古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その3－東慶寺・浄智寺）Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part 3 Tokeiji and Jyochiji) (October 31, 2022-No.42）
古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その3－東慶寺・浄智寺）Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part 3 Tokeiji and Jyochiji) (October 31, 2022-No.42）
１．東慶寺
東慶寺（とうけいじ）は、神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内にある臨済宗円覚寺派の寺院である。JR横須賀線の北鎌倉駅より南へ徒歩3分の地に位置する。
寺伝では開基は北条貞時（1272-1311 鎌倉幕府第９代執権、父は第８代執権北条時宗）、開山は覚山尼（1252-1306 鎌倉幕府の第8代執権・北条時宗の正室。父は有力御家人・安達義景、母は北条時房の娘と伝える）。現在は円覚寺派の男僧の寺であるが、開山以来明治に至るまで本山を持たない独立した尼寺であった。
江戸時代には群馬県の満徳寺と共に幕府寺社奉行も承認する縁切寺として知られ、女性の離婚に対する家庭裁判所の役割も果たしていた。この制度は女性からの離婚請求権が認められるようになる1873年（明治6年）5月の直前、1870年（明治3年）12月まで続く。近世の「縁切寺法」については、Wikipediaなどに詳しい記載がある。
当寺は文化人の墓が多いことでも有名で、檀家の墓地には鈴木大拙のほか、西田幾多郎、岩波茂雄、和辻哲郎、安倍能成、小林秀雄などの墓がある。
なお、境内での写真撮影は2022年6月7日よりすべて禁止となっている。
１．Tokeiji
Tokeiji is a temple of the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is located a 3-minute walk south from Kita-Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line.
According to the temple legend, the financial founder was Hojo Sadatoki (1272-1311, the ninth regent of the Kamakura shogunate; his father was the eighth regent, Hojo Tokimune), and the founder of the temple was Kakuzan-ni (1252-1306, the lawful wife of Hojo Tokimune, the eighth regent of the Kamakura shogunate). It is said that his father was Adachi Yoshikage, a powerful vassal, and his mother was the daughter of Hojo Tokifusa ). Although it is currently owned by a male monk of the Engakuji sect, it was an independent nunnery that did not have a head temple until the Meiji period.
In the Edo period, along with Mantoku-ji Temple in Gunma Prefecture, it was known as an Enkiri-dera Temple that was approved by the shogunate temple magistrate, and also played the role of a family court for women's divorce. This system lasted until December 1870, just before May 1873 (Meiji 6) when women's right to file for divorce was recognized. Wikipedia and other sources have detailed descriptions of the early-modern 'Enkiri-dera law（divorce law）.'
This temple is also famous for the graves of many intellectuals, including the graves of Daisetz Suzuki, Kitaro Nishida, Shigeo Iwanami, Tetsuro Watsuji, Yoshinari Abe, and Hideo Kobayashi.
From June 7, 2022, all photography within the precincts is prohibited.
There are many things to see in this temple, such as beautiful flowers and trees, but photography is prohibited. So unfortunately I can't post pictures here. Required manners must always be observed. This is the information board outside the entrance gate.
