Getting wet sometimes pays off - A shrine walk in the rain👹🍣🎎 Mein Japan

When I am on the way, I try to look not only straight ahead, but also to the right and left. Off the actual way there is also a lot to see and so much to discover. That's why it's usually worthwhile to stop every now and then to take a look, and even to make a spontaneous turn and take an unplanned detour. If you follow your nose, you sometimes pass the most amazing places that you would otherwise never discover.

In the course of time, I have already driven many spontaneous detours, and I have already been able to discover and see quite a few things. Some of these places I have subsequently visited several times and now I am already quite familiar with them. Therefore, it may not be such a big surprise anymore when I stand there in front of the gates, but even now I still feel something like curiosity and excitement every time I make an unplanned stop and drop by there.

Some days ago it was just like that. I was driving through town on my way back from work, and all of a sudden I had the idea to stop at our main shrine, which was also almost on my route. It didn't take more than changing lanes and turning right off the main road, and I was there. Normally I would have driven by here quickly, but that evening I just wanted to take my time and walk a little round.

It was rainy, but that didn't stop me. I had even waived the umbrella, and it didn't bother me a single bit that I got wet during my little walk. Why not, I would be able to dry myself later. Now I needed a little change and inspiration.

As usual, the way to the shrine building led through one or more torii, those distinctive gates found at all Japanese shrines. It was already getting darker and the first lanterns were already lit, which contributed a lot to the special mood that prevailed around me.

Just before the last gate, there was this construction made of bamboo grass, through which you have to pass in a prescribed way to recharge your good luck. People in Japan are a bit superstitious, which might explain the reason for the many shrine visits.

When approaching the gate, I could suddenly perceive very special sounds, very fine and light. Already from a distance I managed to classify these tones, which are so typical for summertime here in Japan.

Countless small wind chimes were tinkling under the ceiling of the gate, creating a truly enchanting soundscape. Lovely and inviting, while at the same time refreshing and invigorating.

The rain was picking up, but I didn't care and continued my little round to the main building. In front of it there were some more illuminated constructions set up, which remembered me of last summer, when I saw a very similar sight.

Well, at that time the sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was hot. But that evening too, there were these red frames with the many wind chimes, performing their little concert in the wind.

This time it was raining and it was getting darker, but nevertheless, or maybe just because of that, the atmosphere around me seemed so intense and stimulating.

I was not in a hurry at all, and wanted to absorb and grasp the picture and the atmosphere that prevailed here in front of the shrine. It is exactly such scenes that fascinate me here in the land of the rising sun.

Even after several years here in Japan, this country has hardly lost any of its exotic appeal. Even though I have already gotten used to many things, I still feel this certain uniqueness that I always and everywhere encounter, and which still inspires me even now.

When I was standing in front of the main altar, it was shining kinda mysteriously to my left, and of course I had to look to see what there might be to see. Curiosity is always important, because it brings you to all the interesting places.

What was there to see? An assortment of lamps made from bamboo trunks, which would probably look wonderful at any garden party.

The bamboo logs were all perforated, and all those little holes formed all sorts of patterns and images. A great idea, showing once again that bamboo really is an all-rounder and there is probably hardly a purpose it can't be used for.

At the end, I took a look at the hydrangeas that were blooming right next to the basin for the ritual hand cleaning. These flowers are also so typical of this time of year, and you can find and admire now them in countless gardens and parks.

Here they even made it into the water basin, where they also looked great. They come in countless colors and hues, and over the past few years, I've become a big hydrangea fan myself. Flowers are simply wonderful.

My walk was coming to an end and I looked back a few more times to make sure I had seen everything. At that moment I was so happy to have made this spontaneous stop and to have walked this little round through the shrine. I got a bit wet but I was in a great mood. And even if I would have liked to stay a little longer, I was now all the more looking forward
to get home.

I just wanted to sharethis feeling and infect a few lovely people with this spirit. Maybe next time we will come here together and let ourselves drift. Maybe the sun will shine and it will be hot again, or maybe it will rain again. Neither would bother me, as both have their charm.

I wish you all a wonderful day and I hope you will come back soon to check out new pictures and impressions from the Land of the Rising Sun...