Solo Trip to Minamiboso in a Jimny | A Day Trip Visiting Shorinji Temple and Awa Shrine

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In preparation for a long drive to Kyushu scheduled for next month, I took my beloved Jimny on a day trip to Minamiboso this time. (Approximately 300 kilometers round trip)

The purpose was to visit the grave of a teacher from my high school days.

Since my lower back has tended to get tired during long drives, I installed a BONFORM Phiten Lumbar Support Cushion purchased on Amazon before setting off.

It is the perfect distance to test how it actually feels before my Kyushu trip.

Visiting my teacher's grave at Shorinji Temple

The destination is "Shorinji Temple" located in Minamiboso City.

On the way, I took a break at the roadside station Highway Oasis Furari.

I ate a "soy sauce ramen" at "Ramen Watanabe"!

It was light and delicious.

After the break, I headed to my destination.

I was a member of the judo club during high school.

The grave of the judo teacher who took care of me back then is at this temple.

I came to visit the grave this past February, but at that time, I only visited the grave and did not pay my respects at the main hall.

This time, I took my time to pray at the main hall as well.

A temple I feel a deep connection with.

When I visited the grave last time, the head priest and his wife took me to a local delicious soba noodle shop and treated me to a meal.

In fact, the head priest was also the mentor of my high school judo teacher when he was in junior high school.

From teacher to teacher...

I feel grateful that such connections continue to this day.

This time, I brought souvenirs from my trip to Ise as a way to thank them.

Unfortunately, the head priest was out, but I was able to give them to his wife.

Cleaning the grave with a high-pressure washer

Since I was there, I also cleaned the grave with a high-pressure washer.

It was a scorching day with temperatures exceeding 35°C.

Working under the blazing sun left me soaked in sweat from head to toe.

Even so, the gravestone became quite clean, and I hope my mentor would be a little pleased with that.

To Awa Shrine, one of Japan's three great shrines for financial luck

After finishing the grave visit, I headed to Awa Shrine, which is located a few dozen minutes away by car.

I learned for the first time on this trip that Awa Shrine is said to be one of the three great shrines for financial luck in Japan and has deep ties to Ise Jingu.

Since it was the middle of a sweltering day, the shrine grounds were very quiet.

I was able to pray at my own pace and spent a very peaceful time there.

I was drenched in sweat by the time I returned to the car, but strangely, I felt very refreshed.

Purchased the Minamiboso specialty 'Kujira no Tare'

On the way back, I stopped by Roadside Station Wadaura WA-O!.

I bought 'Kujira no Tare,' which I had been curious about for a while.

It is a local dish passed down in Minamiboso, and although I haven't eaten it yet, I am looking forward to it.

If it turns out to be delicious, I would like to introduce it in another article.

Impressions of trying out the lumbar support cushion

This round-trip drive was the perfect distance to test the effectiveness of the cushion.

To be honest, I only expected it to make things 'a little more comfortable,' but using it in practice exceeded my expectations.

It firmly supports the gap in my lower back, which stabilizes my driving posture and makes the strain on my back feel lighter than before.

I think this is a product worth trying, especially for those who have opportunities to drive long distances.

Next month, I am finally planning a long drive all the way to Kyushu.

Since I felt comfortable using it this time, I plan to take this cushion with me on my Kyushu trip as well.

▼ Click here for the lumbar support cushion I used this time

Summary

This time, I visited Minamiboso to pay my respects at my mentor's grave.

I was able to express my gratitude to the head priest and his wife, clean the grave thoroughly, and visit Awa Shrine, making it a very fulfilling day.

Furthermore, since I was able to confirm the comfort of the lumbar support cushion I bought for next month's Kyushu trip, my anxiety about long-distance driving has eased a little.

I hope to continue traveling to various places in my Jimny and introducing things I've actually used and liked, as well as places I've enjoyed visiting.

Thank you for reading until the end.