I went on a trip to Izushi. My mother and my maternal ancestors were from this region, so I would often go there when I was young. I felt nostalgic when I got in.
I took the Konotori Express and got off at Yoka Station. Then I took the bus to Izushi.
![DSC_1944](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1944-scaled.jpg)
Getting off at Izushi Bus Station, I passed by two temples. One of them was Fukujoji Temple.
![DSC_1950](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1950-scaled.jpg)
Then, I caught sight of a magnificent view of Izushi Castle Ruins.
![DSC_1954](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1954-scaled.jpg)
![DSC_1959](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1959-scaled.jpg)
![DSC_1965](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1965-scaled.jpg)
On the top of the ruins, there is a shrine called Arikoyama Inari Shrine. I climbed the stone steps through the vermillion gates and reached the shrine. I was all alone at the shrine. It was silent and the air was cool and clear. I really liked the place.
![DSC_1961](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1961-1-1-scaled.jpg)
![DSC_1962](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1962-scaled.jpg)
I went down the steps and went further to another shrine called Morosugi Shrine. I found an omikuji box and drew one. Omikuji is a fortune-telling paper strip. Mine was “a little luck.” It said I should study hard, which was very convincing.
![DSC_1968](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1968-scaled.jpg)
I liked the green carpet of moss.
![DSC_1967](https://akikotanigaki.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dsc_1967-scaled.jpg)