Spotting HOTOKE-NO-ZA (仏の座) for the first time in the year can bring on EXCITEMENT and CONFUSION!
A HOTOKE NO ZA found a the roadside in Konda Tsukuba ( Jan. 29th 2011)
By Avi Landau
Walking in Tsukuba`s wild places in winter can take some determination. Though there is no snow on the ground, and the temperature readings on the thermometer are really not very low, when the chill wind starts to blow ( and it does so often), your hands and face can sting and burn, making a leisurely stroll quite uncomfortale. What makes it even harder to plow on through these frosty gusts, is the depressing lack of color. While local residents as well as the local government keep things cheery in parks and around homes, offices and the major thoroughfares with plenty of plants that blossom or bear fruit in winter- including sazanka, nandian (nanten), and various citrus trees, the areas which are not looked after by humans, look mostly dried out- all browns and straw color.
Winter colors in Tsukuba unkept places
One thing that KEEPS ME GOING on my daily walks, however, is the knowledge that SOON, spring, with its flowers and WARMTH, will be here. So as I make my way though the brush and woods near my house, I keep my eyes wide open for signs of things to come.
Yesterday, while I was on my way to check on just exactly where our neighborhood goshawks ( O-Taka) would be nesting this year ( they have used several different trees in the past), I regretted not having taken gloves and a warmer Jacket. I kept my hands in my pockets and face turned down, and out of the wind.
Happilly I ran into my neighbor, who also happens to be very interested in what these noble birds are up to (in fact it is due to her unflagging efforts that they still live around here at all) !
As we shuffled along the road together, gravely contemplating the future of this amazing part of Tsukuba, snowless winterscapes stretched out in every direction.
Then, an excited, high-pitched, cry- HOTOKE NO ZA !- which came so suddenly and with such enthusiaｓm that my heart almost stopped.
When I looked over, I found that my neighbor had in fact already leaped down into a small depression by the side of the road. She was pointing at a low growing plant with tiny purple flowers protruding on top. Before I could protest, she pulled the little blossom out of the ground and handed it to me saying- SPRING IS HERE!
I looked at the flower closely. It was really quite amazing ( for a plant considered by many to be a weed), and I could see right away why this flower was called HOTOKE NO ZA, which means Buddha`s Seat or Buddha`s Throne. It is because its slender, vertical, cone-like flowers, seem to rise right out of the nearly horizontal leaves creating the image of little Buddhas standing or sitting on lotus leaves.
From March through June these flowers will be blooming along roads, by the fields, and in the wilds across most of Japan( though not in Hokkaido), sometimes forming purple or pink carpets.
The hotoke no za, which has the scientific name Lamium amplexicaule L., has the habit, of being fooled into blooming by the warm weather of an Indian Summer, and can sometimes be found blooming in December or even November. The weather has not been especially warm around here recently ( in late January), but when I got down on my knees for a closer look, I noticed the ground covered with these same plants just about to burst into bloom. These will be important for setting the activities of spring into motion as they are some of the earliest bloomings of the important pollen sources for bees.
Surely a heartwarming sign that spring was just about here.
Hotoke no za (Lamium amplexicaule L.) in Tsukuba- January 2011
Still as we started walking again and I started to twirl the little flower by the stem slowly in my hand, I began to think about this plant and its name, and also about the reaction that it aroused in my neighbor. I was reminded once again of how very complicated the Japanese language and culture can be- and realized that in this case- a misunderstanding coulld make things could get dangerous!
This is why.
The plant name HOTOKE NO ZA evokes images of spring in just about every Japanese adult. This is because it is the name of one of the SEVEN GRASSES OF SPRING (haru no nana kusa) which are eaten in a porridge on the seventh day of the New Year.
There is a classic poem listing these grasses, which makes them easy to remember: SERI NAZUNA GOGYO- HAKOBERA HOTOKE NO ZA SUZUNA SUZUSHIRO KORE ZO NANA GUSA (芹薺五形はこべら仏の座菘すずしろこれぞ七草)- which I translate as: These are the seven grasses- seri, nazuna, gogyo-, hakobera, hotoke no za, suzuna and suzushiro.
Since the name HOTOKE NO ZA is clearly listed among the seven plants of SPRING that are eaten a week into the new year (and which are supposed to be good for your health), it is easy to understand why this flower would be associated with spring.
