From Ryokan to Great Shrine
We took a taxi to the big shrine 6 km away. This is the big one, the original beginnings of Shinto, and over 1,500 years old.
Given its importance, the Emperor that would be stepping down a few weeks after our trip, would be coming here for a few days soon.
Everyone (foreigners too) was invited to sign a congratulatory paper, and receive a small ceramic token/symbol related to the incoming Emperor.
With that once-in-a-lifetime honour behind us, we approached the large entry torii, and the bridge across the river to the shrine grounds.
The shrine occupied a large area, and the grand walkways were impressive.
Too bad the sky was overcast, and the lighting was terrible...
Oh well, until something interesting happens, I still think that pine tree looks worth a picture!
Appropriate hand washing, once more.
Ok, something interesting is happening... A large number of high school kids poured by, marching in 2's, boys first, girls following.
Yuko assumes they are students at the local high school which is named after this temple.
As they went by I said out loud: "Migi, Hidari, Migi, Hidari!", and the girls began to laugh, and then marched in an exaggerated fashion. In English: "Right, Left, Right, Left!"
They kept their ranks in this holding area, and then marched off to the shrine.
The buildings had an interesting interlocked architecture.
Lots of warning signs!
It looked like a training session. The proper way to open the doors was being demonstrated.
...next page.