November 28, 2009

• November 28 - Aoshima

  Today we departed Kagoshima for the city of Miyazaki.  We revisited a place called Aoshima for the first time in 30 or so years.  We had gone there on our honeymoon, but I didn't have a clue about anything because I couldn't understand enough Japanese, so now I have a clue and was able to enjoy the area more than the first trip.

  

  The Aoshimian Manhole

  

  Aoshima Train Station

  

  A stream runs though a mosaic bed toward the ocean.  Let's follow its path.

  

  The island in the background is called Aoshima.  It is also called the "Devil's Washboard" because of the geological rock formations along this portion of Japan's Pacific coastline.

  

  

  We remembered staying in a room that had a view of the ocean and Aoshima, but this building looks too dilapidated to have been our hotel.  I will have to check our older pictures that are up in Tokyo.

  

  This fellow was giving a performance at the entrance to the crossing bridge.  Are these Indian drums?

  

  Let's cross the bridge to Aoshima Island.  The tide is high, so the Devil's Washboard is largely underwater.

  

  The waves have created some unusual rock formations.

  

  

  We have crossed under a Torii gate and are looking back at the mainland.

  

  Here is a shrine at the opposite side of the island.

  

  

  

  

  

  To the right is a short path through some woods to another shrine.

  

  If you go around to the back of this small building, you will see a place to try your luck at having your prayers answered.

  

  You buy a clay dish and try to get it as close as possible to the rock that is decorated with rope and paper.

  

  For a slightly higher fee you can purchase a scallop shell to throw.

  

  Here are some ropes to pull to ring the hanging bell that gets the god's attention.  Let's have a closer look.

  

  The ropes are covered with five yen coins ties on with colored paper strings.

  

  OK, Let's head back out of the shrine and continue our walk on the beach.

  

  The tide has receded somewhat and the Devil's Washboard comes into view.

  

  

  

  

  All of these stone rows are completly natural.

  

  

  I don't understand how these rocks got all the holes in them!

  

  

  Yep, gotta check and see if that was where we stayed.

  

  Devil's Washboard exposed.

  

  

  These are replicas of Haniwa statues.  They were buried around ancient graves.  I brought the lady on the left home with me.

  

  A shot from the train of the Miyazaki coastline that shows some more Devils' Washboards.

  • 00:31
  • 5 Comments