The harbor city of Imabari is in Ehime prefecture on Shikoku. Six pilgrimage temples are located relatively close together here. I encountered twists and turns on this part of the pilgrimage. Some of those turns were unnerving.
Walk with me while I figure this out over the next few days.
- Temple 54 Enmei-ji
(this post) - Temple 55 Nankobo
- Temple 56 Taisan-ji
- Temple 57 Eifuku-ji
- Temple 58 Senyu-ji
- Temple 59 Kokubun-ji
54 Enmei-Ji
Temple Of Long Life
These pointed stones are military graves from World War II. The war is a recurring theme during my walk on the north coast of Shikoku on the outskirts of Imabari.
Once again, Nio guardians at the temple gates.
Leaving Temple 54
Walking over 1,200 kilometers is a difficult undertaking. Each day starts out the same. I say goodbye to my host and walk to the next temple on the pilgrimage. Then at night I am greeted and welcomed by my new hosts. Getting used to spaces and rooms at inns, hostels, farmhouses, and ryokans keeps me alert.
It also keeps me on edge.
One day ago, I made a reservation for a place to stay for the upcoming weekend. Rooms can be tough to find if the search begins too late in the week. It is like Golden week, every week! I found a place through a booking website. Great, I thought.
For privacy or security reasons, these sites do not release a lot of good information, that is address and precise location until after the booking is complete.
Well, I could do a little detective work on g-maps to find out the actual location. In this instance, I did not for a reason I just figured out. My need to avoid disappointment – no availability, too expensive, language barrier, you know the rest – I simply booked the best place with a vacancy.
After I booked and paid for three nights, I had an immediate feeling of regret due to my impulsive actions. What had I done?
I found that the accommodation was on an island north of Shikoku called Omishima. I had to take a bus there. Then find my minshuku.
After my stay, I would make the return trip to Shikoku island.
Once I get my bearings back in Imabari I would continue my pilgrimage walk to temple 55.
In the end, unintentionally, I would “lose” three days off the path and not visit one pilgrimage temple!
That night I literally grieved over my choice and felt that I failed myself. I felt lost, could not sleep, and that the worst mistake I made in my life was unfolding.
I remembered my friend, mischievous me. She is a jokester and my wood shop companion always eager for forgiveness and compassion from me. Tonight, I needed self-forgiveness and self-compassion to ease my mind and frightened soul.
Finally, I calmed down. I accepted that what happened was meant to happen. I just needed to observe how it unfolds.
Omishima Odyssey
The next morning, I actually felt better. My head was cleared of doubt in my ability to make decisions. Importantly, I welcomed the challenges and surprises waiting for me. The heaviness in my heart lifted.
Imabari station is located next to an information office for commuters, bikers, and walkers. I received good instructions for taking a bus to Omishima island.
Now, I am an unlikely passenger on a bus for a trip across the Seto sea to Omishima.
Crossing bridges
The Tatara Bridge (Tatara Ohashi) is a beautiful marvel of engineering. It was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world when it was completed in 1999.
to be continued…
See you next time in Omishima.
Baadaye and Mata Ne
Shirley J ♥️
This and several posts this summer will chronicle my pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking the 1200 kilometer-long Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Read my announcement here.
I am excited, and I am here, still walking. And just know this, I will return to tell the tale!
T54
2 thoughts on “🌸 Noire Henro-san: Imabari”
In obstacles, opportunity. Read that somewhere recently, and it seems timely.
Yes. Thanks for that and for reading today. And always give peace a chance!