Category: Japan

• Saturday, April 20, 2019 Day
• Temples: Kumano Kudo
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

Kumano Kodo is a networked of Japanese trails taken by pilgrims for centuries connecting sacred sights. Ten years ago it became a “sister road” to the Santiago de Compostelle Camino in Spain. Both share unique values. Kumano Kodo leads to the three shrines of Kumano Kudo whereas Santiago de Compostelle leads to the Cathedral Santiago de Compostelle. Both use a stamped passport to document the pilgrimage.

The bird with three legs is Kumanos symbol complementing the Camino fanned lined scallop shell.

Three friends who met on Camino Norte spend their last day together exploring Japan’s Camino Kumano Kudo. How fitting.

1. Saburo and Namiyo with a Santiago de Compostelle scallop stone marker
2. Three Legged Bird Symbol
3. Three Legged Bird Symbol

• Saturday, April 20, 2019, Day 37
• Temples: Tamaki Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

Today begins ceremonies for the first Japanese Emperor in two hundreds years to abdicate. Emperor Akihito is stepping down because advanced age and his son the Crown Prince Naruhito will become the new emperor.

The Golden Week Holiday will be extended form April 27 through May 6, ten days.

1. Temples Ceremony – Priest
2. Temples Ceremony – Priest
3. Temples Ceremony -Drummer

Temple Ceremony Temple Ceremony Temple Ceremony

• Friday, April 19, 2019 Day 36
• Temples: Tamaki
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

On Tamaki Shrine mountain…

1. Koyasan in far distance
2. Tree
3. Tree
4. Violet

• Friday, April 19, 2019 Day 36
• Temples: Tamaki
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

Imagines on Tamaki Shrine…

1. Dragon
2. White Fox
3. Tiger (Linda is Year of the Tiger)

• Friday, April 19, 2019 Day 36
• Temples: Tamaki
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

Namiyo pointed out the Tamiko family shrine’s symbol looked like upside down Micky Mouse ears.

1. Towels at Hand Bath
2. Lamp
3. Temple Symbol

• Friday, April 19, 2019 Day 36
• Temples: Tamaki
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

The Tamaki shrine was donated by Saburo’s great-great grandfather and has continued as an active religious temple. It’s location a 40-minute drive from Saburo’s home high in the mountains.

1. World Heritage
2. Gate
3. Wash Hands
4. Bell
5. Temple

• Thursday, April 18, 2019 Day 3
• Temples: Tamaki
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka) Japan Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

Namiyo treated me to the traditional tea service. In the family shrine room was a sub flop pit used to heat the tea kettle. I am reminded all this is a once in a lifetime experience.

1. Tea Service
2. Tea Service
3. Tea Service

• Thursday, April 18, 2019 Day 36
• Temples: N/A
• Nara (75 miles from Ōsaka), Japan
• Weather: 55-65 degrees blue skies

With great delight Saburo challenge Namiyo and me to walk across this extremely long pedestrian bridge. I wanted to refuse; but, wouldn’t once I realize how enthusiastic Namiyo was to walk it. I clutched her hand the whole way.

1. Bridge running from from “3:00” to “9:00” position
2. L-O-N-G Bridge
3. Successful Duo!!