One of the interesting things to me about Japan is that one runs into its religion in the most unlikeliest of places. Coming from a place where 400 years is a long time, it is different to realize that one is in a land which has been inhabited with a record history for at least 4-5 times that.
On an afternoon with a free day, I decided to try to see if I could find any local temples or landmarks. Turns out there was one not a mile from the hotel.
Along the way, I came across these two cat statues. They are named Hanako and Taro, and are built to honor the Japanese poet Sakutaro Hagiwara.
A small fox shrine on the edge of the street and the parking lot.
Oi Zao Gongen Shrine. Apparently (per the website) this shrine has an approximated 1,000 year history but was relocated in 1925 when a railway factory was built at the site. It was moved here approximately 30 years ago. It enshrines Fukuroju, one of the seven gods of fortune,
There was no-one at this shrine (it was a very small one) except for the rather sleepy temple attendant I woke up in the office for a souvenir.
One of the things that worry me a bit about touring around Japan is how much I would be able to understand without being about to read their language. Do places like this have translations available or does one have to just look it up after the fact?
ReplyDeleteEd, like everything it depends. The more well know and traveled places will usually have something in English. Smaller gems like this are much more after the fact. That said, the information is not too hard to come by: even this small shrine has its own website now.
DeleteW. in CA
ReplyDeleteWell TB,
It seems your responses are much more robust when you write about the One True God, the Great I AM. Today's Bible reading for me happened to include Deuteronomy 4:15-31. God commanded no graven images, even of Himself to keep His people pure to Himself. Do the Japanese worship at these shrines?
As for yesterday's subject, the Middle East conflict. It appears the world was saved from Iran having 11 Nuclear capable bombs in 7 - 10 day's time. Now we know that even the Saudis were pressuring for action.
One can conclude with a different result to the last presidential election, meaning if the opposition party won, we would have an appeasement government. The 12 day war in June wouldn't have happened and Iran would have attacked already. Not to mention the hostages released over the last year would still be in bondage or dead. We and all nations would be in defense mode and have sustained heavy losses.
I recently finished Hostage by Eli Sharabi. Very insightful about Hamas in the tunnels and the horrific treatment he and others endured. Unfortunately, there was not nearly as much about faith in his reflections as I had hoped.
There are many things setting my teeth on edge as to how the current events narrative is being communicated, but by the providence of God, the right actions have been taken in my belief and opinion.