@AlternativeJapan 23 June 2023 edited

4 Miles, 4 Torii, and One Tanuki — Run to the Fox Shrine Ran four miles out to a neat shrine on a college campus today. The last stretch was a hill heading into the small mountains by my house, and boy did it take it outta me! Felt good. The shrine has four torii gates leading to the main building, presided over by fox messengers serving the Shintō god of grain and commerce known as *Inari Ōkami*, as I understand it.

I enjoyed catching my breath there, visiting the shrine and saying a short prayer (though I don't identify really as "religious" at all, or an official Shintō-ist!), and taking some photos. Best part of the day: Leaving the shrine, kids in a massive lecture hall on the upper floor were looking out at me through the big picture windows. Most were masked, ridiculously, and looking bored as hell. I felt bad for them, and I also felt a big feeling of love, with the runner's high amplifying it even more. I waved at a girl looking at me in the very back of the lecture hall, and she and the whole group around her waved back at me (in slight disbelief a foreign stranger would wave at them!). It is rare in this country for strangers to do such things. Gave 'em a big ol'smile after that too (rare for me to do with strangers!) and walked on. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Oh yeah! I also came across a *Tanuki* — or Japanese raccoon dog — in the woods! Super Mario Bros. 3 fans will know!

Mata!