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Narita-san Shinshoji Temple
Happy Birthday, Narita-san Shinshoji.
At the time I visited this small town east of Tokyo, the temple had almost reached its 1070th year of existence. In other words, it has survived through two World Wars, the founding of the New World, and even Black Death.
One could tell; there are trees that surround the temple area that could be older than Canadian Confederation. Or it could just be my style of thinking. They could've just looked old and I obviously didn't have the time nor resources to confirm any tree's age exactly. Regardless.
The message of Narita-san temple spread far and wide, not due to word of mouth, but a cautious and friendly advertising campaign. I didn't get the gracious message until I read the advertisement plastered on a Keisei Limited Express train on my way to Ueno the day before.
If I didn't know about the good news, then the crowds that moulded the town's Omotesando (Main Street) would've given me a very clear message. Where I expected peace and quiet was not quite meant to be. I guess the Shinshoji deserves the attention. It's not every day you turn 1070 years old.
The crowds were unending and spoke a lisp-ridden form of Mandarin; oh god, they're Taiwanese!
Then, the flag of a prominent travel agency based in the somewhat nearby island was flown. If it wasn't obvious enough.
The thought of not getting my peace and quiet where I had hoped it would be suddenly cemented, like the Second World War-era bomb that sat silently in a Tokyo neighbourhood for decades until that same night when its removal was broadcast on the evening news.
I slowly ticked away hoping my sanctuary laid somewhere else before I mentally blew myself up into hamburger mince. Once heck of a vacation, I murmured to myself with such displeasure.
But I didn't want to ruin the big occasion. So I took my photos and headed back to my hotel with the temple's jubilations in mind.
Happy Birthday, Narita-san Shinshoji.
     
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