Distance: 15 miles
Temples: 24-26
Lodging: Temple 26, Kongochoji (金剛頂寺)
We started the day with a special treat, as our landlady ushered us outside to witness a "daruma sunrise". Under certain conditions a mirror image of the sun will appear during sunrise and sunset, and although very brief it's a neat effect. My camera was not up to the task, but here's an example of what it looked like.
We decided that it would be best to give Aldin's feet a rest day and have him take take public transportation. As we discussed our plans at the bus stop an old lady pilgrim walked past us and then returned a few minutes later to ask if she could take a picture. Apparently she decided the sight of two young foreign pilgrims was too unusual to not get a photo of. Our saviour from the night before also drove by on her way to work, honking and waving.
I left Aldin at the bus stop and started on my way, planning to meet him at the next temple. About 20 minutes later I hear a honk and look over to see him cruising down the road in a car. It turns out not long after we separated a car pilgrim saw him and decided to offer him a lift. Why ride the bus when you can get door-to-door service?
Money was running a little low so I stopped at a post office to withdraw some funds. It was only 8:30am though, and the ATM didn't open until 9, so I walked down to the ocean, took some photos, and lazed about in the shade.
Why, Japan, why?
Temple 24, the first temple of the trip, was a big one. Situated up above Cape Muroto, it is here that the faithful believe Kobo Daishi achieved enlightenment and took his priestly name, Kukai, from the kanji for "Sky" and "Sea". (Kobo Daishi is a posthumous name.) The hike up to the temple was unexpectadly steep, but the result was worth it.
The Daishi as a Youth
The next temple of the day, 25, was a short walk and located in Muroto City, population 15,000. Again there was an unexpected hike up many stairs. However there was also a shop selling hats, and we both picked one up. Those brims would have been nice during the typhoon!
