The 26. Day in Japan The breakfast is scheduled at 6:00 clock - as I said - pilgrims up early to take advantage of the daylight. Stand up is today at 5:30 clock. I've already packed my things the night before. Curious as I am, I look through the sliding door (shoji) into my room (heya). It separates my room from another room with decorative niche (tokonoma). So a room for two persons is made a single room. At breakfast (asa gohan, "morning rice") in Shokudo (dining room), I provide a two busloads of elderly Japanese women and Japanese society. I use the rice cooker (rice, gohan), the front of the Kobo Daishi Altar. From the cute waitress explains to me that the one, this time even hard-boiled egg (tamago) and abpellt with salt (shio) sprinkled. This will be the only time where I take my morning meal with hard-boiled egg to me. I find that this salt is just as amazing as you funk up mostly with soy sauce, kelp or Würzfischchen the food. In addition to the with bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) sprinkled soft Frühstückstofu, there is still a piece of salmon (sake) with pickled plum (ume-boshi) (daikon), a bowl of pickled radish, two small piles of spinach (Horenso) and seaweed (konbu), the obligatory bag dried Seaweed for rice and the spice from small fish and grated radish. Rounding out the whole thing with a miso soup (soy-based seasoning) with insert. After I aufgerappelt of the low tables again, pilgrims store I go to the directly adjacent to settle my bill of 6800 yen. Night, shared bath, plenty of dinner and small breakfast - you can not complain. My two Magdeburg women are seen not to be sleep in and then on the next available bus, the bus stop we've explored yesterday driving to Matsuyama.
I walk to the taps of Temple No. 46 and No. 47 over. Until the Bangai temple No. 9 Although it is only a stone's throw, the more difficult road under construction but the orientation. Along the way, I notice the adult cabbage, is this is an ornamental plant with bright or purple color, which grows sharp and then with yellow flowers. Particularly interesting I find a shrub that has only a few branches and leaves that look like but plugged tile on a pole.
digression Bangai temple Monjuin No. 9 / Tokuseiji (文 珠 院 / 徳 盛 寺)
"The summit of virtue Temple" was founded by Kobo Daishi and dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu. Unfortunately I can not add more info find on the net, thereby making the temple a very interesting idea. In particular, the huge statue of Kobo Daishi and the history that is recorded on stone, I'm interested. A small figure with feminine traits may be Saburo, who had brought to his quest for the Daishi over 20 laps of the pilgrimage back in before the dying in the arms of the monk attained forgiveness. But here are also statues of Fudo Myoo, (shichijukujin) the seven lucky gods and a Tengu, a goblin, that of the Yamabushi (mountain ascetic) is revered for its martial arts. The temple is full of cats lying around here and there, and a morose Impression, when I would interfere with nap. But now it is full to the point and the clock in the morning at 7.30! When a cat and a cat in front of my eyes begin to amuse, I flee into the pilgrim's office and am greeted by a squeaky "Konnichi wa" (good day). I look blankly at me and finally discover a small black bird with a yellow spot in a cage on the ground. One observation, I think with me that are among the most talented birds spoke on the skin. But with the many cats I would not put the bird on the ground easily. Perhaps the call for help even when needed, if any of these fat cats by the temple door . Squeeze Quick, the head temple, which acts with his long beard like a hippy, my pilgrim point (nokyochō) stamped and labeled. Another photo of the lions at the incense burner in and it goes in the direction of Temple No. 48
I shoot a few photos of the surroundings, a few flowers, a wheat field, even the toilets at the Inari shrine ensemble, which is associated with the Fudahajime-Daishidō, I take a photo. I walk towards Matsuyama, I hate cities, not only because the crowd is one of civilization on the nerves, but because the pilgrim signs from all the other details are hard to find. At a break in the Circul-K combining (24-hour store), I buy me a three-pack of buns. But they are not as expected with vanilla cream ("kasutardo") or sweet bean (Azukibohnen: on or anko) filled, no, it's margarine. I realize again how much I miss my European breakfast of bread, butter and jam. In the morning I just need a lot of sugar to get into gear. I pass the order flow Shigenobu, the adjacent golf course and look like a farmer his field. His field gear that has hung decoratively on his shed. Protected by a large hat and gloves, of course, he brings the field with a hoe to the weeds.