There is one big problem , however. The plant mentioned in the poem, the one eaten in the NANAGUSA porridge is a completely DIFFERENT PLANT!!!!!!!
That plant, which has YELLOW FLOWERS, is now called the KO- ONI-TABIRAKO (コオニタビラコ), Lapsana apogonoides Maxim, a type of chrysanthemum - is EDIBLE.
This is Ko-oni-tabirako (コオニタビラコ)- an edible plant, which is one of the NANAGUSA (七草) Seven Grasses of Spring
The HOTOKE NO ZA, Lamium amplexicaule, that I saw yesterday by the road is a member of the Lamiaceae ( shiso) Family and is NOT EDIBLE!
So dont put it in your seven herb porridge!
Because of the name being used for two different plants ( though the name has now changed for the edible one) many people seem to get confused. Some English language websites I looked at actually mistakenly say that Lamium amplexicaule are edible and used in the porridge!
An understandable mistake for those who do not DOUBLE CHECK everything.
So now that we know you are not going to eat them, keep your eyes open for these unusual flowers- they are harbingers of spring! If you do spot some, crouch down, or get on your hands and knees for a closer look. Dont let something so beautiful just slip by under your nose!
The HOTOKE NO ZA flowers reminded people of a Buddha standing (or sitting) on a lotus leaf throne
I have also written about other early bloomers which foretell the coming of spring- UME (梅), plum:
and the fragrant RO-BAI (蝋梅):
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For SETSUBUN (節分), Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Promote Kansai-Style Custom: EHO MAKI (恵方巻)
Convenience stores and supermarkets have had a huge impact on Japan and they play a major role in the shaping of contemporary Japanese culture and lifestyles. And though in many ways it could be said that these stores are helping to bring about the END of TRADITIONAL JAPAN, it could also be said that they are unlikely repositories of certain aspects of Japanese culture , always displaying traditional sweets of the season and never missing a chance to promote and sell foods and other paraphanalia related to traditional events and festivals. The quest for new products to sell has also led to some innovative ideas which have spiced up certain traditional events. An example of this can be seen if you go to any combini ( convenience store) or supermarket (su-pa) in the 3 or 4 weeks leading up to February 3 , which is the day on which the SESTUBUN festival is celebrated.
Sestubun (節分) , is sometimes called the BEAN THROWING FESTIVAL in English. This is because the main feature of the event is the throwing of soy beans , as a way of excorsizing evil and bad luck. In homes with small children, the man of the house usually dons a paper DEMON MASK (available at combinis and supas) on the evening of the 3rd, and the children proceed to hurl the beans at him crying out – ONI WA SOTO ( Demon out! ). They then continue throwing beans in various directions, shouting FUKU WA UCHI- good fortune in ! Family members then go on to eat the same number of beans as their age. This ritual is called MAME MAKI (bean throwing), and it is also performed at various temples and shrines around Japan. It is usual for adults who are in their UNLUCKY AGES(especially men of 42 and women of 33) to attend these bean throwing events as a form of YAKU YOKE (purification for those of unlucky age). Famous temples and shrines often invite celebrities (sumo wrestlers, movie stars etc) to hurl the beans, and these scenes are often televised. Just watch the news on the night of the 3rd (the night of this year`s mame maki).
(One thing to keep in mind, however in this area, is that in major peanut cultivation areas- such as parts of Chiba Prefecture and Ibaraki- peanuts are used instead of soy beans!)
Nearly all convenience stores and supermarkets have for the past few weeks been displaying a wide array of demon masks and soy bean packages .
Another custom, though far less popular these days, is the the posting of a sardine head fit onto thorny leaves called hiiragi on the front door. This is done to keep evil and bad fortune away. It is believed that the foul odor of the fish and the uninviting thorns should be effective in keeping any demons OUT. Supermarkets, including the one in the basement of Tsukuba`s Seibu Department Store have been promoting sardines for the making of these protective wreaths.
Hiiragi, and especially bean throwing have been the generally accepted, standard ways of celebrating setsubun throughout Japan.
However, in recent years combinis and supas have been vigorously promoting an ADDITIONAL WAY of celebrating setsubun. Well… new to all people who have never lived in Osaka(and other parts of KANSAI).
