After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we were on our way. On this day we were on our way to Izusan Shine - up 837 steps.
First stop was the historic Hashiryu Hotel Spring. It is one of three major ancient springs in Japan, discovered around 720 CE. The name “Hashiriyu” means “running springs”, derived from the unique way the hot water springs from the mountains and runs down to the coast.
This is how it looks inside.
We stopped here for a wood carving class with Hitoshi Yamazaki, a Buddhist carver, who created a Shinto piece for us.
The wood is camphor, with a wonderful smell.
Looking out - the red roof building is our hotel from the previous night.
The carving class was about an hour and a half. As we cleaned up, we enjoyed coffee.
This is my carving. We were each given a little box to keep our carvings in.
On our way again.
Izusan Shrine dates to the 5th or 4th century BCE, making it one of the oldest in the Izu Penninsula. The primary god enshrined is Izu Daigongen, an amalgamation of Honomusuhi no mikoto, Izanagi, and Izanami. Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed here for the restoration of the Minamoto clan. Later, Tokugawa Ieyasu also revered the shrine for good fortune. Now it is also known as a power spot for love and relationships due to the legendary encounter between Minamoto no Yorimoto and Hojo Masako.
We had another ceremony here, then visited the Shrine Museum.
The final part of our tour was lunch and a feedback session. It was a great trip, and I learned a lot!
On Saturday, I will have one more post from this trip, about hotels and meals.
I love your carving! The 837 steps, not so much! I think that would have done me in. But it looks like a wonderful ending to your trip, a fabulous journey into the past and the culture.
Hello Pamela: Wow what a great day trip, just trying to imagine 837 steps, I just cannot fathom how high that would be to climb. The year 699CE is another thought to think about, just my 74 years is hard to imagine.
I love your carving! The 837 steps, not so much! I think that would have done me in. But it looks like a wonderful ending to your trip, a fabulous journey into the past and the culture.
ReplyDeleteHello Pamela: Wow what a great day trip, just trying to imagine 837 steps, I just cannot fathom how high that would be to climb.
ReplyDeleteThe year 699CE is another thought to think about, just my 74 years is hard to imagine.
Catherine❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
I'd like to try wood carving some day, it looks like fun! This was a really fun trip, four you to take and for us to follow along.
ReplyDelete