Yesterday after breakfast we left our rooms and went to the Namba Yasaka Shrine. Parking lots were full so Offspring #1 stayed with the car while the rest of us went to the shrine. We were not allowed to walk through the lion's mouth into the shrine but we could see it from the outside. Offspring #2 took close ups of the lion's nose. When blown up close enough she could see a pigeon living inside the left nostril. We put come coins into the box so we could ring the bell. If you ring the bell the spirits listen to your wishes. This location had shrines to horses and pigs as well. At the exit to almost every shrine there is a large container of water. Fresh water flows into it from a tap. There are two wooden cups with long handles. The expectation is that you cleanse your hands by pouring water on each hand separately and allow the water to flow into the floor drain. The cool water does feel good on the hands. After our visit we drove back to Yokosoka. The drive out here took 6 hours. The drive back took over 8 hours. Driving before 6 a.m. is the reason why the way there was shorter. We did get a good glimpse of Mount Fuji. We had long looks at the full harvest moon over the mountains of Japan. At one point we could see the harbor. One gigantic ship stood larger than all the others. A terrible motorcycle accident slowed us down. The motorcycle burned on the left shoulder and a person was getting medical attention next to the concrete barrier on the right. The accident appeared to involve the motorcycle only. Motorcyclists here do weave in between lanes. We could be parked at a red light only to be surprised by a cyclist appear at our left or right window. We made it home safely about 8 o'clock in the evening. The highways in Japan are smooth and well maintained. Most city roads are in great shape too. Some of the residential lanes are so narrow two cars could not pass each other. Parking is at a premium so I can see why so many people bike or use public transport.
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