The Maker Speaks
Ibaraki Shrine
A Black Memory of January
A Black Memory of January
Hi, everybody. I'm so happy to see you here with me now, guys. I'm talking about Ibaraki Shrine in Osaka today. Have you ever been to the shrine? I think most say no. It's not so popular. Why do I talk about that unpopular shrine? you might guess. I have lived in Osaka for a long time, and have visited the shrine. My personal experience led me here. You should not make light of personal experiences' power, I think. Now, I am explaining about the shrine first.
The shrine stands still in Ibaraki city, Osaka. Not in Ibaraki prefecture. In 807, it was built. Very old! The oldness is beyond my imagination. I'm surprised such a historic building has been near me. Naturally, it has been rebuilt some times. Or no one can be there for danger.
Ibaraki Shrine's Haiden
Source: Ibaraki-jinja, haiden.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photed on Feb. 14, 2018）
Entering the gate, you see a stone-paved road lead to the inner part. Haiden stands at the heart. Walking along the stone-paved road, you can find a gate to your right. It is usually called the East Gate. They say it is a gate of the Ibaraki Castle. You can find the castle nowhere today. It was destroyed in 1616. They somehow dismantled and reconstructed the gate in the Ibaraki Shrine. What's the meaning of removing nothing but the gate? I, living today, cannot see what it meant at all.
Ibaraki Shrine's East Gate
Source: Ibaraki-jinja, higashimon.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photed on Feb. 14, 2018）
You can see several tens of ume trees planted in the grounds. In early spring (or the end of winter), the flowers bloom silently but beautifully. How? Check it out actually, please.
My personal experience? Early in January, many street stalls open in the grounds for celebrating New Year's Day. I have been some times for buying a pack of small sponge cakes called Baby Castella in Japan. My mother likes it very much. Every time I got, the cakes weren't baked tightly and were almost pulp (rare?). I don't recommend but I can't stop you if you desire to try once.
The shrine stands still in Ibaraki city, Osaka. Not in Ibaraki prefecture. In 807, it was built. Very old! The oldness is beyond my imagination. I'm surprised such a historic building has been near me. Naturally, it has been rebuilt some times. Or no one can be there for danger.
Ibaraki Shrine's Haiden
Source: Ibaraki-jinja, haiden.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photed on Feb. 14, 2018）
Entering the gate, you see a stone-paved road lead to the inner part. Haiden stands at the heart. Walking along the stone-paved road, you can find a gate to your right. It is usually called the East Gate. They say it is a gate of the Ibaraki Castle. You can find the castle nowhere today. It was destroyed in 1616. They somehow dismantled and reconstructed the gate in the Ibaraki Shrine. What's the meaning of removing nothing but the gate? I, living today, cannot see what it meant at all.
Ibaraki Shrine's East Gate
Source: Ibaraki-jinja, higashimon.jpg
from the Japanese Wikipedia
（Photed on Feb. 14, 2018）
You can see several tens of ume trees planted in the grounds. In early spring (or the end of winter), the flowers bloom silently but beautifully. How? Check it out actually, please.
My personal experience? Early in January, many street stalls open in the grounds for celebrating New Year's Day. I have been some times for buying a pack of small sponge cakes called Baby Castella in Japan. My mother likes it very much. Every time I got, the cakes weren't baked tightly and were almost pulp (rare?). I don't recommend but I can't stop you if you desire to try once.