Temple No. 48 starts before me, a thick, red cat from. The red tiger, I can not resist, to which I am already been marked as a child, as my first house cat was a sweet, blue-eyed Bratz Sun After a round of petting I cross the arched bridge in front of the temple grounds and enter Temple No. 48 by the impressive Niōmon (gate with guard figures).
Digression No. 48 Temple Sairinji (西林 寺)
"The temple of the western forest" was founded in 741 by Gyōgi at the behest of the then ruler of Ehime, Ochi Tamamizu. From Gyōgi to the statues of Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten originate. But the temple was 807 by Kobo Daishi the present location laid, on which he carved the Jūichimen Kannon (Kannon Elfgesichtige) statue as Honzon (main deity). As in so many other temples of the Daishi has a source can arise here (no tsue fuchi - Source of stocks) as he thrust his walking stick into the ground. The temple complex here is deeper than the surrounding area and the nearby small river the Shigenobu. Therefore, it rises to the main hall (hondo) down, not up like the other temples. Due to this fact, the temple is also called Mugen Jigoku, with "jigoku" is the Japanese word for hell. So while the "Pure Land" (Pure Land Kannon; kind of paradise) goes up, you go down here in hell. In Japanese Buddhism, there are 19 levels of hell - eight burning hells, 8 frozen hells and three dens of isolation. The Sairinji temple is one of the "obstacle temples" (sekisho) of Ehime Prefecture, to send verwährend sinful pilgrims to enter through the main gate or in this case it even directly to hell. The temple buildings burned down completely 1624-1644 and rebuilt until around 1700 by the Fifth Lord of Matsuyama, Sadahide Matsuaira. The special feature of the main temple is that the Kannon statue will never put on public display, but to the Front Back Temple of the building has. Accordingly, the faithful worship of the Deity, by praying at the back of the main temple. Right of the main hall, in front of a building, Ema-do is called, there is a "parent-bamboo" and a "bamboo child", to promote domestic harmony of the generations to each other.
In nearby Jo-no Fuchi Park, the Daishi source formed a pond (take no fuchi - Bamboo bank), the water of the inhabitants once saved from starvation because their rice fields were all dried up. The so-rice farmers have saved thanks to a built to Kobo Daishi statue.
Sometimes you are really blind, while I respect has always been on special Trees and plants that may have its own story. Usually a sign post in the area, so that even the one who guessed the importance of this plant, the Japanese is not strong. But the bamboo plants, I have unfortunately not seen it had the nice little garden in the corner with stone lantern, the great peonies, low palm plant, and even the small bonsai cultivation, I photographed. The Buddha figure with the stone next to it, from which through a bamboo tube into a large bucket of water flowing with fish. Could it be the Tsue-no-fuchi source? While the old, dark door with the guard statues and the chicken wire cage looks more like a bird, it seems that some building was erected only recently or to be repaired because the wood to shine even yellow. At the gate stands a wooden box next to the Japanese Kanji (symbol characters), the words "Haiku Post" has in romaji (Latin letters). As you can probably throw himself wrote poems, but these are collected and published - so what happens with this "Post"? I see even one of my favorite characters Tanuki (Dachshund), which are available with begging bowl in front of the style of Kobo Daishi pilgrimage office.
the Jo-no-Fuchi Park I enter not, unfortunately, as it is before the temple on the other side of the trail, but according to the map there is also a kind of temple, an open pilgrims hut and a toilet is also shown. I do come shortly after the Sairinji miss out on a pond, where I can photograph a heron, but unfortunately it is not the pond of the said Daishi. be
Digression No. 49 Temple Jōdoji (净土 寺)
"The temple of the Pure Land" was originally founded by a priest named in the Emyō Tenpyo era (729-749), but it could also Gyōgi been, at least has the latter the statue of Shaka Nyorai carved. In the 8th Century, the temple was a place of homage to the Empress Koken (718-770, 46th and 48th emperor). The temple flourished and became increased to 76 hectares of land with 64 buildings. Between 774 and 835 are held in the temple to Kobo Daishi. 957 of the sect founder of the later school of Tendai Buddhism Kuya stayed here. Kuya (also shonin Kyūya; 903-972), who was also called Hichi-ni-Hihiri (city saint), left behind a wooden statue of himself to which he had been asked by the residents so they could remember him. Along with the statues of the first three patriarchs of the Shodo school of Buddhism, Enko Daishi (1133-1212), Shoko (1162-12389 and Ryōchū (1199-1288), considered them as "Important Cultural Property." Between 1394 and 1428 began the descent the temple in 1416 as all Samurai building burned down. Although the temple was the Kono clan if rebuilt even on a smaller scale, but in the end all documents and buildings fell victim to a devastating fire. Only in 1481 it was rebuilt by Michinobu Kono. The main temple was built in Chinese style, the main gate (Niōmon) is from the year 1922.
