Sunday, October 23, 2016 – Temple 57 (Eifukuji), Temple 58 (Senyuji), Temple 59 (Kokubunji), Temple 64 (Maegamiji), Temple 63 (Kichijoji), Temple 62 (Hojuji), Temple 61 (Koonji)

Today, we are doing the temples in a different order. The reason is to do Temple 60, which is a big climb and on the way to Mount Ishizuchi (tallest mountain in Shikoku) for a separate day.
I forgot to mention in my blog a couple days ago, that all of a sudden on my phone (which is using a Japan data SIMM card) all of a sudden I received this earthquake warning in English and Japanese. We couldn’t feel anything. Bob, thought he could feel the bench we were sitting on swaying a bit. Later that evening at the Sen Guesthouse the owner asked if we felt the earthquake. We knew then it was for real.

The day ended up being cloudy all day with some dark looking rain clouds. I had the rain gear at the ready. However, never had to use it. It was cool in the mountains.

We started early at Temple 57. Only took a few photos.

There was a wonderful view of Imabari city on the way to Temple 58.

Here are some of the Temple photos.

I really liked the statues in the gate of Temple 58, whch are to protect from evil spirits.

On the way to Temple 59, we passed a bonsai growing farm. I asked if I could take a picture and was invited in to see their wonderful bonsai display and served a wonderful cup of tea. They said they have entered some of their bonsai in the world bonsai completion. It was one of the highlights of the day.

They were absolutely beautiful and Bob wanted to take one home with him.

Temple 59 had a statue of Kobo Daishi where you could shake his hand and the seven gods of fortune statues.

It had an interesting water fountain.

We took the train to Temple 65 and worked back to Temple 61.

Here are some of Temple 65 photos.

It had an interesting statue of Fuda Myoo which was reddish color with the water running over it.

On the way to Temple 63 there was a garden with a cute dog statue I couldn’t resist to take photo of.

At Temple 63, there is a rock with a hole in it. It is said if you can walk from the main hall with your eyes closed while saying your wish and putting your walking stick through the hole that your prayer will come true.

Temple 63 had an interesting washing station dragon.

Temple 61 is a very modern huge building.

However, you could remove your shoes and go in and sit. There was a huge Dainichi Nyorai Buddha (which is my Buddha) and a statue of Kobo Daishi holding a baby in his arms.

Finally one last photo for Liz of a sample of the stamp that is placed in your pilgrim stamp book (nokyucho) which acts as proof that you have visited each temple.

Tomorrow we will do the big climb to Temple 60.