I`m talking of course of the large sushi rolls called EHO-MAKI (恵方巻), which can be seen in promotional posters all over town. These oversized nori-maki (they look like quite a mouthfull) are to be eaten by each family member, in silence, while facing the lucky direction of this year(according to the traditional Japanese almanac). Though most people in Tsukuba had never heard of this ritual until recently, many now reserve their EHO-MAKI weeks before setsubun. More purchase them on the day of the festival.
Eating Eho maki while facing the lucky direction ( this year- 2011, it is South by South-Eest), is in fact a custom, though not very old, which originated(along with so many other great business ideas) in Osaka. Osakan friends living in Tsukuba tell me that they had faithfully eaten their setsubun sushi-rolls every year of their lives, and had imagined that ALL Japanese did the same. Some Tsukubans of Osakan birth used to have Eho Maki sent to them each year by their mothers, before they became available nation-wide.
Promoting EHO-MAKI at a 7-11 in Tsukuba- January 27th 2011
Nobody Ive spoken to could actually explain the significance of the sushi-rolls, but my feeling is that by facing the lucky direction, and slowly and silently taking the EHO -MAKI in, the good energies of this years lucky direction are absorbed by the antennae-like roll. Of course, these sushi- rolls are also chock-full of nutritious fillings (these vary according to price), including egg, seafood etc., to help keep the family healthy through the last weeks (or months!) of cold weather.
Of course, the most important point for families is that the EHO MAKI are fun and DELICIOUS!
This year`s (2011`s) LUCKY DIRECTION South South East- from a poster hanging outside a supermarket in Tsukuba
Let me tell you a little more about setsubun. This word (節分) in fact means SEASONAL TURNING POINT which then means that traditionally there were four setsubuns in Japan, one for the beginning of each season. Nowadays however, only the day marking the coming of spring is acknowledged by the general public with special rituals. Though it is still quite cold,the first day of spring (rishun) is on February 4th according to the traditional calendar. Before the Japanese converted their calendar to the one used by Europeans, a day began at sunset on the previous evening. That is why setsubun is celebrated on the evening of the 3rd. This was considered to be the start of the next day- RISHUN.
The ancient Chinese believed that these seasonal turning points were times when the world and its inhabitants were susceptible to attacks by evil forces. For protection they would carry out a ceremony which the Japanese call TSUINA( 追儺 ), in which ritual bows and arrows were used to excorsize demons and bad fortune.
This ceremony was introduced to Japan as a way of trying to stop an epidemic during the reign of Emperor Mommu (697-707), and during the Heian Period(794-1192), it was carried out anually in the Court, with bow and arrow, on the Traditional New Years Eve.
During the Muromachi Period(1392-1573), the use of bow and arrow gave way to the throwing of beans (though some temples, especially in Kyoto, use the old excorsizing techniques), and the custom began to filter down to the masses. Bean throwing on the eve of RISHUN became a standard part of Japanese life in the Edo Period (1600-1868), and remains so to this day.
The use of beans is probably related to the DEMON EXTERMINATING CEREMONY (鬼退治の際, oni taiji no sai) held at Kurama Yama , Kyoto. According to a legend, the God Bishamon recommended throwing beans into the eyes, as an effective way of combating demons. Demon Eyes can be written with the characters 魔目(which is read - ma me, a homophone for beans) and this sounds the same as 魔滅、which means DEMISE OF THE DEMON.
Also as anyone with an interest in traditional Indian food might know, beans are believed to have special life force powers.
Another interesting point is that the reason you eat the same number of beans as your age (and one for good luck) is that before the Japanese calendar changed to the Gregorian, February was the Month of New Years (usually) and thus all Japanese considered themselves one year older (did you know that the money given to children on New Years called TOSHI DAMA, is not New Years money(toshi can mean year) , but AGE MONEY (toshi can also mean age). Thus people celebrated their BIRTHDAY by eating their ages in beans.
For seniors who dont want to or cant eat dozens of beans, it is customary to put their age worth into a tea cup, pour tea over it and drink the tea.
Eating these beans is also considered to be protection against illness and bad luck.
If you would like to celebrate setsubun this year, the convenience store or supermarket will provide you with everything you need. Bean throwing should begin after the sun goes down. A parent puts the demon mask on and goes to the front door. The demon should stand outside and be pelted by the kids who cry ONI WA SOTO.Then throw beans inside the house shouting FUKU WA UCHI !. I once brought a mask and beans with me to New York and did mame maki with my nieces and nephew. It went over very well. If youve got kids, Id say- give it a try!
