Awed by the Tozai Monjuzou group of statues worshipped in this shrine, centering on the Monju Bosatsu statue sculpted by the famous Kaikei, mounted on a lion. The birthplace of Abe no Seimei, the famous onmyouji of Japanese esoteric cosmology, the shichimairi experience in Ukimido Pavilion was one-of-a-kind.
Visiting the vast complex of Muroji located on Mount Muro in Uda, Nara Prefecture. Also known as Nyonin Koya (Women’s Koyasan) due to its acceptance of woman worshippers back in the day when most temples forbade women, the temple is a popular spot for autumn chasers thanks to its fiery red maple leaves.
Leisurely strolling in Awaji Hanasajiki, a flower park with a backdrop of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Osaka Bay. Different flowers can be enjoyed here throughout the seasons, and I was happy to be able to see the cosmos even though it was already the second half of November.
Oishi Park, the former site of Yura Fortress which was built to protect access to Osaka Bay through the Kitan Strait today offers a look at the remains of batteries. The observatories and lookout points from the park gives a great view of Osaka Bay, the Kitan Strait and the Tomogashima Islands nearby.
Visiting Izanagi Shrine, said to be the final resting place of the god Izanagi, who gave birth to the Japanese archipelago with Izanami. Located on Awajishima, the first island born during the kuniumi process, this shrine is also said to be the oldest shrine in Japan.
Sumoto Castle was a vital strategy for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s control over Osaka Bay, situated in Awajishima which is located in the strategic midpoint between the mainland and Shikoku Island. The tenshu seen today is the oldest reconstructed castle keep in Japan, built in 1928.
Located on top of Mount Senzan, said to be the first mountain created on Awajishima, Senkoji was said to be founded by a hunter who was led by a manifestation of Senjukannon (thousand-armed Kannon) in the form of a wild boar. Also serving as the first temple of the Thirteen Buddhas of Awajishima, the temple also worships Fudo Myo-o or Acala.
Exploring the filming set of the 1987 remake of Twenty-Four Eyes (Nijushi no Hitomi), a story about a female teacher and her first-grade students set in 1928 through 1946, depicting life before and after WWII. Though I have not watched the movie at the point of the visit, it was still an interesting and memorable experience.
Aside from the ropeway, another good way to explore Kankakei is by one of the hiking trails between Kountei (lower station) and the Sancho Summit Station. I opted for the Omote 12 Scenes Trail, passing by some amazing views and interesting rock formations, which was amplified by the beautiful autumn foliage during the season.
Basking in the beautiful sights of Kankakei Gorge in Shodoshima via the Kankakei Ropeway, a 5 minutes ride. The view of the sky, sea and gorge all in one is one of the most beautiful sights I have seen, added with the fiery autumn colors appearing in the second half of November.
Taking a stroll on Angel Road, a sandbar which appears only twice a day during low tide. Famous as a lover’s sanctuary, Angel Road is known to fulfil love wishes by crossing the sandbar with a loved one.
