Misasa Town

The Town

The town of Misasa was very picturesque as can be seen from the photographs. Small winding laneways around tradtional house were marked by quant shops such as the one selling antique frog cages (they were kept in a similar fashion to crickets or nightingales), small foot onsens (as can be seen in the illustration with the seated couple) and small temples. Visiting the temple with Hiroki and Kaori we managed to witness and then discuss the religious practices of the natives. It would appear that neither of our guides is religious – however certain social customs govern their lives (such as clapping your hands and uttering itadakimas – an action that essentially offers thanks for the food) which extends to Buddhist temples. One washes their hands at the small fountain, rings the bell and then offer prayers of good wishes, health and prosperity. These actions are not necessarily seen as showing a religious bent. Fascinating indeed!