Cherry Blossoms at Kuonji Temple, Yamanashi pref.

Long time!

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Kuonji Temple is famous for weeping cherry blossoms.

After going up 287 steep stone stairs, you will be greeted by beautiful weeping cherry blossoms planted in the precincts.




Near Kuonji Temple, there are several temple lodgings (shukubo in Japanese). Each of them also has beautiful cherry trees. You can take a rest there with a hospitality of a cup of hot cherry water.



Kuonji Temple was founded by Nichiren in Kamakura era. His mausoleum was 20-minute walk from the temple. It entrance was decorated by cherry trees.




The nearest JR station is Minobu. The steet in fornt of ths station is called Shonin Street, derived from Nichiren Shonin. At both sides of the street, there were stores, each drawing its own family crest on the wall.

Kamakura, the Ancient Capital Built by Samurais

Today I visited Kamakura to see how the leaves are changing the color, especially at Shishimai Trough, my best spot for autumn viewing in Kamakura. It’s early. This year it has been warm and sometimes it was raining heavily and the wind was blowing hard. Many gingko leaves at Shishimai Trough have fallen down before turning yellow. Maple leaves are still green; I am looking forward viewing the maple leaves turning red.

I strongly recommend the foreign tourists visit Kamakura. The reasons are:
1) Near from Metropolitan Area (One-hour train)
2) Atmosphere of Ancient Capital (There are many temples, shrines, and historical sites.)
3) Variety of Places; Hills, Island, and Sea (There are several hiking courses with beautiful sceneries.)

Do you know who is the first Samurai Governor of Japan? Answer is:
>>>> Yoritomo Minamoto

I will briefly explain why samurais come out.
In 10th century it became clear that the ancient governance by the Emperor was imploding. Local ruling families were developing and increasing their land. They armed for protecting their land. There were disputes between them and the local government. Some of the noble families who were appointed as a local officer continued to live at their post after their term expired. They were gradually growing to make a samurai group. Understand?

(Today's Gingko at Hachimangu Shrine)

(Gingko at Shishimai Trough)

(Maple Tree at Shishimai Trough)

(Face)

Miyajima (or Itsukushima)

Miyajima is one of Japan’s three most beautiful spots. Itsukushima Shrine and the surrounding sea and primeval forest were designated as a World Cultural Heritage in 1996.

About ten-minute boat from Miyajimaguchi takes us to the island. A red-painted shrine gate standing in the sea surprises us and makes us feel like coming to another world.
Within Itsukushima Shrine, we have to take one-way route, but we can tour at a leisurely pace. Also you can realize that the shrine is built in the sea. When I visited there, I got up early in the next morning and went to the shrine gate. I could reach the gate on foot. Do not forget to check the time of greater ebb.

There are a lot of deer in Miyajima. People take good care of deer, because deer has been considered a divine messenger. How friendly! You will be surprised to see them here and there. On the top of Misen there are a lot of monkeys. They are not friendly; be careful.
If you visit in autumn, you can further enjoy autumn colors. I recommend a walk around Momijidani Park.

If you are going to stay in Miyajima, you should know that there are no convenience stores there. Most stores are closed around 6 p.m. I had reserved only accommodation. As the owner introduced me a couple of restaurants, I was able to have a dinner. My breakfast was momiji-manju. I bought it at a souvenir shop that was open early in the morning for tourists. Momiji-manju is maple-shaped bun with bean-jam filling and specialty of Miyajima. Another specialty is oyster. You can see the oyster bed from the boat. Try to eat various oyster dishes. I can never forget kaki-no-dotenabe (oyster-in-pan dish dressed with miso sauce) and Suishin (Hiroshima’s sake) that I had at Hiroshima Station.

(Red-painted Shrine Gate)

(Shrine Gate at Greater Ebb)

(Dear Deer Couple)

(Oyster Bed)