Oct 24, 2013 - 1 min read

Arai Shrine

A forgotten view over the coast of Ito

By John Carter

Community writer

An intricate carving surrounded by religious seals

The Torii separates houses and marks the beginning of the short climb up the mountain

Walking the coastline of Ito in search of William Adams past I stumbled upon a small shrine perched half way upon a mountain. Though I am unsure of its history, stepping beneath the torii of Arai shrine transported me to another age. Nearly enveloped by the mountain it seemed almost forgotten, and its solitude was almost ghostly. Though the day was heavily overcast the view from the shrine over the town took my breath a way. Ragging waves pummelled the coast and the sky was filled with birds of prey. It was a real pleasure for me to breathe the salt air of the ocean I’m used back home. The shrine was small but offered me a place to reflect and I left with a sense of well being.