The monk Kuya (903-972) from the Tendai monastery preached the redemptive power of Amida (Amitabha Buddha) under the common people, for whom there was previously no Buddhist doctrine, for schools of Shingon and Tendai Buddhism were their complicated esoteric teachings for them not to understand. The mere call of Amida (the Nembutsu formula: Namu Amida Butsu) took center stage. If this were recited, it was said that the believers would inevitably or after death in the Pure Land (Paradise of the West "Jodo") born again. (See also Temple No. 50)
digression female emperor, succession today
(according to Wikipedia
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanisches_Kaiserhaus
modified) The Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy the world. The Imperial House recognizes 125 legitimate monarchs since the accession of emperor Jimmu. As ancestress is the sun god Amaterasu, the Jimmu the order and permission said to have been on the control of Japan. Most historians attribute the first fourteen legendary emperor rather than a historical character. The currently ruling emperor, Akihito is the 125th Monarch of the official chronology. Historically
ran the succession to Japan's Chrysanthemum throne general of male descendants of the imperial line. Some of the Japanese imperial dynasty owes its longevity to the use of concubines, a practice that only in the Taisho period (from 1912) came to an end. The Japanese monarchy also had certain side lines for this purpose. Remained the imperial house with no heritage, could provide a secondary line of an heir. (1867)
Before the Meiji Restoration Japan had eight female emperor, reigning empresses. Imperial daughters and granddaughters, ascended the throne but only as a "transitional solution". They all expressed their gratitude at the moment where an appropriate male descendant in the male line was available. Three of the reigning female emperor, Suiko tennō (33 Tenno, 592-628; 33rd Tenno), Kogyoku-tennō (35th and 37th emperor, 642-645 and 655-661), and Jito-tennō (41st emperor, 690-697), were widows of deceased male emperor and even princesses of imperial blood. A, Genmei-tennō (43rd imperial ruler, 707-715), was wife of Crown Prince and Princess Imperial. The other four, Gensho-tennō (44th emperor, 715-724), Koken Tenno (46th and 48th emperor, 749-758 and 764-770), Meisho-tennō (109th emperor, 1629-1643) and Go -Sakuramachi-tennō (117th emperor, 1762-1771), were unmarried daughters of previous emperor. None of these female emperor married or gave birth to children after they had ascended the throne.
Both Article 2 of the Meiji Constitution (1889) and the Japanese Constitution of 1947 states that the imperial throne can only be passed to a male heir.
It threatened a succession crisis, as has been born since 1965, no male child in the imperial family. After the birth Princess Aiko, there was a public debate about changing the law on the Imperial family to allow women the throne. In January 2005, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi convened a one to explore possible amendments to the law and legislation proposals. One of the options was to enable women in the male line of imperial succession, the enthronement. Japan, however, feared the legendary Y-chromosome, that so many centuries from one to the other heirs had been passed on to lose. With the birth of the heir Hisahito, the wife of his Imperial Highness Prince Akishino (Fumihito), second son of Emperor Akihito, on 6 September 2006, the debate over the succession ended at least for now.
