Fun of Good Old Japanese - 江戸・明治に学ぶ　楽しむ生き方

Kitamuki Kannon(temple) and Bessho hot-spring resort are in central Japan (Nagano prefecture) . It is written, “This temple is juxtaposed Zenkoji Temple (one of the most famous temples) to the south, and it was once said that without paying respects at both temples, one would become unbalanced.” Powerful clans ruled this area and they donated temples. However, not only temples but also the hot-spring and local foods have been magnetic for ordinary people ; many travelers have visited here. 長野県上田市 の北向観音は、南向きの善光寺と相対し、両尊を参詣しなければ片参りになるといわれてきました（通常、寺院は南向きに建てられています）。この地は、鎌倉時代に北条氏が支配。その後も真田氏などの豪族が支配して、名刹が建てられてきました。 寺院の魅力もさることながら、庶民にとっては、名湯・別所温泉も魅力 。北国街道から約 10km 離れていますが、多くの旅人が立ち寄ったのでしょう。   There are shops along the approach to the temple. 参道には、店が並びます。 I went into the temple ground. The  hot-spring water is supplied to the hand-washing font . We can sense the scent of sulfur while washing hands and mouth. It is named “Jihi (loving-kindness)-no-yu(hot water)”. It's a blessing. (The ph...

Zenkouji has been one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations since medieval era. The route visiting Zenkouji, Ise Shrine , Edo (old name of Tokyo), Kyoto and Osaka, was desirable for everyone back then. The hall (Chokkura-Oirai-Kan, or literally "Drop in a bit here") was a merchant house in front on Zenkouji. It is a community center at present with exhibition space. 善光寺は中世以来、人気巡礼地 。伊勢参り、善光寺参り、江戸見物、京大坂見物は、庶民にとっての一生一度の大旅行ルートでした。本記事では、 善光寺門前の代表的な商家・ちょっ蔵おいらい館 を中心に紹介します。門前商家はコミュニケーション施設として再生されました。長野市立博物館の付属施設です。   Zenkouji、善光寺 Although I visited on a  weekday in an off-season  (December, 2024), there was a decent number of people. It’s magnetic. 2024 年 12 月の平日でしたが、善光寺への参道はそこそこの人出。 さすが、善光寺さん です。 The  main hall rebuilt in 1707  is solemn; it is designated as a national treasure. I visited several times, however, I am moved every time. I come to Zenkouji! 1707 再建の 本堂 は威風堂々。５回以上、参拝していますが、いつも「善光寺さんに来られた」「お参りできた」というありがたさを感じます。 I went out the  main-gate ...

Komoro post-town in central Japan (Nagano prefecture) is on the old highway “Hokkoku- kaidou ” which links Karuizawa to Niigata (at the coast of Sea of Japan). Not only daimyo lords and samurai but also ordinary people to Zenkouji temple walked on the road. Komoro was also a castle and business town. Facilities built in the Edo period (1603 ～ 1868) are utilized as shop and so on. 中山道と北陸を結ぶ北国街道は、①佐渡の金、②北陸の大名、③日本海や江戸の産物が行き交う道でした。善光寺参りの旅人も通る繁華な道です。小諸宿は城下町、商人の町として栄えました。 江戸時代の建物が今も店舗などとして活用 されています。いいことですね。   I reached Komoro from the east; the atmosphere in the old days still remains. 東側（江戸口）から小諸宿へ、宿場の雰囲気が残ります。 The building “ Yora-kan ” was a shop which sold lacquerware and furniture; it is  an information center and a rest area at present . A former local government’s (han) vault was moved to its site. 与良館 は漆器屋・家具問屋だった松屋の建物。 今は、休憩所・案内所 です。敷地内には小諸藩の御用金蔵の銭倉が移設されています。 The building above is a  miso (soybean paste) manufacturer and seller “Sukyu” . It was established...