A protective wreath of sardine head and holly at the home of Asako Seo ( Tsukuba- February 4th, 2011)
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A Road Runs Through it- right through the ruins of Tsukuba`s old Hanamuro-Jo (花室城) Fortress, that is!
By Avi Landau
This pedestrian bridge connects both sides of what once was the old fortress
Each and every day of the year, thousands of people pass through the ruins of the old Hanamuro-Jo Fortress (花室城) in Tsukuba .Since this has been going on without a single day`s (or hour`s) break for more than 35 years, we are talking about much greater total numbers over the years than those of the vistors to any one of Japan`s greatest castles- which are in fact some of the most distinctive in the world- including Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, even the spectacular Himeji Castle.
This is true, despite the fact that the Hanamuro Jo has no elegant turrent (tenshukaku), or impressive stone foundations. Nor does it have any cleverly designed defensive features, such as those found in its more famous couterparts- in fact we dont know very much about what it was like at all.
The multitudes Ive told you about who do pass through the ruins, though, remain within its precincts for less than 5 seconds,and do not even get out of their cars- in fact, they almost surely do not know that a fortress does or ever did stand on that spot! There are no sign are marking of any kind to indicate this.
The only reason that they do go through this Civil War Period (Sengoku Jidai) Fort, is that a major road they are using- the Tsuchiura Gakuen Line ( 土浦学園線), was built to run right through it. If you live in Tsukuba or its vicinity, you have probably passed through it yourself- many a time!
You could have recognized the spot by the white pedesrian bridge which runs across that road about 300 meters east ( that means towards Tsuchiura if you are driving from Tsukuba Center) of the Hanamuro Intersection ( 花室交差点)- which is the first light after the Route Hotel.
(You might well ask- if nobody else knows about it, Avi, then how do YOU? When, I learned of the location of the old fort (which I knew of from obscure history texts) from an even obscurer map of Tsukuba- an archaeological map- which was given to me by the curator of a local history museum.)
The Tsuchiura-Gakuen Road cutting the castle ruins in two (Tsukuba 2011)
How did this sad state of affairs come to be? Well, when the Japanese government was looking for a place to build a new science city, they found, about 50 kilometers North-East of Tokyo, an area which besides a few scattered hamlets was mostly forest and marshland- the area that is now Tsukuba! A perfect place to start construction! And instead of the impossibly narrow and winding roads which are found running though much of Japan, it was decided to begin work on the new planned city by laying down some modern new thoroughfares- wide and STRAIGHT!
And though I believe that the Japanese authorites are usually interested in at least documenting archaeological finding after detailed surveys before construction ( sometime plans are actually stopped as a result of these excavations), it seems that a blind eye was turned when it can to construction in Tsukuba. Straight lines were marked out by the surveyors, and historical sites or no historical sites, hills were cut through, trees cut down and asphalt laid.
A closer view of the bridge
The Hanamuro Jo was one of a string of three fortifications built along the same ridge on between the Sakura and Hanamuro Rivers, probably by vassals of the Oda Family, which had a more impressive castle in the part of Tsukuba called Oda ( there are in fact about 30 ruined fortications within the limits of today`s Tsukuba City.
The last mention of the Hanamuro Fort was in the late 16th century, and since it was dismantled, a part of the hill on which it once stood came to be covered with traditional houses ( most of them beautifully rustic and some very impressive. I have heard that the great Lord of the Mito Clan- Mitsukuni- Mito Komon, used to stay at one of these homes when he came on pilgrimages to Mt Tsukuba)and a Buddhist Temple ( Kakuo Ji). There is also a Yasaka Shrine, which is unusual in that it seems to stand within the grounds of a private home.(All in all it is one of the more peace and atmospheric residential neighborhhods in Tsukuba to walk through).
The part of the hill on which the main fortification sat, however, was always respectfully called The Castle by the local residents- and left undeveloped- until the bulldozers came to put in the Tsukuba Gakuen line.
A view from the other side
Even with the road running through it, the old fortress site can still has a special aura about it.And the views afforded from the spot where the main fortress once stood are pleasing and reveal why this hill was chosen as a place to build a fort.
It is a perfect place to contemplate the passing nature of all things- even things that were built to last, like fortresses.
