Summer break

Last of the Kumano images - a bridge and torii gates, amongst the lush forest at Ise Shine.

Time to leave Japan over the summer break to head to Canada and the United States for work related college tours and a conference and some exploration.  The blog will return mid August.

Torii gate on an Island

This small island off the coast of Kii Katsuura in a bay opening to the Pacific Ocean features a small shrine and a torii gate.

Three Shrines on a Tuesday - Part 3

Crossed beams on roof of  Kumano Hongu Taisha

Lantern and Torii gate at Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Three Legged Crow- Yatagarasu - at Kumano Nachi Taisha

Each of the Kumano Sanzen shrines was a complex of  interesting (and photogenic) buildings, statues, lanterns, gates, fences with unusual features, each with a meaning in the Shinto/Buddhist tradition.

Kumano River

On my last day on the Kumano I took a boat trip down the Kumano River.  The scenery was beautiful,  steep hillsides, waterfalls, and massive boulders.  The water was an incredible aqua/teal/green colour.  The tour guide said it was due to plankton in the water - WOW.

Sushi in a line

Tuna lined up after being sold.  Ready for sushi?

Packed for Sashimi

Tuna were packed into wooden boxes ready for sashimi at local restaurants or for wholesalers to distribute across Japan.

Tuna Market

More tuna is landed at Kii Katsuura on the Pacific Coast of the Kii Peninsula than anywhere else in Japan. We were able to watch the lively early morning tuna auction. Lots of colour, movement and noise - like a cattle auction only lots of water!  Kii Katsurra was the end point of our Kumano journey. We enjoyed three days at this lovely and quaint seaside town.

Lantern and Flower

As mentioned in yesterday's post hydrangea were glorious!!

Monkeys and umbrellas

The path to Kamikura shrine in Shingu was steep and very wet the day we visited.  A family group of macaques crossed the path as I was going up and ran into the forest.
On the way down these visitors were sheltering under umbrellas for their walk up - very Japanese!

Three Shrines on a Tuesday - Part 2

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha

The deity or "kami" of Shinto shrine is hidden from the world. Each of the Kumano Sanzen had a set of gates, beyond which were other structures . Pilgrims would make an offering(coins) n and ring the bell at each set of gates.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

More Blue - Cannery Blues

The tuna cannery is next to the tuna market.  Huge murals of fish feature on the walls.  I liked the blue of the sky, the buildings and the water.