I walk further into the level, always in the direction of Matsuyama City. On the way to Temple No. 49, I will now come to Temple No. 51 and then I rent a room in the hostel Matsuyama, I see a huge nets reclamped cage. Those Japanese who are the exorbitant membership fees not included in the Japanese golf clubs can afford to go, in such a cage, to indulge their passion for golf. Shortly before I arrived at the temple, I still see a building with a large, bright blue sign saying "Kumon" and a sullen-eyed smiley. This is a chain of cram schools in which the Japanese children to learn English. Unfortunately, since the opening of Japan many English and American foreign words have found their way into the Japanese language, this "Jenglisch" indeed the articulation of the foreign language, but written in Japanese syllables and also so marked. So that the term Kumon probably really should be "Come on" mean, other examples are already known to combine (" convenience store ", 24-hour business) or Koinrandori ("coin laundry"; laundry). As a result, the children speak the English words are not English, but in Japanese and must are then painstakingly corrected by native speakers from each country. Foreign languages are definitely a separate issue in Japan. No nation in the world and learn so many different languages and is too shy in the end to keep them in a lot of short vacations abroad to apply. Therefore, there are relatively many language schools or entire organizations, incorporating language and the associated textbooks and even offer language courses organized. But back to topic - I'd be happy if my Japanese would be as good as the English of the Japanese.
Just before the Hantaji I still see a shrine with Tori (gate), all red, beautiful, but remember the bar construction me at the gate of the detention facility in Bando.
When I reach the temple No. 50 reminds me of the great Niōmon (gate with guard statues) in the eye. It is replete with stickers, it will either protect them from insect infestation or a Japanese form of "I was here" pose. Nowadays it is forbidden, the old wooden buildings to "decorate" with the name labels, Now I like the name list (osam fuda) collected in the designated containers at the temple. Here at the gate hang countless bibs and miniature straw sandals, the latter being a symbol of the pilgrimage tour. With these gifts, you will probably agree, the grim-looking guard favorable. Simple the cute little slippers, I still think to myself, where you can buy that? A few days later, I had the idea of buying such a lucky charm to do almost given up, I find on the sidewalk a couple. Since the Daishi has probably want to make me happy!
Digression No. 50 Temple Hantaji (繁多 寺)
"The temple of the great prosperity" was established in 750 of Gyōgi, he also has the statues of Yakushi Nyorai, which is devoted to this temple, and Fudo Myoo (Goma Hall carved), which today are part of the "national heritage". The original name of the temple was Kōmyōji, but it is still Hata-dera ("Temple Farm") called. The name was, however, during his stay here by Kobo Daishi in Hantaji changed. Also Ippen Shonin (1239-1289), later founder of the Jishu school of Buddhism should have stayed here in 1275 to study Buddhism and practice. Just as the monk Kuya, he was known as "Wandering way of Nembutsu. Nembutsu ("Buddha mind") is a Buddhist teaching, in which the mere calls Amithabas Buddha (Namu Amida Butsu - "Homage to Amitabha Buddha") lead to rebirth in the Pure Land Amithabas " should. From this little corner out, removed from the difficulties of the "normal life", to the faithful of the entry into nirvana (resolution) easier. This doctrine was especially the common folk followers, who by their circumstances, does not have to look into Buddhist practice and which were closed to the esoteric teachings of Shingon. But the monk, who spent his life traveling around Japan, a hot temper is said. Since he came from a samurai family, the Kono clan (see Temple No. 49), he knew how to defend. And when his relatives, who harbored grudges against him, wanted to kill him, he stretched uncle but also cousins with the sword down.
Among his prime time 36 and 120 Temple In the temple to Hantaji, but few were able to fire and war unscathed. In the 11th Century, the temple of Yoritoshi Minamoto (?) Was reconstructed. 1279 in the temple under the leadership of Emperor Go-Uda (1267-1324; 91st emperor) prayed for the destruction of the Mongol invasion troops. They were to land by a "storm god" ("kami kaze") prevented in Japan. In the 16th Century, burned the temple down expanding again. Between 1681 and 1684 built the famous priest Ryuko the temple again and created a shrine (Shoden-DO) for the elephant-headed Indian god Ganesha, which is called in Japan "Kangiten. It helps with difficult tests, promotes business success and will also help with marital problems. The temple is located on Awaji mountain and from here you overlook the Matsuyama plane from which has grown out of the famous Kono Klan. Another highlight of this temple is, according to temple leaders, 60 m high concrete statue of Kobo Daishi on the hill behind the main building.
