Chigasaki is also famous for Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms. About 70 Kawazu-zakura trees are in full bloom on the bank along the Koidegawa River. The dark pink flowers look beautiful against the rape blossoms and the sunset.
Kawagoe, located in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, used to flourish as a castle town and is called “Koedo”. There are many historic sites such as shrines and temples, and the number of cultural properties in the Kanto region is said to be the third largest after Kamakura and Nikko. When I visited Kawagoe for the first time, it was covered with spring weather, and the white plum blossoms were in full bloom at Yakushi Shrine. The townscape of Kurazukuri remains well. The potato has been a specialty since the Edo period. The local sake is also delicious. The bell that is the symbol of the city is “Nihon Otofukei 100 Selection”. Shiki MASAOKA composed a haiku while he was a student here.
The Soga Plum Grove in Odawara is at its peak. At Kozu Station (KO- ZU) on the JR Tokaido Line, transfer to the Gotemba Line and get off at Shimosoga Station. About 35,000 white plum trees were in full bloom and reflected the sunset. Mt. Fuji is also nearby. This village of Soga is famous for ‘Soga Monogatari’, one of Japan’s three famous avenges. I remembered the Soga brothers at his family temple, Jozen-ji Temple.
That is the 79 th temple of Shikoku 88temple pilgrimage.The principal image is the 11 faced Kanzeon Bosatsu. It is said to have been founded by Gyoki. The temple precinct is adjacent to the Shiramine-gu Shrine where Retired Emperor Sutoku used to be enshrined, and the temple is a mysterious union of the shrine and temple. It is called Tennoji Temple for historical reasons. It is about 6 kilometers from Goshoji Temple. On the way, I was relieved to find a Sanuki dialect guide called “You’re almost there. Hang in there.”. I washed my hands with fresh water from the famous spring Yasoba just before this temple. Next to it is the tokoroten-ya (gelidium jelly shop), which dates back to the Edo period.
Early blooming rape blossoms are in full bloom at Mt. Azuma in Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. The weather was nice and the silhouette of Mt. Fuji was beautiful. The sweet scent of rape blossoms fills the air and makes me feel refreshed for a while. The flower language is “cheerful love”.Spring is drawing near.“Risshun” (the first day of spring)is coming soon.
A new commercial facility was built in Odawara last December. From the rooftop, you can see scenes of Odawara Castle and Sagami Bay that you have never seen before. It is interesting to see the castle tower of Odawara Castle from this angle. The sunset sinking into Hakone was beautiful. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the closing 2020 years.
That is the 78 th temple of Shikoku 88temple pilgrimage.The principal image is Amida Nyorai.This temple is a rare temple in the 88 sacred places of Shikoku where different sects of Ji sect and Shingon sect coexist. From Kaiganji I walked through Tadotsu and Marugame streets towards Takamatsu. I miss Marugame Castle. Beyond the Seto Inland Sea, I could see the mountains of my hometown, Kurashiki, and was filled with emotion.
Oiso has a beautiful row of pine trees and still retains many of the atmosphere of the old Tokaido. The beach of Oiso has been called “Koyurugi no Hama Beach” since ancient times, and is a place where beautiful utamakura (a place famed in classical Japanese poetry) appeared in Manyoshu.When the railway opened in the Meiji period, the area flourished as a seaside resort (Be the first in Japan) and as a villa area for Genkun in the Meiji period. Oiso is said to be the birthplace of Shonan due to its mild climate, and there are many historical places such as the place associated with Toragozen,, who fell in love with Juro, the older brother of the Soga brothers. I thought of it on the beach.
2021 has come. On New Year’s mornings there are many clear skies every year, but this year it was especially clear, and the sun’s rays were shining brightly. 2020 was a difficult year for mankind. I prayed for the first sunrise of the year. I look forward to working with you again this year.
Chigasaki Beach on New Year’s Eve had a clear air and the last sunset and sunset of the year was very vivid. There were so many people on the beach that they watched the last sunset of the year. I wish you all the best next year. Thank you for stopping by the chigasaki Sunset Museum this year. I look forward to working with you again next year.