Halfway through our Japan trip, today was a day about taking good care of ourselves. For me, that meant a pilgrimage to the summit of the sacred Mount Inari through the 10,000 bright orange Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The day was warm and sunny and I took my time climbing up the 12,000 stairs, stopping along the way at the many shrines. The wind blew cherry blossoms all around me like snow as I reached the summit. Pure magic.
The gates wind through stunning forest landscapes. Bird songs abound as crowds speak in hushed voices on the ascent.
The shrines are protected by fox statues. This one looked particularly playful.
Here you can see one of the many stone lantern posts that surround Shinto shrines.
Hannah joined me for part of the visit, then opted for some R&R at the hotel. In the afternoon, we both enjoyed in-room massages by petite older women massage therapists. Quiet dinner of smoothies and salads, a small sweet for dessert and then early to bed. Perfect nourishment for body, mind & spirit.
