Journeys in Japan

A Pilgrimage Back In Time: Kompira-san (2x16)

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Since ancient times people have made been making pilgrimages here to worship at Kotohira Shrine. Commonly known as Kompira-san, this shrine was thought to bring good luck, offer protection for sailors and assure abundant harvests. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Haruka Orth explores the area around Kotohira Shrine, which seems to have changed very little since the days of old. According to ancient records, the shrine was established a thousand years ago. Originally, the deity here was worshipped for safety at sea. But from the 17th century, it started to attract many pilgrims from across Japan. Even today, 3 million people a year visit Kompira-san. The shrine itself lies halfway up an outcropping known as Mount Zozu, at an altitude of 521 meters. There are many smaller religious sites on the route before reaching the main shrine. Pilgrims believe their prayers will be answered just by climbing to the top. This pilgrimage became very popular about 300 years ago. In those days it took about a month to get there from Edo - as Tokyo used to be called. Traveling by foot and boat, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most visitors. Haruka sets off by train again to visit a nearby town that has its own traditional specialty. This area is Japan's top producer of bonsai pine trees. They have been grown here for almost two centuries. The bonsai trees are planted in shallow trays. Over the centuries, intricate techniques were developed in Japan to produce these beautiful examples of nature in miniature. Gardeners carefully prune and train the branches, to create exactly the shape of tree they want. Quietly spending time tending bonsai trees - this has been a traditional pastime in Japan since the days of old. Traveler: Haruka Orth