２．浄智寺
浄智寺（じょうちじ）は、神奈川県鎌倉市山ノ内にある禅宗の寺院である。臨済宗円覚寺派に属する。山号は金宝山。鎌倉五山第四位。本尊は阿弥陀如来・釈迦如来・弥勒如来の三世仏で、それぞれ過去・現在・未来を象徴する。境内は「浄智寺境内」として国の史跡に指定されている。
鎌倉幕府第5代執権・北条時頼の3男である北条宗政(1253-1281)の菩提を弔うために、1281年に創建された。
その後、高峰顕日（こうほう けんにち、1241-1316 鎌倉時代後期の臨済宗の僧。後嵯峨天皇の第二皇子）や夢窓疎石（むそう そせき、1275-1351 禅僧としての業績の他、禅庭・枯山水の完成者として世界史上最高の作庭家の一人）らの名僧が住持し、最盛期には七堂伽藍を備え、塔頭も11寺院に達した。1323年の北条貞時（鎌倉幕府第9代執権）13年忌には浄智寺からの参加僧衆は224人に達したと記録にあり、当時浄智寺の総人員は僧侶以外も加えると500人ほどに及んだとみられる。
15世紀半ばころから都市鎌倉そのものの衰亡と足並みをそろえて徐々に荒廃し、なお江戸時代末まで塔頭8院を維持した。そして1923年の関東大震災でその大部分が倒壊し、今日の伽藍は概ね昭和になってから復興された。
２．Jochiji
Jochiji is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It belongs to the Engakuji school of the Rinzai sect. The mountain name is Kinpozan. It ranks fourth among the Kamakura Gozan. The principal images of Buddha are Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, and Miroku Nyorai, each symbolizing the past, present, and future. The precincts are designated as a national historic site as 'Jochiji precincts'.
It was built in 1281 to mourn Hojo Munemasa (1253-1281), the third son of Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura Shogunate.
Later, Koho Ken-nichi (1241-1316, Rinzai sect monk in the late Kamakura period, second, son of Emperor Gosaga) and Muso Soseki (1275-1351, not only accomplished as a Zen monk, but also as a perfectionist of Zen gardens and dry landscape gardens. One of the greatest garden architects in history) was the chief priest, and at its peak, it had seven temples and 11 sub-temples. According to records, 224 monks attended Jochi-ji Temple on the 13th anniversary of the death of Hojo Sadatoki (the 9th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate) in 1323. It is believed that there were about 500 people.
From around the middle of the 15th century, it gradually fell into disrepair in line with the decline of the city of Kamakura itself, and maintained eight sub-temples until the end of the Edo period. Most of it was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and today's temple was mostly rebuilt in the Showa era.
Hotei-sama. Hotei-sama is a legendary monk who is said to have actually existed in China. Considered a good subject for ink painting, it is depicted as a pot-bellied monk carrying a large bag on his back. In Japan, it is worshiped as one of the Seven Lucky Gods（七福神）.
古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その2－建長寺と半僧坊） Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part2 Kenchoji and Hansobod )(October 31, 2022-No.41）
古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その2－建長寺と半僧坊） Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part 2 Kenchoji and Hansobo)(October 31, 2022-No.41）
１．Kenchoji
Kenchoji（建長寺） is a Zen Buddhist temple founded by Hojo Tokiyori（北条時頼 1227‐1263）, the fifth regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, and a memorial service（落慶供養） was held in 1253. The founder (the first chief priest) was Rankei Doryu (Daikaku Zenji)（蘭渓道隆 大覚禅師 1213‐1278）, a visiting monk from the Southern Song dynasty. In Japan at that time, after the Jokyu Disturbance （承久の乱 1221）, the power base of the Hojo clan was stable. It was a time when the power of the Imperial Court in Kyoto to control the whole country had weakened, and politically Kamakura had become the de facto capital of Japan. Hojo Tokiyori was a devout Buddhist and deeply devoted to the Zen sect.
The founder, Rankei Doryu, was a Zen monk from the late Song dynasty in China, who came to Japan in 1246 at the age of 33. He first arrived in Hakata, Chikuzen Province（筑前国博多）, and after temporarily living in Kyoto, entered Kamakura in 1248. He lived in Joraku-ji Temple (常楽寺 now in Ofuna, Kamakura City) until Kencho-ji Temple was built. At that time, Japan already had Zen temples such as Kennin-ji Temple (建仁寺 Kyoto) and Jufuku-ji Temple (寿福寺 Kamakura), which were built more than half a century ago, but at that time these temples were both Zen and other sects. As a pure Zen dojo（禅道場 Zen training hall）, Kencho-ji Temple is said to be the second oldest after Shofuku-ji Temple（聖福寺 kyusyu）. The layout of the temple is Chinese style, and Chinese is said to have been used on a daily basis within the temple. Rankei Doryu's Zen style was a strict one inherited from the pure Zen of the Song dynasty in China.
