Go Tokyo Your Experience
The history and background of Koshimaji Shrine and its purification fountain
Koshimaji Shrine is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and is one of the oldest shrines in the Kanto region, with a history of nearly 1400 years. This shrine serves as an important center of faith for local residents and attracts a large number of tourists due to its historical and cultural value, as well as its unique natural landscape.
The Mitarashi Pond is a major attraction within the shrine, with its crystal-clear water and mysterious atmosphere making it a popular photography spot.
Mitarashi Pond on social media
In recent years, the Temizuya has frequently appeared on social media, attracting significant attention due to its dreamy water scenery.
In the photos, the water in the pool often presents a luminescent blue color, creating a strong visual contrast with the lush greenery of the surrounding trees and the torii standing in the water. This beautiful scene has made the Temizuya a highlight in various tourism promotions in Japan.
However, with the widespread dissemination of these dreamlike photos, many people began to question their authenticity. Many photos have enhanced color contrast through editing, creating a more stunning visual effect. Therefore, some netizens raised the question: Does the original appearance of the Yushui Pool really need such embellishment?
The debate between the original appearance and photo editing
Recently, a Japanese netizen shared an unedited photo of the Mitarashi pond and expressed their view: even without editing, the pond water still exudes a unique, mysterious beauty.
However, with the popularity of edited photos, modern people seem to have gradually lost their perception of “the beauty of the original.” His comments sparked widespread discussion among netizens, and many shared their own unedited photos, showcasing the natural appearance of the Mitarashi pond under different lighting and weather conditions.
For example, some netizens expressed that while photo editing can enhance visual effects, the pond itself already possesses enough beauty and doesn’t need excessive embellishment. Others believe that photo editing can create a more idealized picture, immersing the audience in the “dreamlike atmosphere” created by the photo.
This is a photo of the temizuya I took at the Kashima Shrine. Seeing this scenery in person is strikingly mystifying. I really want to go again.
This is the feeling of a close-up shot, and of course, it is unedited. I remember taking it on a summer afternoon. Even without special editing, the blue and white pool water is beautiful enough, right?
The scenery here changes constantly with time, as it is originally located in a valley, which easily gives a dark feeling. However, the sunlight streaming through the gaps in the trees creates a beautiful landscape. I think coming here should be about enjoying the fun of appreciating the changing scenery.
The Essence of Beauty: The Balance Between Retouching and Nature
The discussion about the photo of the hand-washing basin actually reflects today’s society and its diverse understanding of “beauty.” The widespread use of retouching techniques allows us to present the world in an idealized way, but it also leads to different attitudes toward “original natural beauty.”
For the temizuya of Kashima Jingu, both post-edited and original appearances have their unique charm. Edited photos have a stronger visual impact and can attract more attention, making them suitable for tourism promotional material; while the unedited scenes are closer to nature, conveying a sense of tranquility and mystery.
What do you think?
Do you prefer the dreamy effect after editing photos, or do you favor the unadorned beauty of nature? Perhaps, this is not a choice of one or the other. We can appreciate the artistic beauty that editing brings while also cherishing and enjoying the unique charm that natural landscapes possess.