The Lucky Baker's choice

So, this'll be a tough one. Because I felt a little lull in my walking, but also because I'm now up to day 13 and the last day I wrote about was 7...

Again some of the places I went too were either already done, or unavailable. Like Day 8 was walking back and forth on the Philosopher's path. Anywho without further ado. Here are some new places and new thoughts.

Day 8

There aren't any pictures from this day because I enjoyed the "solitude" of the philosopher's path and Eastern Kyoto.

Day 9

Hyakumanben Chionji Temple: Here they do the 1,000,000 nembutsu or reciting and chanting the Buddha's name (Amida I believe) on repeat while holding a massive rope of prayer beads.

Day 10

Tenrikyo Temple: Not a buddhist temple but one of a Japanese new religion that has elements of Shinto, Buddhism and Abrahamic religions. Using both monotheistic and polytheistic god themes. I was not expecting such a religion when I entered this temple. 

Day 11

I can't recall where I went on this day. I think it was another time skip day of walking for 3 hours and not really getting anywhere. I have just now remembered that I spent this day doing Government fun and was the third day doing so, but also trying to find a walk able path up Mount Hiei.

Day 12

 Konkaikomyou-ji: A temple that has a cute monk statue with a big afro. They also had an interesting miniature temple bell for sale. Was tempted to get it, but would be difficult to transport.

 Okazaki-jinja: A shrine with a dedication to rabbits and reproduction for couples/otherwise. I saw a newly wed couple in their shinto wedding apparel here praying for such things.

Day 13

 Nagoya/Kannon-ji: Kannon-ji is another temple that has a special goushuin design, but I also got to write a sutra for Fudo Myoo (angry emanation of the Amida Buddha) with a "wish" at the end. The sutra/wish was then placed into a Japanese charm so besides the special temple stamp, I got a custom sutra/wish/charm.

 

Seven Days on moss

Today was a new attempt on the pilgrimage theme. I added a small run into the morning before I headed out to try and strengthen my legs and ready my body for the trials ahead. By the end I wasn't quite prepared. I was unable to go into any other temple due to the weather, fees, or there wasn't any one around.

Day 7

1.) Sekizanzenin: A temple connected to Mount Hiei and the marathon temple atop it. It houses a shrine as part of the complex and a theme of the seven lucky gods (shichifukujin), with a focus on Bishamonten and Fukurokuju. There are lots of Fukurokuju charms here.

2.) Manshu-in Monzeki: This temple complex is near an imperial villa that had an odd feeling to it. It didn't appear much like a villa or something imperial, but there were plenty of keep out signs.

3.) Mirokuin: A small temple just south of Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) right off of the Philosopher's Path.

Heart beating, pounding.

Feet stomping, carrying me far.

But soon will be far.

Now I am greeted.

Greeted by the flow of time.

Flowing forth and back.

The ground rises up.

And farther up still. I'm near.

Color streaming, threes.

Carpets of mystics.

The road continues, wooded.

I arrive, the gate.

Beauty everywhere.

Tears of joy stream from above.

Oh mighty seven.

Oh mighty seven.

Guide me on my concrete path.

The Philosopher's.

I am returned home.

A journey indeed it is.

Blessed days, I thank you.

Thankful for three stars.

Of the Happiness, Wealth, and.

Longevity, praise.

The Dai Nichi and Roku kkakudo

Today was the biggest challenge so far as it was raining for most of my walk, and many places I thought to try were closed or gated off. That said at the end when my feet hurt from being wet and rubbing with my socks and shoes I had a fun experience. I met the city bird buddha and a youtube travel guide. What an interesting time. This was about a 6 hour walk and in the vicinity of 24 km.

Day 6

1.) Rokkakudo: a temple in the center of the city with connections to the eastern mountains and another temple that is half way from here to Mount Hiei. It is also part of a larger complex that was under construction.

On a Hen Ro ...LL

Hi there again, I'm updating a bit after the fact, but I'm coming at you with multiple days. Sadly I'm not 100% sure where I went on all these days given the amount of places and distance covered over this time. But I'll do my best.

Day 2

1.) Shokoku-ji: A zen temple attached to Doshisha University and a large temple complex

2.) Goou Jinja (shrine): A boar/pig shrine for legs, feet, and general walking.

3.) Unknown smaller temple:

4.) Ninnan-ji (temple): Lots of Dainichi (Vairocana), Kannon (Avalokiteshvara), Amida (Amitabha), and many more! Also a pagoda similar to the one in Toji.

Day Three

 1.) Kamigamo Jinja (shrine): A famous shrine dedicated to horse(s), and Irises. I've been here before, but wasn't sure so I made a return visit.

2.) Ota Jinja (shrine): A smaller shrine not far from Kamigamo and has a beautiful iris garden on display.

Day 4:

1.) Junen-ji: A temple with unique architecture and a few impressive statues in their garden.

2.) Ryuhon-ji: A beautiful big temple that's nearby several other complexes and the grave of Shima Sakon.

 3.) Amida-ji: A nice temple nearby Junenji from above.