On top of the ruins of the Hanamuro-Jo
Unfortunately, it looks like more of Tsukuba`s historical heritage is going to wind up under asphalt. More roads have been planned and the city seems to be trying to keep the public in the dark regarding the large number of sites of archaeological value in Tsukuba which have not yet been fully syveyed . I guess there is a belief that in a SCIENCE CITY, there is no room for nature ( I dont mean parks) or historical attractions. At least that is what I have heard that taht is the opinion of Mayor Ichihara.
I would like to show him my map. Im sure he hasnt seen it. It probably would not make him change his mind, but it might make him feel guilty!
From the top of the ruins looking out onto the plain below
A rendering of the area which the Hanamuro fortress took up- note the road which now runs through it!
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On Location- at Tsukuba Center ( filming another kids`program)
An episode of Kamen Rider being shot at Tsukuba Center (January 24th 2011). The crowds were being used as extras.
By Avi Landau
On days when the light is just right and there is very little chance of rain, you might get lucky and find a colorful collection of super heroes and monsters battling it out at Tsukuba Center. For many years, TV production companies have been using the Lion Pit between the Okura Hotel and the Right-On building as an unearthly-looking set (which more importantly for the producers is free of charge!) for shooting Sunday morning kids’ programs. Like me, you will probably have to ask one of the moms with toddlers who are excitedly watching the proceedings to find out the name of the show they are filming.
Today, on my way to the Center Building I noticed large crowds gathered around the edge of The Pit peering down. I knew right away that there was filming going on. It wasnt until I approached for a peek of my own and was stopped by the production staff that I realized that all the people that had gathered were EXTRAS who would be appearing (as a featureless mass , no doubt) in the episode being shot. I was even more surprised when under the direction of the director, all these enthusiastic would- be- thesbians began to chant as if they were cheering on a battle between gladiators.
As I walked on in my hurry to get to an appointment, I remembered how two years ago I watched the cast and crew of the popular channel 10 show Go-On-Ja (ゴオンジャ), which often uses the Tsukuba Center location. It is interesting (especially if you have small kids to bring along) to watch the actors get warmed-up, rehearse and shoot the individual shots, then get half out of costume and enjoy a cigarette break. Sometimes small explosions startle the onlookers who ring the set and are treated very politely. (Remember, the space is being used for free!)
The professional way Japanese film crews go about their business is impressive to watch and should be eye-opening for those who can only picture the age-old racist parody of a Japanese TV director as shown in the very popular (and perpetuator of old stereotypes) Lost In Translation.
For me, the bold poses taken by each character when they identify themselves or challenge each other, is reminiscent of the mudra positions introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks, most notably Saicho and Kukai, more than 1000 years ago. This may sound far-fetched, but please look closely at both and you might see the connection.
Also, one thought that I have had about the great international success of so many Japanese produced kids shows is that unlike their American counterparts which were also very entertaining for adults ( and in fact impossible for kids to really understand- take Bugs Bunny or Popeye, for example), the Japanese had the revolutionary idea of creating programs at a childs level- making them vitually unwatchable for adults ( POKEMON, for example).but absolutely fascinating for little kids. A brilliant and profitable concept!
No-one can predict when there will be filming at the center, but as I said earlier, there is a good chance it will be happening when the weather is favorable.
Dont forget to bring the kids!
A view from a little higher up of the Kamen Rider set and the throng of enthusiastic extras ( January 24th 2011)
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“Miracle Working” Stone -(a Rare Remnant of Tsukuba`s Old Hanamuro-Jo Fortress) – Still Has Devotees in Tsukuba and Beyond ! A Look at the HANAMURO MIGAWARI AMIDA-ZON (花室の身替り阿弥陀尊)
By Avi Landau
More than 400 years ago, during Japan’s so-called Warring States Period (Sengoku Jidai), a fortress known as Hanamuro-Jo (花室城), stood a couple of hundred meters east of what is now the Hanamuro Intersection (kosaten), not far from Tsukuba Center ( in fact this was one of a string of such structures which once dominated this area). No one is certain exactly how many years this fortification was operative, as there are no extant records bearing this information, however, there is documentation of Hanamuro-Jo having still existed in 1569, as battles raged for control of this region. Even if it did actually survive the fighting of those years, it still would not have lasted long into the Edo Period (1600-1867), during which a unified Japan was consolidated under the Tokugawa Family. This is because the One Domain-One Castle Law (Ikkoku Ichijo Rei , 一国一城令) of 1615, permitted only one fortification to survive in each HAN (domain). The castle selected to be given a lease on life in this area was the Turtle Castle (Kijo , 亀城 ) of the Tsuchiya Clan, in Tsuchiura (Tsukuba was NOT as many believe, part of the Mito Domain), while any other fortifications that still existed had to be completely dismantled.
