April 13
It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly.We waved good-by to the Japanese couple wishing that we could have had a conversation . We came out to a clearing and saw the city below us that we will be going to today.
Initially the path was gradual, then it became quite steep. Fortunately it was paved and that section was short. For the next several miles we walked by Bonsai Trees in the making. They came in all sizes
And were on both sides of the road.
Some were in pots.
And some were being trimmed to the right size.
It was a little over 7 miles to Temple 83 and by mid morning we were entering the gate. Temple 83 is right next to a Shinto Shrine which seemed to have more people. We plan to check out the shrine after our visit to the Temple.
We enter the gate.
And immediately see the colorful whirly gig display.
No flowers at this temple but the colorful whirly gigs give it a happy feeling.
There was also paper umbrellas hanging from a tree.
The calming effects of the water basin.
A nearby Hall
A rock sign points us to the way we should go.
Always looking out for red arrows.
Time to go visit the shrine with its tall Tori gates and colorful displays. This is the prefecture’s prime shrine. People come here for weddings. to get blessings for their children and even their car. The shrine is four times larger than the temple we just visited. The entrance to the shrine had huge stone Tori gates.
Another set of Tori gates framed a dragon with a golden ball in its hand.
Surrounding the dragon were small golden coins that seemed like you could buy and place them here. Perhaps praying for wealth. It was an impressive statue .
One of the Halls
One of the halls had circular bales on the porch.
We were sure all the bales have some meaning.
There were several places with red Tori gates.
We were told some were patterned after the red gates of Koyasan.
There was a stone sculpture of Kobo Daishi being taken in a boat.
And a family getting their children blessed.
We have about a 7 mile walk to our hotel. We stopped at our favorite 7/11 store to get some smoothies and snacks for the rest of the day. Before we reached the hotel we saw this goldfish market. Apparently they can breed goldfish with the markings you want.
All different colors
Our hotel tonight is quite large and has a large conference center. Many of the men are dressed in three piece suits. We feel somewhat out of place in our backpacks and hiking clothes. Everyone is nice and greets us with a Konichiwa.
Accommadation: Takamatsu Kokusai Hotel
Miles Hiked 18