Temple #21 at 1,640 feet elevation has magnificent views with glimpses of the ocean and Temple #20. A ten-minute Ropeway (gondola) delivers me to tonight’s accommodations.
Different characters. Same spirit. Temple #20.
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Going to Temple #20.
Hina doll display in Katsuura town.
What does an henro, Japanese pilgrim, do when it rains? Smile, hang out at Lawson (convenient store),and walk.
Just strolling in the rain. Henro rest huts, kyūkeisho, are found frequently along the pilgrimage offering relief from rain and sun.
How would you make a better Hostess Twinkie in Japan? A simple conveyor machine containing individual mini-cake pans is filled with pancakes batter, topped with a drop of sweetened bean paste, and finished with a final layer of batter.
The shop had a line of people out the door picking up boxes of treats. We waited 45-minutes and it was worth the wait.
How’s it taste? It tastes like the lightest, fluffiest American pancake crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The filling is tasty with a hint of sweetness and the texture is creamy.
Patterns are quickly determined at each Buddhist Temple as they are uniformly composed of the same six elements. Temple Gate, Water Bath, Temple Bell, Main Temple, Kobo Daishi’s Temple and Office for marking stamp books. It is with purpose I move between each Temple lighting incense sticks, candles, offering prayer slips and donations. The I sit taking in the beauty and being at peace.
Sunday, March 17, 2019, Day 4
Temples #13
Mima, Japan
Weather: 35-45 degrees, overcast with light rains.
11.8 Miles / 45 Miles
Bus Tours. Most pilgrims come by motorized vehicles.
Between mountains, fertile flatland is maximized.
Linda Scandore 