Work in Progress Wednesday

Zipper Pouch progress

More Little Cross Stitch

Blackwork Heart progress - I used small bits of threads leftover from other projects for the background. Next I will outline the heart with black thread and press it.

Kyurinji Temple and Toga Shrine near Miikedaira Tumulus

As I got ready to leave Miikedaira Tumulus, I noticed a nearby Temple and shrine on Google maps, so of course I had to take a look at them. Although the Temple and Shrine are very close to Miikedaira Tumulus, the route to get there isn’t direct and the roads are narrow.

Kyurinji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple. I was the only person there, but there was a barking dog at a nearby house.

Toga Shrine is up some stairs and there didn’t appear to be a parking area.

I read somewhere that this area covered by a tarp is a sumo wresting ring that is used once a year, but I couldn’t find more information, so don’t quote me on this.

Down the stairs and the long walk home.

Monday Morning Star Count - Six

 

Miikedaira Tumulus

My friends visited this place recently and told me about it. I was interested, too, after visiting the Mozu Kofun in December. It was a 90 minute walk from my apartment, but it was a good walk. After arriving at the location, there is still an uphill walk to get to the actual keyhole tomb, but it is worth it.

Soga-dera Temple, Fuji City

The Revenge of the Soga brothers (1193) is known as one of Japan’s three great vendettas. The other two are Igagoe Vendetta (1634) and Ako Vendetta (1703).

Brothers, Soga Sukenari and Soga Tokimune killed Kudo Suktsune to avenge their father’s murder. The elder brother, Juro, was killed by Nitta Shiro immediately after the vendetta, and the younger brother, Goro, was captured and killed the next day. Shogun Minato no Yoritomo ordered the temple built to console the spirits of the brothers.

The Soga brothers 

I’ve heard two heads are better than one.  I guess three are even better!

On another day, by chance, we found the hiding rocks used by the brothers and the grave site of Kudo Suktsune. (I am surrounded by Japanese history).