Japan – Day 13

Dave and I skipped breakfast and walked about 40 minutes to the Kiyomizu-dera temple. As we explored the area, we found ourselves surrounded by nature and following a path to the top of the mountain. Dave discovered the head portion of a rhino beetle. The decomposers had gotten to it, and it was very smelly. The colors of the reddish cedars and green ferns contrasted beautifully. We found this “mound” at the top of the mountain that looked a little like a grave marker to me. My electronic device translated the back side of it thus: Chronicle of Shayin The Marquis established this site amidst the charming landscape of hills and waters. An elder, having partaken of refreshment here, recounted how the Marquis—along with the Duke of Chunfang—came to offer sacrifices and lodge at this spot. Seeking to cultivate the land and enrich the people, the Marquis developed the area to attract visitors from afar; the elder, too, found the place delightful. Moved by this benevolence, he recorded the…