Walking in Enoshima I came across many details that I hadn’t mentioned in my previous articles about my visit. When you consider them, you realise these details tell their own story.
Though Japanese shrines may all appear the same, I still can't pass by my favourite komainu shrine guardians without thinking that they are different. Enoshima’s stone komainu appear old and the seal of time pressed upon them is absorbing. I get the same feeling when looking at old lanterns covered with moss; some even have grass growing on them. I think they look more beautiful and romantic than modern bright neon lights, so I can never pass by without taking a photo. The bronze torii gate I came across during my trip gave a similar feeling.
In each shrine you'll come across pieces of paper tied on branches or a board - they are called omikuji and are actually fortunes. Whether or not they foretell a good or bad fortune, they should be left at the shrine after reading. Omikuji are usually printed on white paper but in Enoshima the paper is red & white.
My collection of manhole covers was added to with some new images I found at Enoshima. I'm also attracted to little details like garden corners decorated with shells, colourful souvenir shops. Familiar images of Daruma and Jizo are always nice to come across. I noticed some unusual signs like the ‘Caution!! Be aware of kites. They will try to steal your food.’ I saw them too, flying above areas where people rest and eat. Crafty birds!
Amongst the Enoshima's flora, I heard cicadas for the first time in my life. I couldn’t see them hidden in trees though by chance I found one in a public bathroom. I never realised they were as large as what they were. Very surprising and like much else of the details of my visit to Enoshima, a pleasant one too.
