[Date & Time] Tuesday, March 8, at 10:30~15:45
[Spots] Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hasedera Temple, and Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha)
[Visitors] 2 Japanese-Americans
[Attendant] 1 KSGG member
[Language] English
The visitors came from Hawaii and had stayed here in Japan for two weeks. They like outdoor activities, especially running and cycling. I was surprised to hear that both of them had joined in Tokyo Marathon 2011, running the entire course in 4 hours something. When I showed them a postcard of cherry blossoms in full bloom along Dan-Kazura walkway, they said, “We would like to come to this place again when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.” Also, in front of dedicated sake barrels, they said, “We saw wine barrels offered from France at Meiji Shrine.” At Hasedera Temple, one of them said, pointing at Mitsumata, “This is a paper tree.” The view from its height full of hydrangeas was wonderful and they looked happy to see some surfers sporting on the waves. At Kotokuin Temple they seemed to be amazed at the huge size of the Great Buddha. When they entered its inside, it appeared that they could see how it was casted. She bought an omamori, or a lucky charm, for her father, wishing for his good health. They left Narita the next day, on March 9th, for their country. To my great pleasure, I got an email from them inquiring after my family in the Great East Japan Earthquake. In no time I sent a reply telling them my thanks and the safety of my family.