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Inari Fushimi is a shrine that just captivates me every time I think about it! Its standout feature is the thousands of vermillion torii gates that snake up the sacred Mount Inari. Climbing those trails, enveloped by those vibrant gates, is like stepping into a mystical world. Unlike many shrines that are often quiet and solemn, Fushimi Inari has this dynamic energy that really resonates with visitors, especially during the early morning hours when the morning mist covers the area and the gates almost seem to glow. People from all walks of life visit, from tourists snapping photos to the locals who have deep-rooted ties to the shrine. What also sets Fushimi Inari apart is its historical significance. Established in the 8th century, it serves as the head shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and agriculture. The fox statues that abound are not just decoration; they're considered messengers and add a layer of lore and depth to the whole experience. Each fox has a key in its mouth, which is thought to open the rice granaries—a charming touch! And the connection to nature is quite spiritual. The intertwining of the path, the vibrant colors, and the natural surroundings all create an atmosphere that really draws you in. I remember feeling a sense of peace and exhilaration as I walked through the rows of gates, an encounter that goes beyond the mere visual delight. It's fascinating to see how the shrine is both a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction. The blend of the sacred and the secular creates a unique atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere. You really feel the living history there, which truly resonates with me. Every corner reveals something new, and it’s easy to become lost in the beauty of this richly textured shrine.

I love wandering around shrines, and Ryujin shrines are some of my favorite little discoveries by the water. You’ll most often find shrines dedicated to the dragon god Ryujin (龍神) along coasts, on islands, beside rivers and springs, or tucked into seaside caves where the sea and land meet. On a trip to Wakayama I stayed near a place called Ryujin Onsen — the whole area leans into the dragon-god legends, and there are little roadside shrines and stone markers that locals treat with real affection. That’s typical: rural coastal towns and fishing villages often keep a small 'Ryūjin jinja' or '海神社' (sea-god shrine) to pray for safe voyages, bountiful catches, and good tides. If you’re hunting these out, look for shrines named '龍神社' (Ryūjin Jinja), '海神社' (Watatsumi/sea god shrines), or local legends tied to 'Urashima Tarō' or the tide-jewel myths. Coastal prefectures like Wakayama, Hyōgo, parts of Kyūshū and the Seto Inland Sea have higher concentrations, but there are inland dragon shrines too where springs and rain-making legends live on.

Kate Atkinson's 'Shrines of Gaiety' is a dazzling dive into the roaring twenties, packed with characters as vibrant as the era itself. Nellie Coker stands out—a nightclub queen with a razor-shil mind and a heart half-hidden behind her glittering empire. Her kids, especially the clever and ruthless Edith, add layers of family drama that feel like a Shakespearean tragedy with jazz playing in the background. Then there's Detective Inspector Frobisher, whose moral compass wavers like a drunken dancer, caught between justice and the allure of Nellie's world. What I love is how Atkinson weaves side characters like Gwendolen, a war widow with secrets, into the tapestry. They aren't just extras; they're threads pulling the story tighter. The way their lives collide in smoky backrooms and under neon lights makes the book feel alive, like you could step into it and smell the gin and cigarette smoke.