Today, I set out to explore the abandoned shrine northeast of Konda Village. I’d heard rumors about it from the villagers, and my curiosity was piqued.
Getting Started
First, I packed my bag with some essentials: water, snacks, a flashlight, and my trusty camera to document my journey. Then, I headed out from Konda Village, following the path leading northeast. The path was overgrown in places, but it was still pretty easy to follow.
The Journey
As I walked, I noticed the scenery starting to change. The trees grew denser, and the air felt cooler. I spotted some unusual plants and insects along the way, and I made sure to take plenty of pictures. After about an hour of walking, I came across a small, worn-down torii gate, half-hidden by vines. This had to be it!
Exploring the Shrine
I carefully made my way through the gate and found myself in a small clearing. In the center stood the shrine, weathered and covered in moss. It was smaller than I expected, but it had a certain charm to it. I walked around the shrine, examining the intricate carvings that were still visible despite the years of neglect. I also found some old, faded offerings that had been left behind.
- First Discovery: I found a small, wooden box tucked away in a corner. It was empty, but it looked like it once held something important.
- Second Discovery: There were strange symbols etched into the walls of the shrine. I don’t recognize them, but I took photos to study later.
- Third Discovery: I heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. I didn’t see anything, but it made me a little jumpy. It might be a tanuki?
Reflecting
After exploring the shrine, I sat down on a nearby rock to rest and take it all in. It was peaceful and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling village. I wondered about the history of the shrine and the people who used to visit it. It’s sad to see it in this state, but it also felt like a hidden gem.
Heading Back
As the sun started to set, I decided it was time to head back. I took one last look at the shrine, snapped a few more photos, and then made my way back down the path. The journey back was uneventful, and I arrived back in Konda Village just as it was getting dark.
Overall, it was a really cool experience. The shrine was definitely worth the trek, and I’m glad I got to see it for myself. I’m looking forward to doing more research on those strange symbols I found. Maybe I’ll even come back to the shrine again someday.
