Happy Monday Steem Team,

Today I did my first 20k on actifit thanks to a day trip with my students. Originally I wasn't suppose to go on this trip but at the last minute the school principal insisted. I didn't mind as I get to go out and see some historical spots from the area. I'm also realizing there is a contest going on with blocktrades , actifit and steemfest so it was perfect timing. Still researching how the contest works but I am just going off what I have seen in a post from another actifiter.

Interestingly the reason I wasn't suppose to go on this trip is that it isn't in my job description and the board of education told my school I shouldn't go on such trips, but hey, what Kojo sensei ( the principal) says goes, his word against theirs. It was funny though I actually ended up seeing the mayor of the town and shaking his hand as we passed the city office. Come along as we explore the historical city of Oyama located in Tochigi prefecture, Japan.

Tennoin Temple

It was a rainy day and I didn't bring a raincoat as I was told to, but I actually love the feeling of light rain on the skin. The rainy season in Japan is in full effect and sometimes it rains all day.....for days. The humidity was very high as well.

The first place we visited was a Buddhist temple called Tennoin ( てんのういん ). Now there is a lot of history here. Some of which I did not understand when the guide was explaining.

This sign actually says no alcohol or unhealthy food must be brought on this premises, the Buddhist knew what was good for them.

Not sure what is written on these but they aren't tombstones.

Finally something I can explain, these are mushrooms LOL. They were growing right between the stone scrolls in the picture before this one.

Here is the actual Tennoin Temple. I really love the traditional Japanese design of buildings. Very well crafted and always an interesting sight to behold.

This bell in the yard was used to announce prayer/chanting ritual times or when the work day was finished for the town. Most temples have something similar but they maybe be used differently.

Suga Shrine

Then we went to Suga Shrine. This Shrine is said to bring good fortune for those who pray here, as a samurai warrior from the era won many battles by doing so here day and night.

"Fujiwara no Hidesato, known for his military exploits, particularly in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado, is said to have prayed day and night at Suga Shrine. Tokugawa Ieyasu also prayed for victory in the Battle of Sekigahara here. The deity Susanoo no Mikoto is enshrined in Suga Shrine."

Near the shrine there was a museum that kept some of the towns best treasures. These pieces are from 100s of years ago and the smaller figures represent the four Gods of the north, south, east and west. There is a turtle, tiger, bird and a dragon.

This piece here was written in Japanese but none of the Japanese around me could read it. It’s written in an old style of Kanji. What is it? Hmm let me ask @shogo.

After seeing all these historic places we had a wonderful lunch in a park. Ammm yeah I should have taken pictures of that but I do have video for some reason.

The cool thing about Actifit, you can do it while just doing what you would be doing. Stay fit, stay smart, stay Steeming.

Ok so after checking the contest rules only Saturday and Sunday Actifit posts count 🤷🏿‍♂️
Well, I still got in my 20k.

Walking