the approach to the main gate(Sanmon 山門）. A huge pebble（さざれ石） is placed.
the main gate(Sanmon 山門）. ーSince many temples were built on mountains, the gate built in front of the temple was called Sanmon.
behind Sanmon gate
This bonsho（梵鐘） is a hanging bell used as a Buddhist ritual implement in temples in East Asia. This is designated as a national treasure.
Bustuden（仏殿）. Butsuden is a building in a Buddhist temple where Buddha statues are enshrined and worship services are held.
Hatto（法堂）. Hatto is a building in a Buddhist temple where monks give lectures on Buddhism. 'Hodo' is mainly used in Zen temples, and is called Kodo（講堂） in other sects.
A replica of the statue of Shaka asceticism（釈迦苦行像） exhibited at the 2005 Aichi Expo held in the Lahore Central Museum in Lahore, Pakistan（パキスタンのラホール中央博物館） was donated by Pakistan after the Aichi Expo and was enshrined. The seated statue of Senju Kannon（千手観音坐像）, the principal image of worship, is enshrined in the back.
Karamon Gate（唐門）. the Chinese-style gate
behind Karamon Gate
２．Hansobo
Hansobo（半僧坊） is the guardian deity of Kenchoji Temple, which is located halfway up the mountain in the innermost part of the precincts. Hansobo Gongen, enshrined here, is said to be beneficial in warding off fire and bringing good fortune.
In 1890 (Meiji 23), Hansobo Gongen（半僧坊権現） was entrusted by the chief priest at that time from Mt. Akiba Hokoji Temple（方広寺）in Shizuoka Prefecture.
According to legend, Hanzobo Gongen was a white-haired old man who suddenly appeared before Emperor Godaigo's Prince Mumon Gensen Zenji（無文元選禅師） (founder of Hoko-ji Temple mentioned above) and forced him to become his disciple. And when Mumon Zenji died, the old man also disappeared.
It was during the Meiji era that the Hansobo faith spread throughout Japan. When Hoko-ji Temple caught fire, the grave of Mumon Zenji and 'Hansobo', the guardian deity of Hoko-ji Temple, were spared from the fire, and the reputation that this was due to the mighty virtue of Hansobo spread. .
On the stone steps leading up to Hansobo, there are 12 large and small tengu（天狗） statues.
Tengu is a legendary creature that appears in Japanese folklore and is said to be a god or a monster. They are generally dressed as Yamabushi（山伏）, have a red face, a high nose, wings, and are said to fly in the air. It is commonly regarded as a monster that leads people to the path of witchcraft.
Yamabushi refers to practitioners of Shugendo（修験道） who train in the mountains. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese mountain worship that aims to attain enlightenment through rigorous training in the mountains. It is also a religion unique to Japan that was incorporated into Buddhism.
12 large and small tengu（天狗） statues.
From the observatory in front of Hansobo, you can see Kamakura city and Sagami Bay, and you can see Mt. Fuji from the Fujimidai on the left. On this day, Mt.Fuji could be seen faintly.
古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その1－円覚寺と明月院） Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part 1 Engakuji and Meigetsu-in)(October 2, 2022-No.40）
古都鎌倉の寺社巡り（その1－円覚寺と明月院） Visiting temples and shrines in the ancient capital of Kamakura (Part 1 Engakuji and Meigetsu-in)(October 2, 2022-No.40）
１．Engakuji
Engakuji is a temple located in Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This temple is located north of Kitakamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line and was built in 1282. The founder who provided the property was Hojo Tokimune (北条時宗1251-1284, in office 1268-1284), the 7th regent（執権）of the Kamakura Shogunate who was active during the Mongol invasion. The founder as a priest was Mugaku Sogen (無学祖元、Bukkōkokushi仏光国師) (1226-1286), a high priest who came to Japan from the Song Dynasty（宋王朝）. The main purpose of the construction of Engakuji Temple was to mourn for the many spirits who perished in the Mongol invasion.
