Introduction
On September 5th, 2001, The Temple Guy took the single step that led to an epic pilgrimage of 10 weeks through the heart of Japan, predominantly on foot. This 2,000 kilometer (1,200 mile) Aki Meguri ("Autumn Pilgrimage") was in many ways the experience that solidified his status as "The Temple Guy." Throughout that experience I kept a daily homepage (before I know what a "blog" was). It was raw. What you see here is a slightly more processed version of those daily posts. In fact, this is the third incarnation of my experience. The first two had been built on FrontPage, a clunky old bit of now-defunct software; this one is all Web 2.0 (baby!).
Background Posts
The old Aki Meguri site had a great deal of background information, including the mechanics of how I put the trip together; some details of the trip itself; and several pages on the "prayers" that I said along the way.
Rather than bog down the start of the blog with all that, I've placed it elsewhere, but here offer a quick guide for those who are interested. (It appears on this archive's Guide page as well.)
A Sayonara Party--and a Close Shave
(Sun., Sep. 2, 2001)
Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.
Today was my "sayonara party," with over 60 people gathered in Nippori Minami Koen. (Yes, Kelso*, my party was in South Park.) We did the usual--ate, drank, and were merry.
Then the real fun began. My friends applied trimmer and razor to my head et voila! Now I look even scarier than before.
I'm still packing and cleaning for Tuesday's early departure, so the rest of this page is made up of pictures of the affair. If you came, THANKS! If you couldn't, here's what you missed.
Pre-start Blues: Whine, Whine, Whine
(Mon., Sep. 3, 2001)
Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.
I left this entry "as-is," but in fact many of the points here changed drastically. I didn't leave the next day; and I gave up on "pure walking" within the week, and ended up taking trains frequently.
OK, I'm writing this. I should be cleaning my apartment, or packing, or sleeping. But I just have to write for a minute.
I'm nervous. Scared, worried, frazzled. Those who have been around me the past few years will tell you how seldom that happens.
They say the longest journey begins with a single step. Bullshit. (After tomorrow, I can't say words like that anymore; although the Pilgrim's Vows don't specifically prohibit swearing, it seems inconsistent with the other clean-mouthed practices listed.)
The Big Day? NOT!
(Tue., Sep. 4, 2001)
Note: These log entries cover the days leading to the start of my Aki Meguri. You can read more about the entire experience starting at the Aki Meguri Guide.
After reading yesterday's logbook, I feel like a big cry-baby whiner. But today, I feel much better--despite the fact that I have been unable to leave on the day I intended to.
That's right. The launch has been postponed. The countdown has been suspended, but NOT cancelled. In other words, I won't be leaving today as planned, but tomorrow instead.
From Nippori to Shinagawa
(Wed., Sep. 5, 2001)
Wednesday, September 5, 2001 (click to see all posts from this day)
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Words-and-Pictures: Ginza
Note: This selection of Words-and-Pictures was made on September 5, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido.
Ginza is located near the start of the Tokaido, well within Tokyo's metropolitan area. It is between Nihombashi, the beginning of the Old Road, and Shinagawa, the First Station and the location of a barrier separating old Edo from the rest of Japan. You can read more about my visit to Ginza in my Logbook.
Ginza is located near the start of the Tokaido, well within Tokyo's metropolitan area. It is between Nihombashi, the beginning of the Old Road, and Shinagawa, the First Station and the location of a barrier separating old Edo from the rest of Japan. You can read more about my visit to Ginza in my Logbook.
Words-and-Pictures: Sengakuji
Note: This selection of Words-and-Pictures was made on September 5, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido.
Sengakuji is near Shinagawa in Tokyo. Shinagawa is the site of the exit barrier, which is Station #1 on the Old Tokaido Highway (I saw that the next day). You can read more about my visit to Sengakuji in my Logbook.
Sengakuji is near Shinagawa in Tokyo. Shinagawa is the site of the exit barrier, which is Station #1 on the Old Tokaido Highway (I saw that the next day). You can read more about my visit to Sengakuji in my Logbook.
From Shinagawa to Kawasaki
(Thu., Sep. 6, 2001)
Thursday, September 6, 2001 (click to see all posts from this day)
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Journal: Thinking vs. Walking
Note: This Journal entry was written on September 6, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido. Take a look at that day's Logbook for more.
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Things I'm learning about LIFE by walking...
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Things I'm learning about LIFE by walking...
Journal: My Companions on the Road
Note: This Journal entry was written on September 6, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido. Take a look at that day's Logbook for more.
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I plan to walk this road basically alone (although friends may join me occasionally). But I've discovered I'm not alone. Spiritually, I'm with everyone I know. Some have made requests; others have made donations. Still others are with me for various other reasons. But you're all here.
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I plan to walk this road basically alone (although friends may join me occasionally). But I've discovered I'm not alone. Spiritually, I'm with everyone I know. Some have made requests; others have made donations. Still others are with me for various other reasons. But you're all here.
Words and Pictures: Honsenji
Note: This selection of Words-and-Pictures was made on September 6, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido.
This lovely Buddhist temple is between Shinagawa in Tokyo Prefecture and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, which are Stations #1 and 2 respectively (from Nihombashi in Tokyo) on the Old Tokaido Highway. You can read about my visit to Honsenji in my Logbook.
I visited Honsenji again in the summer of 2004 as part of a pilgrimage to the Edo Roku-jizo (Six Jizos of Edo). An account of this will someday be posted elsewhere on The Temple Guy.
This lovely Buddhist temple is between Shinagawa in Tokyo Prefecture and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, which are Stations #1 and 2 respectively (from Nihombashi in Tokyo) on the Old Tokaido Highway. You can read about my visit to Honsenji in my Logbook.
I visited Honsenji again in the summer of 2004 as part of a pilgrimage to the Edo Roku-jizo (Six Jizos of Edo). An account of this will someday be posted elsewhere on The Temple Guy.
Words and Pictures: Suzugamori Execution Ground
Note: This selection of Words-and-Pictures was made on September 6, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido.
The remains of the Execution Ground lie in a pleasant suburban area between Shinagawa in Tokyo Prefecture and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, which are Stations #1 and 2 respectively (from Nihombashi in Tokyo) on the Old Tokaido Highway. You can read about my visit to Suzugamori in my Logbook.
The remains of the Execution Ground lie in a pleasant suburban area between Shinagawa in Tokyo Prefecture and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, which are Stations #1 and 2 respectively (from Nihombashi in Tokyo) on the Old Tokaido Highway. You can read about my visit to Suzugamori in my Logbook.
From Kawasaki to Hodogaya
(Fri., Sep. 7, 2001)
Friday, September 7, 2001 (click to see all posts from this day)
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Journal: A Change in Technique
Note: This Journal entry was written on September 7, 2001, as I walked on the Old Tokaido. Take a look at that day's Logbook for more.
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The realities of the road have--as they always do--caused me to make some changes in my approach to this trip.
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The realities of the road have--as they always do--caused me to make some changes in my approach to this trip.