Otogo Shrine

My plan today was to rest and maybe walk around Nagaoka some since the weather was nice. I haven't explored this little town enough. But something was bothering me. I hadn't seen (I thought) Otogo Shrine, which is mentioned in a number of Ryokan poems I've read over the years. How could I leave without seeing it?

So I called Reiko, the rice shop owner's English-speaking friend (get all that?), who yesterday had driven me to Izumozaki. She said she would be happy to take me there, so I once again got on the bus to Bunsui.

For the second time I was ascending the winding road up Mount Kugami. We stopped where the taxi driver had stopped the first time and now I knew I had already seen Otogo Shrine but had just not known it. So I took a picture of the sign that, at the top points to Otogo Shrine, and beneath points to Gogo-an.

This time the weather was nicer, and I gazed at Ogoto Shrine and the little hut next to it thinking about Ryokan living there.

should anyone ask
say I'm at my hut
in the woods
of Otogo Shrine
gathering fallen leaves

Reiko helped by answering all of my questions, and then suggesting we drive near the top of Kugami where Kokujo-ji sits. It's apparently the oldest Buddhist temple in Niigata prefecture.

Afterward, she asked if I would be willing to meet some of her students, whom she teaches English at a small elementary school. I was happy to do so. In addition to talking with some really charming little boys and girls, I got to see them practice on traditional Japanese drums for an upcoming festival along the river.

How did I finish the day? Tea once again at the rice shop ... I always feel welcome there.