Arriving at the Pacific Ocean (temple 23)
This day was the last day in the Tokushima Prefecture.
The day I arrived at the Pacific Ocean, I stayed overnight at the Minshuku Yuki-so, one of various family – style lodging places that are often situated close to a temple. This Minshuku was very special because of the closeness to the ocean. This view was captured through the window of my room.
With the ocean closeby and therefore the threat of a tsunami, evacuation signs were posted in many places.
The signs on the polls are typical signs for the pilgrims to show them the way.
Yakuōji (temple 23) is a famous destination for people who are seeking good luck. It is said that Kūkai or Kōbō Daishi was once praying for good fortune for himself and others at this temple. Ever since, people come and ask for the same and leave money on the stairs. There are 33 stairs designated to women and 42 stairs designated to men. Both stairways were covered with money that has been donated. Every so often a priest came with a broom and brushed the money into a bucket. In Japan, numbers are very important. Uneven numbers are normally lucky numbers, and even numbers are usually avoided. It is also generally agreed that for men, the ages of 41, 42 and 61 are the most dangerous. For women, the most dangerous ages are 32, 33 and 61.
A visitor is hitting the Umpan (cloud – shaped gong) as many times as his age to ward off potential unlucky incidents. Usually, the Umpan is hung near the kitchen of temples to protect them from fire (rain-producing cloud) and hit at meal times at the end of a Zazen period.
The Pagoda of Yakuōji is another interesting site. Beside the statue of Kannon and Buddha, pictures depicting scenes of hell can be seen.
Hell scenes warning the visitors to live ethically to avoid suffering
The temple is located in the city of Hiwasa . Below, you can see the harbor and Hiwasa castle on the hill.
My path along the shore was scattered with fallen camellia blossoms
and surrounded by the stunning ocean
Along the shore, the path constantly went up and down. I was lucky not to have to carry my heavy backpack. My friend Kato-san unexpectedly came on a visit and took it in her car to the next lodge.