First we swung by an old favorite - Takosenbei no Sato. My husband and I have visited this senbei (cracker) factory every time we have visited this island! We love the crackers from here. Unfortunately they weren't making any crackers while we were there, but we still got to buy a ton to take home!
Next, we found a (new to us) shrine. Izanagi Shrine houses the two Gods, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, that are connected with the formation of Japan. Folklore explains that Awaji Island was the first landmass created by the Gods. Two Gods came down from heaven and stirred the seas with a spear. When they lifted the spear out of the sea, drips fell from the tip and created the islands. Although the island is referred to as Onogoro in religious texts, scholars have declared Onogoro is Awaji Island.
Izanagi Shrine is the oldest shrine in Japan. People say it was built on the site where Izanagi and Izanami lived after becoming mortals. Shrine visitors pray for harmonious marriages and relationships as well as safe childbirth.
On the shrine grounds, there was a section of roof that allowed us to get an up close view of the fascinating thatched roofs commonly found on shrine buildings. They are meticulously assembled with small pieces of bark from Japanese cypress trees. Gifted professionals shape intricate designs into the peaks. The roofs last about 60 years and are fully replaced when needed (no patching). People rarely get an up close view of these, so I was appreciative of them putting it on display.
It was time for us to slowly head back to Osaka. But before we trekked all the way back, we made a pit stop to see Kobe's Chinatown. This locale holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my husband and I had our very first date. We tried to buy hum bow at his beloved Shi Koh Roh, but it was closed for a new year holiday! It was very upsetting as these are our favorite hum bow in the world! We refused to let it get us down and headed over to the main street of Chinatown to dine on street food from various vendors while regaling our son with tales of our first date.
All too soon, our short getaway came to an end. We returned the car and boarded the Shinkansen to head back to Tokyo. All was well, until suddenly an announcement came over the loudspeaker on the train. It was snowing in Tokyo and our train would be delayed getting into the station because it needed to slow down a bit due to the weather. With big eyes, my son tried to hold back his cheers. His wish for snow was coming to fruition! Snow in Tokyo!
It might have been a bit more hassle coming home in the snow, but we didn't mind one bit as it brought such joy to our son. It was a great way to end our trip, like the cherry on top of a sundae (or carrot on the snowman's face) that we waited 2 years to enjoy.
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