Day 23: A morning of unexpected temples
This morning I set out south from my hostel with the intent of visiting Shorin-Ji temple, as I had heard that they have a very nice garden within their walls and unique Goshuin for those who visit. It was a short walk, approximately 3km, and was nestled into a neighborhood like so many temples and shrines throughout Japanese cities. Were I not looking specifically for it, it would have been easy to miss. Nearly all temples and shrines have a small fountain with wooden laddles for performing a cleansing ritual before you enter. By now I have becomes quite accustomed to this step, but I was happily surprised when finding the fountain in this temple to be filled with vibrant flowers. I quietly washed my hands and mouth, following the bow familiar ritual, and proceeded further in to the grounds. Like most urban temples and shrines, the grounds were not massive, but they were immaculately kept. I slowly strode along the path admiring the carpet of moss and stones that blanketed