There's probably what went wrong, the 60 m-Daishi, but according to Turkington page on the Internet are actually in the Temple No. 51. But nevertheless this is an impressive, sprawling temple complex, they above the city, next to a water reservoir. And only the cherry - I'm just arrived at the right time here! While the entrance gate will be somewhat simple, it is actually (Sanmon) not more than one goal with a narrow roof, the new bell tower with the many painted panels is another visual treat. Each panel shows a scene from the life as it was probably several hundred years ago. A story or its main character is not recognizable to me, but the images are designed detailed and colorful. Here I see a picture of elephants, whether the well has to do with the elephant-headed god Ganesha? I am a little confused about the assignment of the warehouses in the main hall (hondo) with Fudo Myoo, Daishi Hall (Daishi-do) and Shoden-do (Hall of Ganesha) is concerned. But acting in front of a hall, a Shinto Tori (gate) is, it can be just about the hall, helping in the Kangiten (Japanese for Ganesha) pilgrims in examinations and marital problems. As soon as I allow myself to fight fatigue on a bench, two elderly women are already up to me to make me homemade, hand over to sweetened biscuit, two Madelein and a can of tea as Osettai (pilgrim gift). To thank them I would list my name (osam fuda) present, but they refuse. When I told them but offering one of my double-designed, colorful business cards, both are but a pilgrim in one note from me, because they have read that I am a "woman doctor" bin. I still tell them that the abbreviation Dr. rer nat on Dokotor of Biology (Dobutsu no Hakase ") applies, but the two ladies have been their next" victim "spotted here and let me spend my short break in peace. Here, behind the bell tower, stands a Gorinto, a stone tower of 5 parts, which each represent the 5 elements, and again I discover even behind the statue from the above-mentioned ribs, is sitting here, hiding his hands under his robe. If I make today is my daily goal, Temple No. 51, wants, needs I set off but now, although I would have here in the cherry blossom rain may linger even longer. On the way back to the gate I make still photos from the Iris and Iris and the ice cream vendor in the parking lot of his "Aisukurimu" (eng. icecreme) offering and probably waiting for a route network of pilgrims. Now I run almost all day on paved roads. But fortunately, Matsuyama City is approaching. At the roadside signs are marked "Matsuyama City Guide Map", now I just have a small river to visit Temple No. 51. But the moment the area is still rural and small urban. On a bamboo grove I see an older Mr. dig bamboo shoots, which he will then clean and placed in a plastic basket. One must still wonder how many Japanese still supply from the environment. Here in Germany you could possibly pick mushrooms or berries, but who does not is because such work, where you can in the supermarket much easier? A gas station with the word "Esso" and a coffee bar with the inscription "Cake & Tea" and "Patisserie Francaise - Boomarang" make me chuckle. Here in Japan everything is Foreign thrown into a pot, stirred and liaison mishmash again brought to light. Unthinkable, you walk in Germany with a T-Shirt with Japanese characters around, because we know what they also do not mean it just looks interesting. The nearly 3 km from Temple No. 50 to No. 51 Temple I bring fast behind me and already I'm at the entrance to the temple complex of Ishiteji.
Digression No. 51 Temple Ishiteji (石 手 寺)
"The Temple of the Stone Hand" is based on the legend of Saburō Emon, who, as we learn at Temple No. 12, the begging bowl of the Daishi in 8 parts had broken. After he died his eight sons in a very short time, he saw the beggar in the monk Kukai, Kobo Daishi was like during his lifetime. He set out on the path to seek Daishi in the Shikoku temples to apologize. After he turned 20 laps around the island clockwise, the gaunt man the Daishi arrived at its 21st Round, which he ran this time counterclockwise. The dying pilgrims Kobo Daishi asked for forgiveness and the monk replied that he had atoned for his sins with his temple visit and that he could fulfill his last wish.
His last wish was to be reborn as a lord of the province of Iyo (Ehime) in order to have such an opportunity to do good. The Daishi wrote something on a stone and the dying man pressed it in the left hand, passed away peacefully. The body buried on the monk Roadside between Temple No. 11 and No. 12 As a mark he came Saburōs staff into the ground, which immediately struck roots and grew to a mighty cedar. And when in the early 17th Century, the wife of the Lord of Yuzuki Castle gave birth to a boy, his left hand up to his 3rd Open age could not, was called a priest of the temple Anyōji. He was unable to open the hand of the little ones and there was a stone with the inscription "reincarnation of Emon Saburō" to light. As an adult, he took control of Yuzuki Castle and named the Anyōji temple in memory of this incident in order Ishieji.
