Into the realm of spirits
Temperature - 34
Food eaten - Yakiniku
Before you click away and wonder did Becca already write a shrine entry? Yes. Yes, I did, but this is different.
My head was stressed and my thoughts were sinking. So I took a walk, Japan is perfect for providing a backdrop of peace. But you need to be a little creative at times in finding these hidden peaceful spaces. I was in a city, I needed somewhere to clear my head and listen to the sounds of nature.
My walk alongside the ocean was helping, I was curious to see stuff hidden below the clear water. Being in Nagasaki sometimes there are remnants, echoes of a time lost but never forgotten. This channel leading towards the sea was no exception, I was enamored by how clear and blue the water was. I watched a heron and a bird of prey for a little while. And also watched the boats leaving the harbor. It was a new kind of peaceful, the moment I spotted the view during the nighttime and I knew, I wanted to return during the day.
Things were so loud in my head that I needed space to organize and try to figure out my options. As I have found in Japan, the path sometimes shows itself when you need it the most. Whilst walking along that road I noticed something peeking out above a roof. A single white tori gate, I knew immediately this tori gate was the start.
I hadn’t expected this shrine to be a vertical climb in places, but one cannot argue with fate. I had dedicated myself to seeing the top! I wanted to see what type of shrine lay ahead, and what views would I be rewarded with.
It was humid, very very humid. I had to rest and appreciate the view on many occasions. The trees broke every now and again to give me a teaser of the view to come. I could see the harbor slowly growing smaller as I ascended.
Into the realm of Kami and spirits. The garden statues on every platform reminded me that I had to be careful not to be spirited away. But maybe It was too late? maybe as soon as I walked under that white gate and up, I had accepted being spirited away.
I saw not a single human the whole climb. Even once at the top, there lone white shrine stood on its own. Quite and peaceful. The view was simply stunning and I enjoyed a good half hour just sitting on the grass admiring the peace.
It was something special, not another soul for miles. A place to just listen to nature and my breathing, which eventually forgave me for the exercise I had suddenly trusted upon myself.
Stay tuned for Sunsets and a new prefecture!