The Mongol Invasion is also known as Genko（元寇）, and is the name given to the two invasions of Japan by the Mongol Empire (the Yuan Dynasty 元王朝) and its vassal Goryeo（高麗） in 1274 and 1281 during the mid-Kamakura period of Japan. The first invasion is called the Bunei no Eki (1274 文永の役), and the second is called the Koan no Eki (1281 弘安の役).
Somon (総門, general gate) is the gate at the entrance of a Buddhist temple in Japan. It precedes the bigger and more important sanmon（山門）.
Sanmon gateーSince many temples were built on mountains, the gate built in front of the temple was called Sanmon.（Sanmon 山門）
Butsuden（仏殿） the Butsuden, which displays a wooden statue of the Shaka Buddha. The Butsuden was rebuilt relatively recently in 1964 after the former building was lost in an earthquake.
Karamon（唐門） the Chinese-style gate
Shariden（舎利殿） is a beautifully designed hall in which a tooth of Buddha is enshrined. It is designated a national treasure, but can only be seen from a distance during most of the year.
Ogane（洪鐘） Another national treasure found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (ogane).
２．Meigetsu-in
Meigetsu-in（明月院 Bright Moon Hermitage）is located about a 5-minute walk from Engakuji Temple. This temple is famous as a hydrangea temple, and you can enjoy various flowers throughout the four seasons. Autumn leaves are also wonderful.
After that, Hojo Tokimune（北条時宗）, the 7th regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, revived the temple as Zenkoji（禅光寺）. The founder of the temple was Rankei Doryu (1213-1278 蘭渓道隆). He was a Zen priest who came from the Southern Song dynasty in the mid-Kamakura period, and Mugaku Sogen（無学祖元）, the founder of Engakuji（円覚寺）, was his successor.
This temple was closed in 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era), leaving only Meigetsu-in to this day.
Gesyouken（月笑軒） This is a teahouse in the precincts of a temple.
main temple building（本堂）
Dry landscape garden（枯山水庭園）
Dry landscape garden
玉造温泉と三朝温泉ー山陰地方の名湯を訪ねる旅 Tamatsukuri Onsen and Misasa Onsen - A trip to visit famous hot springs in the San'in region(July 27, 2022-No.39）
玉造温泉と三朝温泉ー山陰地方の名湯を訪ねる旅 Tamatsukuri Onsen and Misasa Onsen - A trip to visit famous hot springs in the San'in region (July 27, 2022-No.39）
Tamatsukuri Onsen（玉造温泉） is a hot spring located in Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City（松江市玉湯町玉造）, Shimane Prefecture（島根県）. In the "Makura no Soshi," （枕草子；The Pillow Book）an essay written by Sei Shonagon（清少納言） in the middle of the Heian period (said to have been completed in 1001 AD), it is described as one of Japan's top three hot springs, along with Arima Onsen（有馬温泉）. Along with Kinosaki Onsen（城崎温泉）, Kaike Onsen（皆生温泉）, and Misasa Onsen（三朝温泉）, it is a hot spring resort that represents the San'in area（山陰地方）.
As for the effects of this hot spring, the quality of the spring is evaluated as having a moisturizing effect comparable to lotion, and it is particularly famous for its skin-beautifying effect.
There are many tourist attractions and historic sites near this hot spring. For example, there are the beautiful Lake Shinji（宍道湖） where you can collect delicious freshwater clams, the magnificent Izumo Taisha Shrine（出雲大社） that has long enshrined the god of marriage, the Adachi Museum of Art（足立美術館） with its beautiful Japanese garden, and Matsue Castle（松江城） with its national treasure castle tower.