The temple was 728, then under the name Anyoji, the Lord of Ivo at the behest of Emperor Shomu (701-756; 45 Tennō) founded. The halls were the prayer for national security. 729 visits Gogi (668-749) the Temple, which was at that time to Hoso sect. He carve the statue of Yakushi Nyorai and consecrate him to the temple. Over 813 Kobo Daishi here on ascetic training took part, the temple converted to Shingon Buddhism. 893 the Temple in Ishiteji was renamed. 1251 the bell was cast, which is today as a national treasure and Japanese heritage. 1318 Niōmon the (gate with guards) from Kono Michitsugu built the bell tower and 1333, but in the 16 Century, most of the once 64 buildings were destroyed. Remarkably, here are the mirror-like cherry (kagami-sakura), the bridge to the Temple (arai ishi), which is also called "wash stone," and especially the Treasury, in which the stone from the hand (Tama-no-ishi ) of Emon Saburo is kept.
The entrance is equipped with many statues, a bronze statue of Kobo Daishi no hat, a dragon with a deity - probably Yakushi Nyorai, a well with a dark stone-Daishi and countless Jizōs received here the pilgrims. Even, probably carved, figure of the kneeling Saburō Emon is situated here. The bridge, called "wash-stone" is probably based on the fact that here before could do laundry, because the bridge bridged only a really small river that flows before the temple, the whole street. A covered walkway leads through a small shopping arcade, which is currently boarded up completely. At the end, the gate in the giant straw sandals hanging, but already there is a small branch which leads to another small gate to a temple hall. In response, an information sign in English and a metal box for stamps are placed in the hand, tourists can "press on a". When I walked through the door, I come against clouds of incense wafted. My Eyes fall immediately on the three-story pagoda and the huge vajra (ritual battle scepter), which was set up in front of the main hall. I am particularly impressed by the frame on which countless 1000 Crane origami (Japanese paper folding) hang - a crowd of all sizes and colors. I roam the temple grounds, after I recited my sutras. Something strange has a collection of statues to me - men with little hut, which remind me of the stone giants on Easter Island. But the other statues, they are probably the 7th represent gods of fortune in wood to make a somewhat oblique impression. Perhaps this was also only the creator of these characters a little weird it? I find a building that looks from the outside as a Christian church, but a roof like an Indian stupa has (ring-shaped and white). Inside is a simple altar, but on the cover is a colorful Phoenix depicted against a blue background. Links from the main hall, is the pilgrim's office, it is a temple hall, before hanging a giant Chinese lantern similar to the Asakusa temple in Tokyo. I can barely sign my pilgrimage book, squelching me already an almost toothless type. Speak what Kobo Daishi and always points to the pagoda. Finally, I notice it but that he wants to show me only the huge Daishi figures here between the top two roofs The pagoda is visible. When he wants to fold cranes, but with me, I make myself out of the dust. Although it is still early, but I still have to find the hostel and a post office, so I can increase my travel fund again. When walking me is a sign at the gate to the eye, which lists the bad and the very bad years of a man or a woman. In those years, the probability of an accident to fall victim to particularly high. Since my 38th I Birthday on 13 July Celebration, remain only a few weeks until the saving goal. Also, I'm on a pilgrimage that was to protect me from bad karma and until now, but almost everything went well.
I leave the temple and walk down the street. Looking for directions to the Matsuyama Youth Hostel (Hostel) I ask a woman with a bicycle if I take the stairs or I should more torment the way up. Without further ado, she pulls me into the next shop and asks in turn, the shopkeeper in Japanese. I can play both ways, as both lead past the Youth Hostel. Quickly, I'm started up the hill, the stairs had led the way on the grounds of the shrine Isaniwa, the access road would have but again past the hostel. In the hostel I ask for a room and because I can relate at 15:00 clock, I leave my luggage in the living room and make me to find a post office with ATM.
I trot back down the mountain so the city center. I get a huge Clock (Botchan gizmo clock) by acting like a small pagoda and was designed by a famous Japanese novel (Botchan) is. Click to bathe their feet in a weary passers appropriate wells. I find instead a small station, in which a steam locomotive stands. After a brief detour through the shopping arcade, I am finally at the famous Dogo Onsen, Japan's most famous and probably the oldest (3000 years), low thermal bath. It is perhaps a three-story building that consists of several adjacent buildings, but it looks quite compact. The building one of the "national treasures" I walk around it several times, but at the moment is probably just made-cleaning: I can see three employees with mops and dusters, and the rickshaws in front of the door are empty. I do not want to take by this time someone has a bath, but in the late afternoon it is here only really busy, if tourists want to take pictures and the bath house guests, of course, dressed in yukata (cotton kimono), dare take a walk.
