DAY 23 香川/讚岐 涅槃的道場 -4- Kagawa Prefecture
We received the Utangura's blessing (Breakfast) and towards Tenno-ji (#79 天皇寺). Tenno-ji (#79) seemed be hidden in the woods, the place is filled with the grass not so obviously, uneasy to find it. I read some information about this temple: In the past, one of Japan's king (Calls Tenno) was imprisoned in this temple until he died, therefore it is named Tenno-ji (#79) afterwards. The last Kokubun-ji (#80 國分寺) I went to visit in this pilgrimage. In this country, here must be one temple named "Kokubun-ji" in each single prefecture due to political reasons. So far, every Kokubun-ji (#80) I been, were all worthy to have a look! For many examples, Kokubun-ji (#15) in Tukushima has an unique Awa Garden, Kochi's Kokubon-ji (#29) has the roof in ancient style, you also can shake hands with the statue of KOBO at Kokubon-ji (#59) in Ehime. Perhaps Kagawa's Kokubun-ji (#80) is the most spectacular one. Here is designed 88 statues as the symbol of 88 temples in Shikoku. Somebody said people just walks around 88 statues for a cycle, it will mean you finish Shikoku Pilgrimage in another way. Of course I did circle these statues, but I was curious why Mr Nakagawa had no interesting in what I did but sitting the chair and smoking in this temple? Next destination, we came to Takamatsu City (高松市), the capital of Kagawa Prefecture, when we were at Ichinomiya-ji (#83 一宮寺), this temple was definitely simpler than its next temple, Yashima-ji (#84 屋島寺). Yashima-ji (#84) is located on the top of rise at H 283 m. We didn't ride bicycles in the vehicle way. If you wanna have a ride to the top, you can take the bus which departs from the Yashima Station and just ¥100 one way, yet the schedule is not frequently. We left our bikes in the Yashima Elementary School, continued to walk 40 minutes in a steep path for obtaining the stamp under the gray sky. Today was a muggy day. Yashima-ji (#84) was crowded with people. It was famous tourist spot not only based on Ohenro, but ever happened the Genpei War (源平合戰) which deeply affected Japan history in the 12th century. Unfortunately. I am not similar with this period of Japan history, hence I didn't have too many comments... However, this is a great point to overlook the Seto Naikai (瀨戶內海). Mr Nakagawa booked the accommodation near Yakuri Cable Station, it called Takayamagi Ryokan (高柳旅館), the reason we booked just because I picked one of its brochures in somewhere~ (I always picked the brochures all the time) Also, Mr Nakagawa could not find any available one nearby Yashima-ji (#84). It was pretty rush again to reach the Yakuri-ji (#85 八栗寺) before 17 o'clock. The Cable we took which was almost the last one in the timetable. That was so pity we had to get stamp before their office closed soon, it resulted in I only can catch a glimpse of this temple. I'd love to tell you I prefer Yakuri-ji (#85) much than Yahima-ji (#84), even Yakuri-ji (#85) is not so popular. That will be a nice idea to book the Okada-ya (岡田屋) if you wanna stay Mt Yakuri longer. Okada-ya is just in front of the Yakuri-ji (#85 八粟寺) Main Gate. By the way, you come Yakuri-ji on foot instead of cables, you would see a beautiful Buddhist statues that stands in the walking routine. However, I had a nice staying at Ryokan Takayamagi, too. A huge Udon restaurant is next door, but I just couldn't understand why I had to eat Minshuku's breakfast in next morning? So the fare was ¥5400 for one night and one meal today. By the way, the owners were pride for their bathroom, it was only bathroom I ever took a picture~ I was a little surprised that here was a free Wifi?! Speed was very good! Finally, I was able to have a chat with my friend by phone. This was my last night in henro trip...." What shall I feel this moment?" I gave up to think this topic, and closed my eyes soon. "Good night, Shikoku Henro!"
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Roxie
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