And so it begins...

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Day 76: The finish line

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It is late and and I am sitting in my bunk in the heart of Tokyo.  I have officially trekked from Osaka to Tokyo, loosely following the Tokaido road from history.  It took me 10 weeks, with lots of stops along the way. It has been a long, surprising and complicated journey.  By my rough math I have walked over 1000 kilometers, with about half coming from the trail itself, and the other from the constant exploration I was compelled to do on my off days. Hell, I'd walked over 150km before I even left Osaka. But, here I am. So many roads and places behind me. So many days of physical and mental pains. So many chance discoveries and new friends made along the way. I'm not sure how I thought I would feel when I got here, but depressed wasn't on the list of guesses. I had hoped that I would feel happy, or a sense of accomplishment after such a long and difficult challenge, but I am mostly just bummed out as it feels like the end of something great. There is still a lo...
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Beginning my Goshuin collection; Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine

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One of my goals on this hike is to visit many temples and shrines along my route. In part to simply observe their beauty and appreciate the culture, but also to participate in a small way by praying and collecting Goshuin (temple stamps). My first stop of many to this end was at Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, the largest shrine in Osaka. This is where you must cleanse yourself before entering the shrine grounds. Sumiyoshi Taisha is noteworthy not only for it's size, but also it's iconic and magnificent bridge leading up to the main shrine ground: The water is brimming with turtles and koei . Most shrines and temples have a small office where you can purchase a book to collect your Goshuin in, called a Goshuin-cho. Larger shrines and temples will have goshuin-cho that are unique to their grounds. I am very pleased that I was able to explore these grounds, pray here and then receive my first Goshuin! I am looking forward to collecting many more along m...
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