Misasa Onsen（三朝温泉） is a hot spring located in Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun（東伯郡三朝町）, Tottori Prefecture（鳥取県）.
The spring quality contains radium and radon, which is the alpha decay of radium（ラジウムのアルファ崩壊）, making it one of the world's leading radioactive springs. It is said that a small amount of radiation from radon can be expected to improve metabolism（新陳代謝）, improve immunity（免疫力）, and have an antioxidant effect（抗酸化作用）. There are several medical institutions in Misasa that provide hot spring therapy, and the hot springs are used for various treatments such as hot spring pool therapy, drinking hot spring therapy, and mineral mud therapy, depending on the spring quality.
Near this hot spring are Mt.Mitoku Sanbutsu-ji Temple（三徳山三仏寺）, Nageiredo（投入堂）, a national treasure, and the Tottori Sand Dunes（鳥取砂丘）, about an hour's drive away.
On April 24, 2015, it was certified as one of the first 18 properties of Japan Heritage（日本遺産） under the title of “Place of Purification of the Six Roots and Healing of the Six Senses - Japan's Most Dangerous National Treasure Appreciation and World-Leading Radon Springs -（「六根清浄と六感治癒の地〜日本一危ない国宝鑑賞と世界屈指のラドン泉〜 」）”
By the way, Rokkon Shojo（六根清浄） means to purify the mind and body. In Japan, there is a mountain worship that believes that gods dwell in the mountains, and Rokkon Shojo is used as a training call.
The “root” of Rokkon（六根の「根」） means the force that can be felt by the sense organs. In addition to the five senses of the eyes (sight), ears (hearing), nose (smell), tongue (taste), and body (tactile sense), consciousness is collectively called the six roots. Purifying these six powers, and thus the mind and body, is called Rokkon Shojo.
during the journey（旅の道すがら）
１．Hiruzen Plateau（蒜山高原）
This is a highland area with an altitude of about 500 m to 600 m, and is one of the representative resort areas in western Japan (also called Karuizawa in the Kansai (Chugoku) area).
This area was designated as Daisen National Park (now Daisen-Oki National Park)（大山隠岐国立公園） on February 1, 1936.
From the Hiruzen Kogen Center (top photo)（ヒルゼン高原センター）, you can see the majestic mountain range of Mt. Daisen (1,729m above sea level). Hiruzen Yakisoba（ひるぜん焼そば） with miso sauce is famous as a local gourmet dish.
The photo below is Kazenoha（風の葉）, which was designed and supervised by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma（隈研吾）. It is a wooden building that was once used in Harumi, Tokyo, as a model for effective utilization of forest resources and eco-friendly urban development. The building has been relocated here. It is said that timber from this area is used.
２． the Adachi Museum of Art（足立美術館）
The Adachi Museum of Art, located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture（島根県安来市）, is a museum that focuses on modern Japanese paintings. It is famous for its 130 works by Taikan Yokoyama（横山大観） and the Japanese garden.
The garden is divided into 6 areas, including the dry landscape garden（枯山水）, the white sand and green pine garden, the moss garden, and the pond garden, covering an area of 50,000 tsubo（about 41acres）.
In the ranking of Japanese gardens (Shiosai Ranking) conducted by the Journal of Japanese Gardening, an American magazine specializing in Japanese gardens, it has been selected as the "Best in Japan" for 19 years in a row since 2003.
In order to keep such a large-scale Japanese garden always beautiful, it seems that ordinary efforts are not enough. I can feel the strong spirit of beauty of many people involved.
３．Yasugibushi (Song of Yasugi) （安来節）
Yasugi Bushi is a folk song from Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture. Including the humorous dance called ``loach dance,'' it gained nationwide popularity mainly during the Taisho period as a comprehensive folk performing art. At Tamatsukuri Onsen, a special stage was built along the river, and performers enthusiastically performed Yasugi Bushi.