I now as a tourist, not as a pilgrim, on the way, I'm not begrudge me a short tram ride to the Shiroyama Park with the Castle of Matsuyama. gate before Prefecture Museum I, since I do not know exactly how far I go, since the Post Office is not located next to the park. I still run three stops. Always on the moat of Matsuyama, teeming with birds and I can spy on resting places some turtles along. I quickly find out the post office and raise money at ATM machines. I can breathe again and my subsequent pilgrimage is assured. Since today is Friday and the post offices are open mostly to 15:00 clock, I'm glad that I have yet done. Now I can on the way back a stop at the "Matsuyama Castle, Matsuyama way, means to make" Pine Mountain ".
information material on activities in and around Matsuyama even in German:
http://www.mcvb.jp/book/g/
But first I must find the entrance and stairway to the castle, because here in Shiroyama Park is built strong and all paths are obstructed by barriers. Running in the scorching sun is not very pleasant. Since I had left my pilgrimage equipment in the hostel, not just the backpack, but his hat and stick, it is now a very strange feeling without these "companions" to overcome. My face I've indulged in an extra helping of sun block 50 + + +, but still, I notice how the sun bites in Japan. The road meanders up the mountain, yet bewaltet, backed later with huge boulders. But suddenly a small creature pulls me out of my mind, screaming that want to cross in front of me the way I see it, and then examined the safety in flight. I think it was a kind of marten or ferrets. I am always amazed at how in large Japanese cities, there are still havens, where wild animals can survive. Best example is the Japanese macaque, wild monkeys that live in the mountains actually withdrawn, but in places like Kyoto, Nikko, but also live here in Shikoku (my experience at the shrine Ōsahiko) not only, but even with the tourists " have arranged. " They should be feed in any case, what most tourists do not take to heart, because the Viehcher so accustomed to humans and are becoming bolder when they have only lost the natural shyness. I sit on my way to the terror and wonder that I meet people suddenly in pink gowns, each of the three of a wheelchair, backwards bucksieren down the path. Oh no, I think, more of the center! And that's what played out before my eyes. Old people in wheelchairs and the disabled gathered here in the square with a row of shops. It has set up chairs, so do not fold up the old masters in the heat. The helpers in pink bring people put it off here and walk up to the castle again, a new momentum to get old people. My God, must necessarily make for a trip to the castle? I know that Japan is usually equipped for disabled people and wheelchair accessible, but you have to expect the old folks in the heat of such an ordeal? If it can not be a trip through a ground floor, green park? But this is Japan! Meanwhile, I bought a "Green Tea" ice (macha) that I am back down to cool to normal operating temperature. Now I know why people are here zusammengekarrt. From here a funicular runs up to the city. I for one will return , I decide to use, and wonder why the cable car does not find in the maps. When I then worked through the several steps up, I get when purchasing the ticket even brochure in English. Pamfueto (English pamphlet) titled this brochure here, although the German term "libel" for this pamphlet would be out of place. It's just a copy, but is reported extensively on the history, the structure, purpose and task of the many gates and towers.
digression Matsuyama Castle - the castle in Matsuyama (松山 城, Matsuyama-jo)
http://www.matsuyamajo.jp/
The Castle of Matsuyama in 1603 on Mount Matsuyama ("Pine Mountain", 132 m) built in the Dogo plain and should not be confused with the castle Mitchuu Mastsuyama, in the prefecture of Okayama in Takahashi (also called "Takahashi Castle") stands. Matsuyama-jo is located in the city of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture (formerly Iyo) on Shikoku. Originally built by Yoshiaki Katoh, the then ruler of Masaki, the three-storey main building (Tenshu) 1627 was completed. Lord of the castle but was ordered to by the then Shogun to northern Japan to the castle Aizu. The next lord of Matsuyama, Tadachika Gamo, who comes from the northern prefecture of Yamagata, died in 1635, shortly after the outer stone wall completed. The next lord of the castle was Sadayuki Matsudaira, under him, a new main building in 1642 created. His heirs continued the castle, until the New Year's Day in 1784 by lightning burned down completely. The present main building dates from 1820 and 1854th During the Meiji Restoration, the castle survived without damage, were parts of the castle in the 2nd World War II destroyed much. Since 1966, the city of Matsuyama effort to restore the castle. Today it is about the "Matsuyamajoo Ropeway, a cable car gondolas and a chairlift to reach.
