April 12
If all goes as planned, today is going to be busy. We plan to visit 4 temples, some of the temples are in the mountains. We have decided to do them in numerical order, although some recommendations are to do them in a different order to eliminate some of the climbing. We are planning to camp by Temple 82 near a rest area approved for camping.
We spent a nice night in the hotel and were ready to start hiking at 6. The streets were quiet and the mall that we walked thru had all the shutters shut except for a fish market.
An hour later, school kids were beginning to show up on the streets.
For younger children different hats seem to relate to a grade level.
Just before we reached our first temple. A familiar car appeared, it was our friend Takumi who was looking for us. He led us to a nearby rest hut where he gave us a Japanese Milkshake and cookies. (Pretty sweet) He was hoping that a Udon restaurant would be open that was located here, but it was too early.
We weren’t expecting to see him today.
He told us about the pond that was located here with a small memorial.
We asked him if he could make arrangements for us to stay at a guest house near Temple 88 after we visited that temple. He said that he knew the host and would see if there was a vacancy. We hope so. He said goodby and most likely went off to find more Henroes that he knew. He may try to meet us again at the Henro Museum before Temple 87. He wants to celebrate with us after the completion of our Pilgrimage route.
Before we reached the temple we passed by the giraffe house,
Everyday brings something new.
Temple 79 was a Shinto and Buddhism combined. We were somewhat confused and didn’t spend much time there. There were some interesting doorways.
Felt more like the Southwest in the States
After Temple 79, Temple 80 had a totally different feeling.
We entered the gate then walked down a path with pine trees on both sides.
It was a beautiful day to check out all of the statues.
Some were hidden in the trees.
There seemed to be a theme of pine trees and needles as shown by this perfectly shaped heart.
The bell in the bell tower is thought to be over 1000 years old and is the oldest one in Shikoku.
Seemed to be lots of love in this temple.
Leaving this temple means we are going to be doing some climbing.
We start our walk out on flat ground weaving among houses then start the upward climb.This is another Henro-Korogahi site (steep and difficult)
The trail is well marked with many steps.
The cherry blossoms coat the path. Temple 81 and Temple 82 are located on peaks named by color. We are on our way to the white peak. When we get to an intersection one trail will take us to 81 the other trail to 82. There is a picnic table here with drinks and information about why this rest area is here. It was created by a man who had lost his young daughter to cancer and wanted to do something in memory of her. The totes are filled with soft drinks. It makes you want to pass on the good feeling and remember the love of his daughter by him. We leave our packs here before going to Temple 81, This is a good thing as there are quite a few up and down sections. We pass a water fall that one can sit at to meditate. Unfortunately we don't have time to do that today. We arrive to the gate and hear music and a man chanting coming over speakers.
As like most temples there was a lot to see at this one.
Small intricate pagoda and more steps to visit the other halls.
At this temple there seemed to more than usual memorials with animals.
rats
badgers
Rats, badgers and cats
This statue had different coverings than other ones that usually had the red bib.
We still have a lot to learn!
Retracing the trail back to get our packs and head to 82. We walk swiftly which is easy without carrying our packs. Upon reaching our packs, we split a drink and move on. We are trying to get to 82 before it closes, but when we see this cherry tree and adjoining flowers, we take a short break.
We are happy to see at least at this elevation the cherry trees are still in full bloom.
We make it to temple 82 which is located on the blue peak. It is quiet and tranquil this late afternoon. As we enter thur the gate our pace slows as we take in the beauty of this location.
Approaching the gate.
Walking thru the gate and up to the main temple grounds
Large trees some with blossoms surround the statues.
Old paths lead to different memorials.
Visiting more buildings
One of the stories that go with this temple is the story of Ushi-Oni (Bull Devil) You can read the story in the description below.
And then there was a statue of Ushi-Oni
A great temple to end the day with a feeling of peacefulness .
Heading back down the stairs and then to our campsite.
There is a hut here, that one can sleep in, but for the first time we have arrived to a sleeping hut that is occupied. A couple from Japan were using the hut. They would have made room for us, but there was a good place to set up out tent. There was also a small cabin for female Henroes. It was a blessing to visit all the temples, see Takumi and to sleep in a peaceful place.
Accommodation: Campsite near Temple 82
Miles hiked 19