2025: Ikuta Shrine, Kobe

After spending the day at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, I made my way slowly back to the hotel. On the way, I passed through the grounds of Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, founded in the 3rd century. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Wakahirume and is known for its vibrant red torii gates and tranquil areas. 

I stopped to make this drawing as a way to end the day. The marks are loose and layered, capturing the contrast between the vivid shrine structures and the surrounding greenery. It was a peaceful moment, and this drawing holds the calm and reflection I felt at the end of a full day of exploration.

Each print is the same size as the original sketchbook page. You can choose whether to include the sketchbook seam or not when ordering. Larger prints (25 x 21 cm) are £35, and smaller ones (23 x 12 cm or 17 x 14 cm) are £30. All prints are made on archival-quality Hahnemühle Fine Art paper.