Japanese castles are divided as follows from outside to inside: from the upstream walls (dorui) leads to a mostly with water (mizuhori) filled or empty (karahori) ditch. The main building (tenshukaku) is on a stone (ishi gaki) built, which forms a kind of courtyard, around which other stone wall rings rally can say "Honmaru" first ring "Ninomaru" (Japanese for two + round) as the second is called a ring up to four stone rings have, the last of which "Tsume no maru". With goals (Jomon) and towers (Yagura, Japanese "Arrow Camp") over, one approaches the main building. We distinguish the actual main building (Daitenshukoku) of which he was attached outbuildings (shōtenshukaku). Basically, the main building is divided into levels (-kai) and levels (-SO). The roofs and floors or levels are not the same as there are others between floors. The roof is called "irimoya" where one Japanese gables, plover gables so-called (chidori Hafu) be distinguished from Chinese "kara Hafu. At the gable corners you'll always find the Shachihoko, "Giebelkarfen", which are gold-plated statues of cross-species of tiger's head and fish body designed to protect the castle from fires. Traditionally, there are no windows, but loopholes (Hasama) since this is a safety device and not a palace. This is also reflected in the variety of goals again, which is next to the gate than Tiger (koguchi) titled input and the horses out (umadachi) are also apparent Goals and defense goals, where potential enemies could be stopped.
In Matsuyama Castle, it's time again for shoes and plastic slippers on. As so often in Japan you have to change their shoes or get plastic overcoat for street shoes handed. After the stories I've worked up, I always get problems with my big feet and small plastic slippers up the stairs, I enjoy a great view over the city. Panels which are attached here above explained, the viewer, which buildings are in each of his sight. can fortunately not too many people go, so I shoot photos in peace. From here I can make even the concrete of Kobo Daishi Temple No. 51. A sea of houses before the pale-blue ocean, pulling out only here and there, the green mountains bewalteten like veins into the gray center. The castle reminds me damn Kochi Castle, for here there is a forecourt with cherry trees and some shops that invite you to "Tea Time" or the picnic. The already mentioned "dolphin-fish," good luck charm that prevent fires to decorate the roofs here. I begin my return trip by cable car. With a car it's back in the city, but I could also take the chair lift, which here runs parallel to the gondola. On my way back to the Youth Hostel I still enjoy browsing in various stores. I love Japanese crafts, small patchwork cat, trailer, kimono accessories. There are even stores that carry only products with cats, cats on every conceivable things - from the cat stuffed animal, to clothing for the brooch, coffee mugs, etc. I admire another Shaku Hachi (flute), koto (Japanese zither) and a Shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument of the geisha) in a shop for Musical instruments, but then I discover a McDoof. Most recently, it is here to even buy hot dogs, they are offered as "Mega Sausage", but I stand by my default choice - cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets with "masutatu soso" a mustard sauce that exist only here in Japan. On the way to the hostel I met nor the tourist train from Matsuyama, a miniature steam locomotive with two cars to drive but neither steam nor electricity users. I type on an electric motor. A quick trip to the Daily Yamasaki, a 24-hour shop where I buy my tomorrow's breakfast and some food and I'm back in the hostel and my room can relate. It with bunk beds and tatami mats, like the one in Kochi, equipped and I pay 3360 yen as an individual. Lights yellow stickers that are spread everywhere, show a woman with a cat and the words "haha ami - sumairu", which is probably as much as "matron Ami - grin (smile)" is intended to mean, although I have checked in with a man . The yellow to match the building color, because the light is yellow. There is a common room with iron stove, a library, Internet access, and small shops, eating in which the warden snacks and hygiene items sold. It is really comfortable and the washer-dryer combo I'm very excited. Do laundry in one go - this is Japan! When I go to bed tonight, I wonder how nice it would be here as a tourist can still spend a few days.
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