Lucky timing!
Here in Nagano, there's a temple called Zenkjoji Temple. It's easy to think it's your typical temple. But it's not. You see, one day, every 7 years, part of the shrine is opened to the public so they can pray directly. And it doesn't happen for long either. Only on that day. Only for a few hours.
Just so happened, I was there on that day. At the temple, in those few hours. One of the few people in the world that got to see the hidden part of the shrine.
Everyone else has to wait another 7 years.
Very bizarre thought really.
When outside queueing to get inside the temple to see the usually hidden shrine, the head priest came out with his prayer beads and places them on kneeling people's heads to relieve their sins (I think). Very spiritual.
There's these big wood poles that have been put up just outside shrines with rope attaching them to the temple. The rope was to symbolise a line to the Buddha, touching the pole was supposed to bring you closer to him.
Of course no photos are allowed when inside. But the best I can describe it, is a wall of intricate gold art of Buddhas and other holy spirits. When I was there, some priests were going some kind of ritual, prayer thing. They had weird blocks on their heads. Need to ask someone about that...But any how, the shrine itself was beautiful. Lots of statues, covered with gold flakes, I believe some parts were gold. I threw some money in the box, bowed, clapped, prayed. Before having to weave my way out.
I was told there was a legend to this temple. The story for this place, was a woman who had no faith, was hanging out her laundry when a bull came through and caught some of her red cloth in its horns. She chased the bull until it brought her to a temple. The bull was gone, but the red cloth was draped on a statue. She then realised that the bull was in fact a god, this is where she found her faith.
When I was back outside I realised there were actually many other little shrines around. The clouds had darkened, but luckily I brought my umbrella. I strolled around, stopped to pray at the shrines as I always do.
Then there was this weird costume dude. I think it was supposed to be some kind of chibi Buddha. Whatever it was, it was weird and made some kids laugh, and others cry. A couple just stood there trying to understand it.
I headed off back down the road, found a udon place (so good, so cheap considering where it was) and carried on down the road. Then I head this music and realised there was a little section with a stage, food stalls and a covered seating area. Turned out it was some kind of talent showing from groups in the area.
So I saw cheerleaders perform to the Japanese version of Frozen's Let It Go, very talented. Then baton throwing kids and teens. The younger ones were adorable, but the older girls were very talented, doing spins and cartwheels in between throwing and catching the batons. In the break I nipped out of the area to find a vending machine. And spotted a guy with a cat on his shoulder...as you do...
Next was some older women doing some Japanese dance with these clappers, very snazzy stuff those ladies, fast rhythm and loud claps from the clappers. Formed a good contrast to the next ladies, in more elegant clothing and fans instead of clappers. They had slower music and far more gentle movements, but the fans made this somehow satisfying snap noise when they flicked them shut. Very nice to watch.
Next was two young lads doing tai-chi in traditional Japanese wear and red fans. Felt relaxed just watching those guys. They were followed by some guys in those dragon costumes. The ones that are mostly black cloth but have the face a dragon, two guys underneath making it go along. Some very loud drums involved. Didn't quite understand them, but still cool to watch more traditional things. Then it was time for them to shut down.
When walking back I did buy a packet of raw tuna, got back to the hostel and ate it with some soy sauce. Stuff of gods.
Then naturally, some drinks again...
Tomorrow! To Sendaj!