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Return of the Dragon
It was a very tough winter for the priests working at Keishin-in temple on the top of Shichimensan. There was so much heavy snow that it snapped the utility poles. Repairs couldn’t be done until the spring. Chief Priest Kochi Uchino described the scene. “We were without power and pumps for running water. All we…
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Shugyoso Monks Run Trail Race: Japan’s Temple Trail-Running Event
By Yasuo Uchisaka, Photography by Sho Fujimaki The sport of trail running came to Japan in 2001, brought over by Hiroki Ishikawa, an alumnus of “Team Tarzan.” An enthusiastic challenger in the American 100 Mile race, he attained the highest overall ranking in the Big Four 100 Mile Ultramarathons that year. In recent years Japanese…
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Hiking the Old Akazawa Trail to Mt. Shichimen
Nichiren Shu followers are well acquainted with Minobusan, site of Kuonji Temple and the resting place of Nichiren Shonin. Both followers and tourists have visited the top of Minobusan via the ropeway to see Shishin-Kaku Temple, breathe cool fresh mountain air and take in the view of Mt. Fuji and the Fuji River valley below.…