When we were in Hamamatsu, the weather was fine. As we drove to Horaiji, we could see cherry blossoms and peach blossoms in many places already in the north of Lake Hamana. After we came to Aichi Prefecture, we took the first break at Michi-no-eki Mikawa Sangoku (三河三石) by National Route 257. Michi-no-eki is a rest area found along roads and highways where you can buy some local products and souvenirs and use toilets. Mikawa is the old province name for the eastern Aichi Prefecture. There I found many interesting products, but we were going to some other similar places later. So, I just took a picture outside and didn’t buy anything. The contrast of cherry blossoms and canola flowers was beautiful.
Then, we continued driving. We arrived at the free parking area near the pathway to Horaiji Temple. From there, it was 1.2 km to the steps to the temple, and the 12 animals of Chinese zodiac were placed as landmarks at an interval of 100m. This is the first one representing Mouse.
The second one represented Ox. It looked much older than the first one maybe because it had been weathered for more than 30 years.
On the left side of the pathway, there was an elementary school building built in 1925. Though the school was closed in 1970, it was still well preserved.
Near the school, there was a magnificent cherry tree whose blossoms had started to bloom. They must look gorgeous when in full bloom.
There was also a juniper tree that was said to be 1400 years old. It is the oldest tree I’ve ever seen!
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