February 4, 2012

• February 4, 2012 Mt. Takao

  February 4, 2012  Mt. Takao

  Today's "Go Somewhere" is Mt. Takao or Takaosan, located at the end of the Keio line from Shinjuku.  We have taken a cable car to the top of the mountain and are going to check out the shrine there. 

  

  This is a Tengu mask.  A Tengu is a mythical creature that lives on the mountain.  It has a red face and a large nose.  People have left potable offerings here.

     

  Here is another shrine altar on which are placed charms and talismans from last year.  Since it is a new year, all of the old talismans are expired, and must be purchased anew.  The old ones are brought here and left to be properly disposed of.  Another altar is for prayers for success in study.

  

  Here are some folks getting their picture taken in front of the main shrine.

  

  These are incense sticks being burned in front of the shrine.

  

  This shingle is called an ema, and since this is the year of the dragon, it has a picture of a dragon.

  

  This ema features a tengu, the local folk deity.

     

  You write your requests on the back side of the ema, and hang it on a board in the shrine in hopes that your request will be seen and answered.  I forget what is special about this old bell, but it must be very old.

  

  There is a smaller shrine behind the main shrine.  People have left the images many one yen coins as offerings.  At the present exchange rate, one yen is about a penny.

  

  Let's go around to the front of the shrine.  As you can see, we have had a bit of snow.  The shrine doors are open today.

  

  

  

  The plaques read: For War Dead, For the Gods who Protect the Country, For Those Who Died in Disasters, For the General Public.

  • 02:44
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