Catching beautiful moment in Tokyo.
It’s Monday, but Feeling Like Friday Already
One of my colleagues is retiring in December.
We organized a gathering at her favorite lunch place: SAL (buffet lunch at the Imperial Hotel).
It’s nice sunny day and the town is in nice Autumn color.
I’m going to miss her; we promised to keep in touch.
Lunch was great.
I knew my gym trainer gets upset if I skip a session tonight after overeating like this.
Well, he tortured me tonight.
I knew my body is stiff, but he concluded my tendon is stiff after stretching my body.
He kept on pushing the point and it hurt so much!
But after the session, my legs feel light…hummmm
If my body is stiff; I should take a nice bath.
I like KNEIPP Gute Nacht.
I found this set.
The package includes a small bottle of Sakura bath salts which is not available in the Japan market and rose organic moisturizing oil for the price of one KNEIPP.
I tried Sakura bath salts tonight and I feel relaxing now.
Oyasumi
Busy Week
I couldn’t have enough rest after returning from the Shikoku Pilgrimage because my former boss was in town (Tokyo) and I had a Year-End gathering to attend.
Grilled Dinner at Inakaya (Roppongi)
All food is nice and serves in unique way; very active and vivid.
Afternoon Tea at Imperial Hotel (Hibiya)
Year-End Gathering @ Green Spot (Yoyogi)
I learned that going for nice food can be a torture. hahaha
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 9 (Last Day)
Today is the last day and still need to visit 11 temples to complete.
My favorite ice cream was served as breakfast. Yeah!
No. 11 Fujiidera (Fujii Temple)
Unfortunately, it was raining.
Mummmm it was cold and difficult to conduct the ritual.
There is a gorgeous dragon drawn on the ceiling.
No. 10 Kiriharaji (Kirihara Temple)
Started the count down…
No. 9 Horinji (Horin Temple)
There are so many people trying to reserve space under the roof to practice.
No. 8 Kumadaniji (Kunadani Temple)
I thought these guardians look strong!
No. 7 Jurakuji (Juraku Temple)
The gate is called Ryugu Mon (Ryugu Gate).
Ryugu is a kingdom in the ocean.
I think this gate is cute.
No. 6 Anrakuji (Anraku Temple)
The garden is beautiful.
Today, this temple provides hot spring here.
I wish I had time to dip.
Perhaps, next time…
No. 5 Jizoji (Jizo Temple)
This temple’s Daishido is nicely decorated; so sophisticated.
I ate a local (Tokushima’s) snack at a car.
This is chikuwa (fish cake/surimi) on a bamboo.
A bamboo gives nice flavor and aroma.
No. 4 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)
A bowl of hot Udon noodle warmed my body. Yammy!
No. 3 Konsenji (Konsen Temple)
Another well to check my reflection.
I can see myself! Yeah!!!
No. 2 Gokurakuji (Gokuraku Temple)
This is a carrying Buddha; making a wish while carrying Buddha.
Buddha’s foot print.
Splash Fumyodo-oh (Acala) to make a wish.
No. 1 Ryozenji (Ryozen Temple)
The last temple.
I was overwhelmed; I started crying.
I felt calm and peace; the place is gorgeous and holly.
I completed…
I completed…time to go back to my ordinary life, but I won’t be the same.
I learned many things through this trip.
I enjoyed an obento (packed meal) on Shinkansen (bullet train) back home.
I’m grateful that I could conduct this exercise.
Yes, I would like to conduct this exercise again!!
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 8
Again food is fresh and enjoyed very much.
The estimated time for sun rise was 6:45 am on that day, but we departed hotel at 6:30 am.
Sun was about to rise….
Sun rose while driving for a temple.
I felt so blessed when I saw sun rising: calm and peaceful.
No. 23 Yakuoji (Yakuo Temple)
We believe that at the age of 33 for women and 42 for men is unlucky age that we need to be careful.
It is good to be careful all the time, but I think this is believed because this is the age that our body system change that require attention.
Or we could blame on a bad year.
When climbing stairs, we place money every steps for offering.
There are two sets of stairs, one for women (33 stairs) and men (42 stairs).
No. 22 Byodoji (Byodo Temple)
This rope is connected to Buddha.
It’s very nice of a temple to arrange this rope to reach the entrance.
People who have difficulties to walk can be blessed at the entrance by holding this rope.
The ceiling is nicely decorated.
No. 21 Tairyuji (Tairyu Temple)
We need to take a ropeway because the temple is located on the mountain (618 m high).
Tairyuji Station
It’s so beautiful and air is fresh; I wanted to walk around the area, but needed to catch the next ropeway down.
Instead of walking, I was running to the station. hahaha
No. 20 Kakurinji (Kakurin Temple)
The symbol of this temple is a pair of cranes.
Two cranes was protecting a small statue of Golden Buddha.
A Statue of Golden Buddha was protected at this Japanese cedar by cranes here.
These trees were planted by Kobo Daishi.
No. 19 Tatsueji (Tatsue Temple)
Unfortunately, it cannot be seen in the photo, but there is a bunch of thick long hair.
This temple serves as a checkpoint as well.
If you commit bads, you cannot pass through this checkpoint.
When a lady named Okyo who cheated her husband tried to walk through this temple (checkpoint), her hair suddenly extended stopping her to walk through.
I could walk freely…that means I am okay…right?
That’s a scary story, but the temple itself is beautiful.
No. 18 Onzanji (Onzan Temple)
Originally, this temple prohibited women to enter.
However, when Kobo Daishi’s mother visited him, he conducted hard ascetic practices to lift the ban so that he could meet Mother.
Today, I (female) have no problem entering.
Lunch Time!!
