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Zizouin, Kyoto

On August 16th, we visited Jizo-in Temple, also known as Takedera Temple, located in Katsura. I had wanted to explore three places in the Katsura area: Moss Temple, Suzumushi Temple, and Takedera Temple, and this time I focused on Takedera Temple. This temple is not as well-known as the other two (I didn't know about it initially either), and when I arrived, I found that there were hardly any visitors. The temple grounds are very well maintained, and the overall beauty of the temple captivated me. I truly enjoyed my visit.

Sakai, Osaka

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My wife retired in January, and since she had some time before the next school year started, we decided to go out to a nearby place, so we went to Sakai on January 30. Sakai is served by the Hankai Line, a streetcar, which runs from Tennoji Station. I had always wanted to ride the Hankai Line, so this was my first time to ride it. We got off at Hanataguchi Station and went to Ebisu Park. This park was built near the former residence of Ryokei Hibiya, a wealthy merchant who is said to have extended hospitality to Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary, when he stopped by Sakai in 1550. Next, we visited the site of the birthplace of the poet Akiko Yosano, the site of the Sen no Rikyu mansion, and the " Sakai Risho no Mori " (Sakai Risho Forest), which commemorates both of them. In this way, one can clearly see that Sakai is a city with a long history. Afterward, we had lunch at " Jidori Chicken Yakiniku Kutsurogi " near Nankai Sakai Station. After filling up, we headed t...