Today, Monday, March 22nd, is a national holiday in Japan. Actually the holiday was yesterday Equinox Day, but since it came on a Sunday, Monday becomes a holiday. We had terribly strong winds yesterday, almost typhoon force. Ian and I had planned to take the train south to Temple #4 but the south bound trains were all stopped because of the wind. The trains to the north were still running, so we decided to go to Temples #6 and #7. We walked a total of 20 kilometers, but I will tell you about that trip after I finish this one. That means there will be a steady stream of posts after this.
After we left Temple #2 we walked south paralleling the hills. It was very pleasant since were were on back roads with almost no traffic. Much of the way we had a little stream on one side and either fields or woods on the other. The temperature increased and I had to take off my coat and put it in my backpack. However, this was the most enjoyable part of the day.
In less than an hour we reached Temple #1. It was on a real backroad going up into the hills. This picture shows the entrance. The small building on the right turned out to be toilets and the cars are in the temple parking lot.
The temple itself was very nice. It must be really beautiful later in the spring and summer when the greenery is actually green.
There was a large statue of Kannon off to the left of the main hall. The statues with the little red hats represent children who Kannon has protected and who have become enlightened followers.
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