Weekly Short-Short Note | Sometimes Toshogu

Around the torii gate of Minami-Toshogu, palm trees grow tall, standing shoulder to shoulder with the gate. I think every time how magnificent the palms are, but the torii gate has become a supporting actor. Must I reveal to the head priest that he should consider the balance?

Nishi-Toshogu is well-maintained whenever I visit. It is as if every single pebble in the gravel path has been polished. Perhaps that is the reason. The number of worshippers is sparse, and even those I see occasionally walk on tiptoe, careful not to dirty anything. This will not do. Must I provide some guidance to raise awareness?

Kita-Toshogu is located in a mixed forest of conifers and broad-leaved trees, and it is delightful to see its expressions change with the seasons. Passing through the torii gate, stalls selling Tokyo cakes, corn dogs, takoyaki, and the like are lined up. Beyond that, banners for a Japanese confectionery shop stand in rows, all of them inscribed with '10-yen manju.' In front of them, a man wearing a fluorescent nylon jacket is handing out coupons. This is going too far. Must I bring down some divine punishment? I would rather not do it if I can help it.

Thinking about it that way, Toshogu is well-balanced. It has a nice atmosphere that makes me want to visit from time to time.

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