>

<p>Cats come here in the evenings to be fed by friendly locals</p>

<p>A walking path extends around part of the pond</p>

<p>The rear section of the pond, separated from the main pond</p>

<p>The pond is a short drive from the viewpoint on Mt Kasa and the mountain's lovely camellia grove</p>

A short drive north of Hagi City brings visitors to the base of Mt Kasa (or Kasayama). One of the first sights to greet the eye is the extremely serene Myojin Pond, with the tiny Itsukushima Shrine sitting at its edge. The pond is tidal and draws water from the neighboring sea; it's always full of a variety of species of fish. In the evenings, stray cats come here to receive hand outs from kind locals. This is a beautiful place to come around sunset, tied in with a visit to the viewpoint on the peak of Mt Kasa.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.