Yasugi Bushi is a famous folk song in Japan, but I feel like I heard all the songs for the first time during this trip. I hope that this kind of pleasant performing arts will continue to be passed down in the future.
Izumo Taisha is a shrine located in Kitsukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture（島根県出雲市大社町杵築東）. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami（大国主大神）.
The foundation of Izumo Taisha is described in the "Kojiki" (712 AD, said to be the oldest history book in Japan 古事記), "Nihon Shoki" (720 AD, the oldest official history in Japan 日本書紀), "Izumo no Kuni Fudoki" (A.D. 733, the only surviving Fudoki that is almost complete 出雲国風土記) describes the tradition. Fudoki refers to records of the culture and geography of a province.
According to these legends, the enshrined deity, Okuninushi-no-Okami, is a regional deity who overcame many difficulties to pioneer the land of Izumo, and the land is the central deity of Heaven. It is said to have been handed over to Amaterasu Omikami（天照大御神）. Izumo Taisha is said to have been built as compensation for the transfer of land.
The regional deity is thought to be local rulers who pioneered and ruled the land, and the central deity is thought to be the Yamato regime（大和政権） pushing for the unification of Japan.
Also, Izumo Taisha is said to be the deity of marriage, which originates from the legend that Okuninushi no Okami and Suserihime（セスリヒメ神 Princess Sesuri）, who made an eternal vow as husband and wife, are enshrined at Izumo Taisha.
One of the pleasures of traveling is being able to think about Japan in the age of myths while visiting this beautiful and magnificent Izumo Taisha.
The photos show, from top to bottom, the fourth gate (copper gate) and the worship hall（四の門（銅の門）と拝殿）, the Yatsuashimon gate and the main hall（八足門と本殿）, the innermost Soganoyashiro shrine（素鵞社 そがのやしろ）, Okuninushi no Okami and the white rabbit of Inaba. Statue（因幡の白兎）, Kaguraden and Japan's largest shimenawa rope（神楽殿と注連縄）, and the approach to the shrine lined with souvenir shops
５．Matsue Castle and samurai residences（松江城と武家屋敷）
Matsue Castle is an Edo period Japanese castle built in present-day Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. Also known as Chidori Castle. The castle is said to have been built in 1611. It is one of the five castles designated as national treasures (the others being Inuyama Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, and Himeji Castle).
The castle tower has four layers on the outside, five floors on the inside, and one underground floor. When you climb the steep stairs to reach the top floor, you can see the city of Matsue and Lake Shinji. The majestic yet quiet appearance of the castle reminds us of the ideal samurai.
6．the Tottori Sand Dunes 鳥取砂丘
The Tottori Sand Dunes are a vast area of gravel that spreads over the Sea of Japan coast in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture, and are a typical coastal sand dune. Designated as a special protection area of San'in Kaigan National Park, it stretches 2.4 km from north to south and 16 km from east to west.
I have visited these sand dunes more than 40 years ago, and nothing has changed since then. Blue skies and blue seas, green pine trees, distant islands, vast sand dunes, and tourist camels... Even so, it's hot! ! Don't forget to hydrate frequently!
I am keenly aware that things that do not change are also important
７．Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter（倉敷美観地区）
The Ohara Museum of Art is one of Japan's leading private art museums, with a large collection of masterpieces including El Greco's Annunciation（エル・グレコの「受胎告知」）.
There are many fruit parlors in this area, offering delicious fruit parfaits. Peaches are especially sweet and delicious.
千葉市動物公園―すくすく育つ6頭のチーターの赤ちゃん Chiba Zoological Park―6 baby cheetahs growing up quickly (December 30, 2021-No.38）
千葉市動物公園―すくすく育つ6頭のチーターの赤ちゃん
Chiba Zoological Park―6 baby cheetahs growing up quickly (December 30, 2021-No.38）
Around 21:00 on June 8, 2021, a cheetah gave birth to six children at the Chiba Zoological Park.
