![My Town [life in Obama]](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/660f99dd77649524e6cbd325/3a70fd0f-4b50-4205-abc0-4d55356951f8/Screenshot+2024-05-09+at+9.11.38.png?format=1500w)
![My Town [life in Obama]](http://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/660f99dd77649524e6cbd325/780d672d-03a4-43a8-99d4-b684c87080fb/Screenshot+2024-05-09+at+9.11.38.png?format=1500w)
Spiritland
Obama is blessed with one of the highest ratio’s of temples to residents in all of Japan.
Each tiny hamlet tucked neatly into the folds and valleys of the hills that surround has its own distinct traditions sites and approaches to worship. Many of these sites remain completely unknown to neighbors born and raised just a kilometer or two away. Taranosho is just one of many examples. Home to little more than a couple of ‘micro villages’, it hides several treasures, not the least of which is the spectacular moss cover stone step approach to Choeiji temple. The terraced rice fields below offer breathtaking views across the valley floor to the mountains beyond.
While I enjoy photographing this area in winter for its misty fog drenched mountains and distant snow capped peaks, it is important to note that it’s lovely in the springtime and summer as well.
With polite drivers and cycle friendly roads, it’s easy to explore the lesser well know parts of my town. Anywhere you search you are sure to find cultural treasures, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people.