Jogging up to Hozanji Temple at dusk (pics)
Just before dark I went running up the mountain to visit the Hozanji Temple. There were a few people up there getting ready for all the festivities that begin there tomorrow. We plan on hiking up with our daughter on New Year's Day. This is a kind of tradition for us -- here are pics of us doing it five years ago (before child).
One of the little things that makes Japan such a great place to live are the ubiquitous vending machines -- they are everywhere! And, they work — always. I have never seen one vandalized. Halfway up the mountain at the Temple there are four vending machines with both hot and cold drinks (note that there are few sugary drinks). With cold hands from the run up to the temple, I selected a can of corn soup and a can of miso soup (left middle) -- very hot and not bad tasting at all. Just what I needed -- I could warm my hands and get something decent to warm my insides too. If I ever left Japan I'd miss the vending machines too much to stay away for long :-)
Running down the mountain...