Their mother is Zuraya（meaning African princess（ゼラヤ））) who visited Chiba Zoological Park on June 9, 2020 from Kristiansand Zoo（クリスチャンサン動物園） in the Kingdom of Norway. She is 5 years old, born May 27, 2016.
The father is one of three males. A DNA test will be conducted to identify the father. The three males visited Chiba Zoological Park from Prague Zoo（プラハ動物園）in the Czech Republic on June 15, 2020. They were born on May 14, 2018 and are 3 years old.
A total of 7 adult animals are bred in Chiba Zoological Park, of which 4 are female and 3 are male.
Of the 6 baby cheetahs, 4 are female and 2 are male. The females were named " Carolina", "Claris", "Charm" and "Claire", and the males were named "Carl" and "Chuma". They were open to the public from September 27th.
By the time the children's cheetahs were open to the public, they were only three months old, but already had the character of a cheetah. The exhibition was so popular that when we visited the zoo on October 18th, admission was restricted to the first 500 people. The numbered ticket was distributed several hours ago, but it ended immediately.
The lifespan of a cheetah is said to be 15 years in the wild, and there is a record of 19 years in a captive environment（飼育された環境下では）. We don't know how the six cheetahs born in Japan will live, but we have no choice but to wish them good luck.
Copy from Chiba Zoological Park homepage
Copy from Chiba Zoological Park homepage
Copy from Chiba Zoological Park homepage
Mother cheetah and 6 child cheetahs They are no longer babies.
It was difficult to take pictures because it was so crowded.
佐原の町並みと伊能忠敬―Sawara Townscape and Tadataka Ino (December 28, 2021-No.37）
佐原の町並みと伊能忠敬―Sawara Townscape and Tadataka Ino (December 28, 2021-No.37）
Sawara is called Little Edo（小江戸） in Hokuso (northern part of Chiba prefecture) because of its old town appearance. You can get there in about 2 hours by train, connecting from Tokyo to the JR Narita Line. This town prospered as a relay station for the Tone River water transport during the Edo period.
In particular, on both banks of the Ono River, which flows into the Tone River, there used to be many commerce and industry companies such as riverbank wholesalers and brewers, and the atmosphere still remains strong today. Some spots are designated as tangible cultural properties of the national and prefectural governments. It was selected as the "Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District" (judenken「重要伝統的建造物群保存地区」（重伝建）) for the first time in the Kanto region, and many of them have taken over the old family business and are still in business.
A sightseeing boat operates on the Ono River, which reflects the beautiful cityscape on the surface of the river, and you can enjoy the scenery from the boat for about 30 minutes. On both sides of the 700-meter cobblestone road where the historic townscape continues, you can see the former residence of Tadataka Ino, known for making the first map of Japan, and the Tadataka Ino Memorial Hall（伊能忠敬記念館）.
Tadataka Ino（伊能忠敬） was born on January 11, 1745 in Kozeki, Kujukuri-cho, Sambu-gun, Chiba Prefecture. He was adopted on December 8, 1762 and succeeded the Ino family. The Ino family was involved in sake, soy sauce brewing, and money lending, as well as the Tone River water transport, but the Ino family was about to fall. He revived the Ino family and left a considerable fortune. He was also the leader of the village.
In 1794, Tadataka made a request for retreat, handed over the family to his eldest son, Kagetaka（景敬）, and set about preparing to study calendar studies（暦学） in Edo.
On April 19, 1800, he left his home for Ezo (now Hokkaido) to survey and map the whole of Japan. He is said to have spent a large amount of personal property on his trips and surveys.
After completing surveys all over Japan, including many islands, he was in the process of making a map of Japan, and on April 13, 1818, he died at the age of 74 while being watched by his disciples.
In 2010, 2,345 items such as maps created by him, surveying instruments used, and related documents were designated as national treasures under the name of "Materials Related to Ino Tadataka". These were introduced to the Ino family and are stored at the Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall in Katori City（香取市）.
