Temple 3 - Konsenji

Now this was more like it. We started to leave the town behind and encounter small agricultural plots, most of which are still grass but some of which see spring activity. There are a lot of streams and rivers in Japan, but most of these are man-made, diverting water along courses every block to two. Little bridges cross over, and deep ditches channel the water that flows during rainy season, or that is allowed to flow from the reservoirs and weirs higher up. 

Many homes are large in this suburb, with substantial rooves and turned up tiles eaves. Gardens are not large, but there is always something - pots of pansies, a well-pruned tree or two, a camelia bush. people nod in greeting as well pass by and reply to our "ohayo gozaimasu" or "konichiwa", depending on what time of day it is. They are used to seeing strangers walk past their house, peer at poles to determine which way the arrow sticker on then is facing, and consulting guidebooks (us) or ringing their walking stick bells (not us).

is this a pilgrim signpost or a real estate posting?

Martin hanro

lovely house seen on our way

Temple 3 has a deep well known as the Konsen (gold well). It is said that if you can see your reflection you will live until 92, but that if you can't you will be dead within 3 years. As we are 6 years apart in age, I have always intended that Martin should go when I go, given that the average lifespan of Canadian women is 6 years more than men. but how is that going to work now that we are both going to live until we are 92?

the gold well