Approaching the top of mountain and Shosan-ji was a statue of Fudomyoo, a strong protective god. Also known as Acala in Tibet and Nepal.
One of the tougher days. Up 1500 meters(4900 feet) and down 1500 meters while walking 36 kilometers (22 miles).
Only made it to one Temple today, #12, Shosanji but a special place being at the top of a mountain.
Gate to Shosan-ji
And the first of many mountain temples on the journey.
Steps to the main temple at Shosan-ji with Mika waiting at the top.
There we enjoyed an osettai gift of rice balls, with seaweed and plum.
After such a long ascent the downhill was brutal on the knees. We passed through a village with cute figurines all around. I like them.
5 strange but cute figurines.
I was a bit wobbly arriving at our Minshuku but was quickly revived after a long hot soak.
A nice gift of green tea was given to us by the owner of the inn(Ryokan) with a beautiful hand written note and a very kind message about our stay.
Kukai encouraging us to continue on this tough ascent.
Laying Buddha near top of mountain
This statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, next to Acala, is reminiscient of all the statues of Mary and the Baby Jesus on the Camino
Kukai, “You can do it.”
Jixo Bosatsu, god of nature and infants, who is everywhere on the trail through the mountain today.
Breakfast of seaweed, egg, pickled veggies, radish.and soupl
Best dinner yet; tempura, raw shrimp, thin noodle soup, marinated imitation crab, Hot Pot with Chicken, mushrooms, fried tofu, and onions as well as marinated cucumber and seaweed and radishes. Ans some great sashimi.