No matter when or how Hanamuro-Jo met its fate, one thing is for sure — it has disappeared with hardly a trace. In fact, the hill upon which it once stood is now divided disrespectfully in two by a road (the Tsuchiura Gakuen Line) which was built right through it! The northern side is now covered by homes, fields and a Buddhist temple ( Kakuo-Ji), while on the southern side, where the fortress` main structure once stood, there are now some vegetable patches. There is no sign, or any other indication that Hanamuro-Jo was ever there.
A bit to the West however, past the traffic light near the now defunct Hanamasa Grocery Store, lies a grassy knoll (across from the small tatami factory), where memories of Hanamuro Castle are kept alive. On top of this little green island of a mound sits a small shrine which houses a large unengraved, stone slab, along with many smaller stones and pebbles. Offerings of sake, rice-cakes ,etc., and numerous strands of SENBA TSURU (one thousand cranes) can always be found placed in front of or inside the wooden structure, as worshipers come to beseech and give thanks to the MIGAWARI AMIDA (the Scapegoat Amida), who has resided on this little hill since the days of Hanamuro-Jo.
Amida is the Buddha of Infinite Light, who rules the Pure Land, and is one of the most popular figures in Japanese Buddhism, and the central figure of the JODO and JODO SHIN Sects. His name is invoked by believers who seek his aid, or wish to enter his Western Paradise.
Migawari (身替り) can be directly translated as a surrogate, or taking the place of or standing in for another. I have translated this as SCAPEGOAT, since the devotees of this deity which resides near the ruins of Hanamuro Castle, believe that their pain, injuries, or other forms of suffering are transferred away from them and taken on by the stone on the hill, just as the sins of the ancient Israelites were cast away into a goat.
There are many stories extolling the powers of the stone. The most dramatic I have heard were years ago from old Mr. Ohtsu, a descendant of the family which kept the Hanamuro Castle as Vassals of Lord Oda. He recounted how he had accidentally fallen into a fire he had going (the same fires which still foul our Tsukuba air) and miraculously emerged completely unscathed. He later noticed that the stone slab had turned completely black. In disbelief, he went to call his family and neighbors. Everyone was amazed. The newspapers were called and some ran the story.
Mr. Ohtsu’s wife tells of a similar experience. She knocked over a kerosene stove. To her great relief, no fire broke out. Chills went down her spine when she later found that the stone had once again turned black. Her husband actually took some pictures of the blackened stone and you can see what looks clearly like a hand print in them . A few hours later, they say, the black faded away.
The Migawari Amida is also renowned throughout the prefecture for helping get rid of ODEKI, which are tumors or pusy fistules. These days it is also believed to be efficacious for traffic safety. Devotees take a pebble from the shrine and keep it for one year before returning it.
There is an interesting legend related to the origin of this allegedly MIRACLE WORKING STONE. In the days when Hanamuro-Jo still stood, one the Lords of the Castle, Ohstu Nagato no Kami, was burning up with a high fever. His vassals were in a panic, and prayed fervently for the intersession of the Gods and Buddhas. Delirious, the Lord had a dream. A voice called to him. “I am the God which protects your family. I will take on all that ails you. Tomorrow, go to the well where the horses are washed on the drilling ground”. When he revealed his dream to his retainers the next day, they rushed to the well.
When they peered down into it, they saw something glittering brightly below. They pulled out the stone, and enshrined it on the hill.
Behind the shrine is an old tree, a descendant of a tree which stood by the shrine before the Tokugawa Period. This tree is considered an Important Natural Heritage (Tennen kinen butsu, 天念記念物） by Ibaraki Prefecture.
This is the first of a three part series for Tsukublog focusing on the little known HANAMURO-JO (花室所).
And for another interesting stone still worshipped in Tsukuba, read my article about Saiki`s Fudo-Sama Hall:
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