Kora Taisha Shrine (“National Shrine of the Gods”), Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, c. 1920.

“Takara Taisha Shrine is affectionately known to locals as the ‘God of the Mountain’ and is known as one of the largest shrine buildings in Kyushu. Its main building, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is spectacular, but the shrine has an even more special charm.

“From the observation deck behind the shrine office, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic night view with a particularly beautiful view. Also, every year from August 1st to August 31st, the lanterns lining the 131 stone steps are lit, creating an illuminating ambience.”

– Wikipedia

“Master Takayama worshipping in the snow”, Kora Taisha Shrine (“National Shrine of the Gods”), Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, c. 1920.

“The Monk joined us, a blank expression on his smooth face. No one spoke.

“He stood for a moment watching us, then studied the leaking sky. He stretched his hand out from under the awning and caught several wet splats.

“‘Rain droppings.’ He stared at his palm.

“‘Yes,’ said Daniel, liaison for all of us. ‘Rain.’

“The Monk looked up, chuckling, his face now a network of wrinkles. ‘Not animal droppings.’ He smiled at his own play on words. Soon we were all smiling.

“‘Rain droppings,’ he said again, whimsically. ‘Not animal droppings.’ And then, still chuckling, the Monk shook open his umbrella and padded away, into the rain.

“Droppings.”

– “Rain Droppings”, by Brad Newsham, Japan: True Stories of Life on the Road, edited by Donald W. George & Amy Greimann Carlson, 1999