Hamada Forest Park, vast and serene, is just south of Omoriyama Zoo. While I am not complaining, I have to say that I am a bit surprised that I was the only person there. Not far from the city center, it seems to me that it would be an enjoyable place to go on a Sunday afternoon. With that said, I found a picnic table and had my rice ball as I watched the sunset over the Japan Sea. Such a quiet and peaceful moment.
As I ventured throughout the park, I stumbled upon Shirayama Shrine. There was something eerie about this place. As if it had been lost in time or is part of a different world. Another peculiar aspect of this shrine is that it has no torii anywhere on the grounds. It is the first shrine I have ever visited in all of Japan that did not have a torii. The woodwork was intricate and very detailed. This isolated shrine sparked my curiosity about its origins. But as winter approaches, the BES Adventurer must continue the journey before the snow blankets all of Akita!
Peaceful solitude
Winter on the horizon
The lonely sun sets
English Haiku by Dustin Clark
I hope you enjoyed following the BES Adventurer to Hamada Forest Park. Please check out my other posts or come back soon to see where the journey takes me next!
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