Had a lunch at a self service restaurant.
There are varieties of food (fried, grilled, noodles, curry, etc.) that we can pick a plate.
Again, delicious!
No. 17 Idoji (Ido Temple)
The temple’s name IDO means a well.
There is a water well in the temple.
If you can see yourself when you look into a well, you are okay.
If you cannot see your reflection, something bad will happen to you in three years…
Yes! I could see myself; I’m safe!
No. 16 Kannonji (Kannon Temple)
No. 15 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)
There are four prefectures in Shikoku region/island.
Kokubunji is located in every prefecture.
As such, this is the fourth Kokubunji that I visited.
The Main Temple is under reconstruction.
I prayed at the temporary main temple.
No. 14 Jorakuji (Joraku Temple)
This is the only temple worshipping Mirokubosatsu (Maitreya) among 88 temples.
This is Araragi (Japanese Yew Tree) Daishi.
This tree is about 10 m high.
This Daishi is good for diabetes and eyes.
Can you see Daishi?
No. 13 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)
This temple is situated along a road.
No. 12 Shosanji (Shosan Temple)
Greeted very well. fufufu
Today, I visited 11 temples.
Checked-in at Tokushima Tokyu Rei Hotel.
I felt cold so it was nice to have a hot pot for dinner.
Winter, it is a hot pot season as well.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7 Part 2
No. 30 Zenrakuji (Zenraku Temple)
Umemi Jizo (Stone Buddha) for head problems.
I don’t want to become dementia.
No. 29 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)
This temple has a nice garden.
Moss is nice and GREEN!
No. 28 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)
Lunch time!
A bowl of boiled whitebait.
Dessert was a homemade sweet potato; very natural.
Very peaceful…
No. 27 Konomineji (Konomine Temple)
No. 26 Kongochoji (Kongocho Temple)
Rubbed to prevent any cancers.
No. 25 Tsushoji (Tsusho Temple)
Needed to climbed-up…
The temple is located on a hill that can overlook the ocean.
How nice!
No. 24 Hotsumisakiji (Hotsumisaki Temple)
Entered from the back.
One Wish Stone Buddha
The Main Temple is surrounded by many nice constructions.
Sunstarted setting…the moment is so beautiful…
Proceeded to Mikurodo where Kobo Daishi practised.
While looking at the sky and ocean, Kobo Daishi decided to use the name Kukai.
Checked in at Hotel Riviera Shishikui in Shishikura Onsen (hot spring).
I like a tatami mat room and love an onsen!
Onsen water is slimy…you need to try it to understand what I mean.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7
A Christmas tree decorates the entrance of the Crown Palais New Hankyu Kochi.
Again, enjoyed local food buffet breakfast♪
No. 34 Tanemaji (Tanema Temple)
It feels good to start a day early.
I was at Tanemaji at 7:10 am. hahaha
No. 33 Sekkeiji (Sekkei Temple)
Finally facing Pacific Ocean.
No. 32 Zenjibuji (Zenjibu Temple)
Nice view from here.
No. 31 Chikurinji (Chikurin Tempe)
The direct translation of name of temple is Bomboo Forest.
Yes, moss is so beautiful and green.
Sorry, I need to catch up with my sleep.
I will continue tomorrow.
By the way, guess what I had for lunch today.
My friend invited me for a bowl of Jakoten Udon at the Ehime Prefecture’s satellite shop in Tokyo.
I think I had enough for Jakoten noodle. Hahaha
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (Night)
Checked-in at the Crown Palais New Hankyu Kochi.
I walked to Hirame Ichiba (market) to buy dinner.
I dined at a hotel room; menu is not bad; it was nice!
The internet connection is bad; I will share the rest when I return to Tokyo.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (Second 1/2)
Sorry, I was too tired yesterday and I was literally forced to shut down; no more energy to stay awake.
I will continue from later half of Day 6.
Kochi Prefecture is famous for bonito fish.
I enjoyed Katsuo no Tataki (bonito sashimi) with two different sauce: ponzu (soy sauce with yuzu citrus) and shiodare (salty sauce).
I also enjoyed a Katsuo burger (bonito burger); surprisingly very delicious!
Melon Soda
No. 37 Iwamotoji (Iwamoto Temple)
I continued visiting temples.
The ceiling is nice, but what Marilyn Monroe doing here…!?
No. 36 Shoryuji (Shoryu Temple)
No. 35 Kiyotakiji (Kiyotaki Temple)
At the bottom of Yakushinyorai (Bhaisajyaguru/Buddha of Healing), there is a maze in dark).
It was scary because I couldn’t see anything.
This was the last temple of the day.
I had time to enjoy Sun setting as well.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (1/2)
Starting my day with Japanese breakfast.
Hotel is just next to Uwajima Station.
The first temple is far from Hotel while driving, enjoyed a peaceful view.
No. Kanjizaiji (Kanjizai Temple)
My guardian, Senju-kannon (Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara)
Kaeru (Frog) is a good luck charm in Japan because it sounds same as “Return”.
Happiness Returns, Wealth Returns, Illness Reurns
No. 39 Enkoji (Enko Temple)
Water is good for curing eye illness.
Tap/rub some water around your eyes.
Further drove down to the most Southern poont of Shikoku island.
This is Shimantogawa (Shimanto River), one of three purest rivers in Japan.
No. 38 Kongo Fukuji (Kongo Happiness Temple)
The garden is beautiful.
This point is the most Southern spot in Shikoku.
This is John Manjiro who is one of people That studied in the USA.
He became a translator for Japan when Japan is opening isolation in the mid 1850.
I visited more temples today, but I need to go to bed now.
I will continue tomorrow, oyasuminasai
sonokotchi 