We’re still enjoying the nice fall weather
here in Japan, of course the days have grown colder but there is still sun and
still a lot to see.
Last week I had to teach a coverage lesson
in another city. The city was Kotohira, and I was pleasantly surprised by what
I saw when I got off the train. The city, from what I learned at the station,
was actually quite famous and is home to a famous shrine. I made the decision
then to return to Kotohira on my next day off.
On Sunday the 25th, I hopped
back onto the train and made my way to Kotohira and I was lucky that it was a
bright sunny day.
My first stop on the way to the shrine was
Takadoro. It was built in 1860 and is Japan’s tallest lantern at 27m. When lit
the signal was used to guide ships along the Inland Sea.
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| Takadoro |
From there it was the start of the climb to
the inner shrine of Konpirasan. The full journey from the base to the inner
shrine – Okusha Shrine – is 1368 steps. I made it all the way to Okusha but
before getting there I took some time to explore a few sites on the way.
As it is peak autumn colour viewing time I
once again captured photos of the bright yellows, reds and oranges of the
leaves.
My
next stop was at the Asahi Shrine. It is located between the main gate and main
shrine – Kotohira-gu. This meant to be a quick rest before continuing upwards.
Here I saw these large cauldrons. On closer inspection they were filled with
water and money. The aim is to slowly lower in a 1 yen coin and hope that it
floats. (This shows just how light the 1 yen coin is and the amazing surface
tension of water).
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| Floating 1 yen coins |
After wishing that I had a 1 yen coin on
me, but finding none I made the next journey to the top of 785 steps. This
journey takes you to the main shrine of Kotohira. Looking out from the
mountainside you can see the Inland sea, Kotohira, Marugame and Sakaide. The
shrine itself is large and yet it seems to have almost a compact shape. It’s
one of most beautifully shaped shrines that I have seen.
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| Main Shrine |
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| Main Shrine |
Here I took another break. I also found
this cutie.
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| Kawaii |
Then it was all the way down with a quick
stop at Kanamaruza Theatre. It was built in 1835 and is Japan’s oldest wooden
Kabuki theatre. Even today Japan’s leading kabuki actors perform shows.
Then it was back to Niihama after a
wonderful afternoon.
As always more photos on my facebook or my
tumblr, both are linked at the top of the page.