Despite his promise of a rich and gentle old age, he continued to carry out difficult surveys for 17 years. And it is surprising that he created a map of Japan that was extremely accurate at that time. What has driven him so much?
the Ono River and Sawara Townscape
the Ono River and Sawara Townscape
A sightseeing boat operates on the Ono River.
the Tadataka Ino Memorial Hall（伊能忠敬記念館）
Statue of Tadataka Ino on the grounds of the Ino Tadataka Memorial Hall
Part of the exhibits at the Tadataka Ino Memorial Hall. Some of the items designated as national treasures are also on display.
鹿島神宮ーKashima Jingu Shrine ―Visit a venerable shrine and think about the deities peculiar to Japan(December 26, 2021-No.36）
鹿島神宮ーKashima Jingu Shrine ―Visit a venerable shrine and think about the deities peculiar to Japan(December 26, 2021-No.36）
Kashima Jingu Shrine is a shrine located in Kyuchu, Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture（茨城県鹿嶋市宮中）.
It is a historical shrine that is said to have been built in the first year of Emperor Jimmu (660 BC 神武天皇), with "Takemikazuchi Ogami"（武甕槌大神）, the deity of martial arts, who was active in the founding of Japan.
The achievements of this god are described in the oldest history book in Japan, Kojiki (712 古事記), and the oldest official history book, Nihon Shoki (720 日本書紀).
Kashima Jingu Shrine has a precinct that is as large as 15 Tokyo Domes, and there are many attractions such as Mitarai Pond（御手洗池）, where Misogi（禊 a purification ceremony of Shinto style）is performed with clear spring water, and a deer garden（鹿園） where many deer play.
The forest in Kashima Jingu Shrine is a natural monument designated by Ibaraki Prefecture. The vast forest is overgrown with giant trees of castanopsis, tabs and fir（シイ・タブ・モミ）as well as cedar, and there are more than 600 species. It is also a big feature that the plants of the southern limit and the northern limit of growth are mixed.
By the way, what is the difference between Jinja and Jingu?
In the first place, a shrine is a ritual facility based on the belief in Shinto, a religion peculiar to Japan. Ubusunagami（guardian deity of one's birthplace 産土神）, Tenjin Chigi（deities of heaven and earth 天神地祇）, the ancestral deities of the imperial family and clans, and spirits such as great men and righteous men are enshrined as deities. According to the materials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, there are about 85,000 shrines all over Japan.
A shrine where this deity is the ancestor of the imperial family or has a close relationship with the imperial family is called "Jingu".
In "Nihon Shoki" (completed in 720 日本書紀), only Ise Jingu, Isonokami Jingu (Tenri City, Nara Prefecture 石上神宮), and Izumo Daijingu (referring to Izumo Taisha) were described as "Jingu". After that, in the "Engi-shiki jinmyoucho" (927 延喜式神名帳 えんぎしき じんみょうちょう), which was established in the Heian period, Ojingu (Ise Jingu Naiku), Kashima Jingu（鹿島神宮）, and Katori Jingu（香取神宮） are described as "Jingu".
In the place called a shrine, not only the deities of Shinto, which is a religion peculiar to Japan, but also a great variety of gods such as ancestors, the ancestors of the emperor, and grudges（怨霊）are enshrined. In addition, since the shrine also serves as a place to convey daily gratitude and wishes to God, many people visit it for various prayers, first visits, and weddings throughout the year. Surrounded by a lot of nature and trees, the shrine also has an aspect as a healing and power spot. It's a spot that anyone can easily visit, so why not try touching the connection between the shrine and Japanese culture in a nearby location?
In front of Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line
Otorii（The Main Gate 大鳥居）
Romon（Tower Gate 楼門）
The vast forest is overgrown with giant trees
a deer garden（鹿園）
"Takemikazuchi Ogami"（武甕槌大神）
Mitarai Pond（御手洗池）
