Author: Linda

Ryokan – March 16, 2019

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

Room for one… tonight’s room was larger than my home’s living room. The minimalist decor created a calm affect. The ceiling beams were wider than I am.

Ryokan accommodations have private rooms with shared bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast are included. Price? 7,000/$63.

  1. Ryokan
  2. Ryokan
  3. Ryokan

Futons – March 16, 2019

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

Futons? Goldilocks would have said, “Just right.” Though the bed rests on the floor, several thick layers of mattresses allow you to sink down without sacrificing support. I sandwiched myself between fuzzy soft bedding.

  1. Futon
  2. Futon
  3. Futon

Anticipation – March 16, 2019

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

Dozens of religious statuary formed at line marketing the entrance to the Temple #12’s Gate. Most were double life size building anticipation and awe.

  1. Buddhist Shrines
  2. Temple Gate
  3. Buddhist Shrines

Forest Shrines – March 16, 2019

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

Seven mountains in the pilgrimage exceed 2,600 feet (5,280 feet in a mile). Today was the first major in less than 4 1/2 miles. The air was filled with chirping birds, rapping bamboo, and tricking streams. Trees seem to be six stories high and as straight as pencils. Century old Buddhist shines were tucked everywhere in the forrest.

  1. Buddhist Shrines
  2. Buddhist Shrines
  3. Buddhist Shrines

Vending Machine Challenge – March 16, 2019

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

Can you find the vending machines at Temple #11? Complementary beverage if you can correctly count the number of photographed venting machines.

  1. Vending Machine
  2. Vending Machine
  3. Vending Machine

“O-Settai”

  • Saturday, March 16, 2019, Day 3
  • Temples #11 and #12
  • Mima, Japan
  • Weather: 35-45 degrees, strong winds with white clouds in blue skies
  • 14.2 Miles / 33.2 Total Miles

As I was scooping out the best view point for photographing a sampling of the ubiquitous Japanese vending machine, an elderly woman driving a small pick-up truck stops in front of the vending machines delaying the shot. She inserts coins into the machine and out clatters two drinks. She turns to face me for the first time and approaches. Without a word spoken she places one drink in my hand. She walks away being trailed by my shower of “Arigatōgozaimashita” (thank you.”). As a “henro” (pilgrim), the Japanese custom is to give “henros ” small gifts called “o-settai.” A “henro,” never refuses and always gracious accepts the “o-settai.”

The bottle drink was a superlative tea and milk blend with a drop of sweetness served hot. Yummy.

[This delightful encounter came about because my sister-in-law requested photos of the infamous Japanese vending machines,]

  1. O-Settai
  2. Vending machine’s setting
  3. Vending machine’s selections