Chairing & Short Pottering @ Iwaya, Tomigahana, Myokenzaki Lighthouse

 

It's a weekday today, so many people won't be there.

For some time, being away from the Noh chant practice.  Why not make it there.

Bought some snacks and a pet bottle of tea.

Headed to Wakamatsu North Coast Iwaya and Tomigahana

No cars parked in nearby parking spaces

Which way should I take - go right or left?

Interesting how the shrine was relocated from the original site where the lighthouse is now.

The Goddess's jealousy against the God who fell in love with the beautiful sunset was the trigger.
And the shrine was relocated to the east - where the sunset could not be seen.

According to "Fukuoka Prefecture's Top 100 Cultures Scenic Spots and Landscapes"

During the Edo period, only Nagasaki was open due to the shogunate's national isolation policy

　

In 1640, the Kuroda clan set up far-view guard stations at five locations (one was added later).

Iwaya Tomi-Bansho is one of them.

　

Bansho played important roles in crackdowns on smuggling, the rescue of shipwrecks, and defense against foreign enemies.

　

Around 1710, there was a 2 storied turret with a height of 4.5m and a width of 20m.

Two high-rank samurai and two fully furnished boats were stationed... and so on.

Keep going down the slope, there's a modern building.

This is the rest area with proper flush toilet facilities (separate for men and women)

The field of view spreads further, and the white waves crashing on the reef appear.

Misaki Shrine is located on a hill

I wonder who put it on - sea urchin shells, pebbles, and sea-weeds

Passing through the torii gate, going down the stone steps, and standing on the rocks that are perfect for playing on the beach

Fossils of shells are packed in rocks.

 

How come such a reef formation?

The sandstone rock surface is likely to be prone to sea erosion

Sitting on a rock listening to the waves for a while

The sound of waves is not too violent, and the occasional crashing sound is also pleasing.

Now turn around and head for the lighthouse

Now downhill on the left

an observatory right in front of the lighthouse

thistle is blooming

Lighthouse, how cool!

As expected - No one around

Assemble a folding chair

Alright!

have a look at the lighthouse

Pure white flower of Rosaceae

♫　sittin' on the dock of the bay
   watchin' the tide roll away ......

This rocky area is an example of the traces of the Japanese archipelago being cut off from the continent.

I'm back!

OK!  eat cream puffs and baby cheese and drink tea - preparing for the chanting practice.

While gazing at the ocean spreading out in front of me, I thought

This is not the atmosphere of "Kakitsubata'' (iris) Noh Chant - OMG! I brought a chant book of Kakitsubata.

"Hagoromo" should be better with its lyrics:

♪ The wind blows, and I can hear people's voices from the boat rowing on Miho's sea, from beyond the waves

While thinking that, I opened the chant book of Kakitsubata and prepared for practice.

What's done is done. 　

Took a deep breath in ...!

A bright young voice echoed behind me

A lady wrapped in an aura of happiness - the couple is heading toward the lighthouse

When walking along a rocky place with bad footing, a young man did escort her well.

Good luck!

The chairing in such a pleasant place is quite comfortable.

Blowing in the sea breeze for a while

Now the time!

I pulled up myself and took a deep breath.

There came the much older couple who supported each other ...

For a while returned to the chairing and nibbled on the fish sausage and the plum rice ball.

Have a cup of tea and take a break

Alright! 

Do it!

　

this time another young couple

Apparently, there seems to be a matchmaking spot - equivalent to a lover's sacred place

"Strategic mistakes cannot be recovered by tactical efforts! "
I think I read it in a Law of War book somewhere.

Withdrawing quickly is the last chance to minimize damage!

Put back the portable chair and carry a tote bag and back up the slope

In the car, gnaw the second piece of baby cheese

No more struggling! 　　

I should make the turn of "Poter-Kichi" waiting in the car.

Since coming far to Wakamatsu North Coast, pick up Kaitenyaki (sweet cake) in front of Wakamatsu Station, and then head to Green Park's Tonda Reservoir cycling course

(the park will be closed on Tuesdays, so good for cycling).

Got Kaitenyaki

- 6 pieces of white bean sweet paste and
- 4 pieces of red bean sweet paste 
for 1,000 yen!

(Worrying about the blood sugar level, thus eating a lot, is absurd.)

　　

Strike while the iron is hot!
Eat Kaitenyaki while it's warm! 　　

A piece of white bean paste still hot is delicious!!!

Have a cup of tea

　

Finally deploying and assembling "Potter-Kichi"

Slowly went around the pond circumference course of about 7 km

There are some gentle ups & downs, moderate shades, and tree tunnels, so not be exposed to the strong sunlight in the summer season.

On holidays, rental cycle groups with children go around both inside and outside courses...

Weekdays, especially on Tuesdays (when Green Park is closed) should be good if you want to ride around.

Normally, I would have made another round of the inner course, but somehow got tired.

Well, even with this, might be better than not running





[original blog: Jun. 2022]