![]() ![]() There they both stood, stretching themselves as high as they could, and holding each other tightly, so that they might not fall down. This idea pleased the Osaka frog so much that he at once jumped up and put his front paws on the shoulder of his friend, who had risen also. “We have only got to stand up on our hind legs, and hold onto each other, and then we can each look at the town he is traveling to.” “Oh, that is easily managed,” returned the Kyoto frog. “What a pity we are not bigger,” said the Osaka frog “for then we could see both towns from here, and tell if it is worth our while going on.” It was delightful to find that they both felt the same wish–to learn a little more of their native country–and as there was no sort of hurry they stretched themselves out in a cool, damp place, and agreed that they would have a good rest before they parted to go their ways. They looked at each other for a moment without speaking, and then fell into conversation, explaining the cause of their meeting so far from their homes. It took them a long time and a great many hops to reach the top, but there they were at last, and what was the surprise of each to see another frog before him! The journey was more tiring than they expected, for they did not know much about traveling, and halfway between the two towns there arose a mountain which had to be climbed. So one fine morning in the spring they both set out along the road that led from Kyoto to Osaka, one from one end and the other from the other. At such a great distance apart, they had never even heard of each other but, funnily enough, the idea came into both their heads at once that they should like to see a little of the world, and the frog who lived at Kyoto wanted to visit Osaka, and the frog who lived at Osaka wished to go to Kyoto, where the great Mikado had his palace. The shrine is across the street from Shioya (see the article about Shioya).Once upon a time in the country of Japan there lived two frogs, one of whom made his home in a ditch near the town of Osaka, on the sea coast, while the other dwelt in a clear little stream which ran through the city of Kyoto. It's easy to find - take either the Oedo or Namboku subway line to get to Azabu Juban. ![]() So, if you had a great time in Japan and hope to come back again stop by this shrine, rub the frogs on the head, climb the steps to donate a coin or two and offer a prayer. Take a trip to see the frogs and your lost items may be returned, your youth may return, or you will return to the shrine. The frogs (parent and child) have become popular because the Japanese word for frog is “kaeru,” which has the same pronunciation as the word for return. Since then the frog is reputed to protect against fire. Legend has it that a giant frog appeared out of a pond and started spouting water to extinguish the flames of a fire that threatened the area. A stone boat is just to the left of the tori. Juban Inari Shrine houses the boat that the 7 gods ride in. This shrine is also one of the stops during the traditional 7 Lucky Gods walk (there are several of these walks around the Tokyo area, but that's another story). ![]() Many Japanese return to the Juban Inari Shrine time and again to offer a prayer or see these two frogs that sit just to the right of the steps leading up to the shrine. The same sounding word, kaeru, means frog. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |