Free! Anime Real-life Location : Taijiri Jinja & Taijiri Park Observatory

Getting There: Taijiri Jinja 
We did not wait for the next bus to arrive as the interval for the next bus is quite long ( You have to wait for at least 1 hour before the next bus to arrive).  From google map ( having done previous research), it did say it was just a 2km walk ( but of course it did not mention that there will be an uphill climb)  So we walked along the road and saw some Free! posters along the way. They were Free! images so we thought that it was the correct way to reach the place.. I guess, it wasn't . ..In any case do not attempt to take that road/shortcut as it's a bit dangerous. There was even sign that says do not cross when it's raining .. haha..  ) So the best way, i think, is to follow the road ahead ( and if you reach a dead end just go where the observatory park is visible. ) At this part of the terrain , Taijiri Observatory Park is quite visible.  

 We finally reached the point of  Taijiri bus stop. We were still puzzled as to where Taijiri shrine is. There was no map to the place thus we were lost. The way to taijiri observatory park is quite visible from our end but the fact that there was a cone along the stairs prevented us to proceed. 

 At last, we finally found the way to taijiri shrine. It is tucked away inside one of the houses. From the bus stop, it is probably the first alleyway that you will see.  
This is what you will see from the bus stop . There is an alleyway where the black van is parked. Entrance to go to Taijiri shrine is at that point. 
The view from the alleyway
From the alley, slightly on the left, there is a stairway to go to the shrine. Shrine will usually be located uphill, so we were expecting a climb to the shrine. We immediately spotted the chouzuya ( place where you cleanse before entering a shrine ). Since we would be paying respect to the shrine god, we had to make use of the chouzuya. 

The chozuya for taijiri shrine is where Haru's house is located (so just imagine that his house is there.. haha ) 
Taijiri Shrine 
Finally we reached the shrine. The shrine is quite small and is unmanned, thus there is no o-mamori charm that can be bought in that shrine. 

 After paying respect to the shrine god, we headed to Taijiri Park Observatory. 
Getting There : Taijiri Park Observatory

From Taijiri Jinja, the park observatory is just under 2 minutes walk. The observatory is visible from the jinja, so we just walked towards the direction of the observatory. The view on the observatory is quite a regal. You get to see a picturesque view of Japan Sea.

We took a rest here while slowly admire the majestic view of Japan sea. 
After spending some time at the observatory, it was time to head back. We had some fun time doing seichi junrei in Iwami. Albeit it was tiring, but at the end of it, we were rewarded by scenes and picturesque view we would only be dreaming of seeing. 

Notes: 
  • You should not go to Iwami on a Monday ( their tourism board is closed on Monday and so are some of the stalls, thus buying limited Free! items from Iwami is next to impossible. ) 
  • The bus timing is 1 hour apart. So take your time in sight see ( just be wary of the last bus timing ) 
  • We were able to roam around the area in about 3 hours with 1 hour just to find Taijiri shrine( we thought that the bridge from observation deck was closed thus we had to find other entrance to the shrine ). Allow 2 hours just to roam around. The walk is not that far as there is quite a lot of sights to see. 
  • There is no wifi signal in Taijiri, so locating some places might be difficult. Better to rely on research. 
  • There are no convenience stores in Taijiri shrine. Best to get some meal is at Uradome (if the shops are open. We went there on a Monday. nothing is open! ) or that supermarket on the way to Uradome coast. 
  • The best way to go to taijiri shrine is to go to Taijiri park observatory first.
Special thanks: 
Iwami tourism board website : The website was quite helpful in providing locations for the series.

People of Iwami : well a handful of them who went out of there way to help us finding Free! Location.At the same time they beck for us when they knew we would be missing the bus. good people!

That livedoor blog where he had diligently put up the pictures taken from the anime and pin the locations in Google Map. 
Next case: A J-world Adventure 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Guide to Terminating NTUC Membership (SG)

Image
Yes, we all fall for that trick of cash rebates and promotions that once you signed up, you kind of forget about why we signed up for it in the first place. It doesn't add value and it all adds up to the monthly expense.  I am writing because the website in no way explained when/where you can terminate the membership even though I've read all the terms and condition on the website. As a warning as long as the card remain active, you still owe them some money for the membership. Non-payment or termination of GIRO does not constitute termination of the membership. You have to personally write them an email or call their hotline. Why am I terminating? Because I am not using it anymore and it's not really beneficial for me. I only go to the grocery store but not go to NTUC member affiliated shops to shop, attend class. I don't fully utilize benefits . The cash rebates will only count on the following year. The link points redemption (and can only be redeemed in
Read more

How To Apply Canadian Tourist Visa in Singapore

Image
As I was rummaging through my files, I've noticed that I've forgotten to write about visa application to Canada as a tourist. Being a passport holder from a third-world country, I have to present documents to show that I am indeed going to go to that country just for the holidays. I also need to show them that I have the intention of going back to our home country after the holidays. People can thank their lucky stars for being born in a first world country. The number of countries to travel are infinite, provided that you have the financial means to do so.                             So, what are the requirements to apply for a tourist visa in Canada ( for people living in Singapore): 1. Accomplished form Details relating to your family as well as start of employment, salary, are asked. This is a very detailed form. 2. Supporting document ( Family information ) 3. Documents to upload/print: Plane ticket ( reservation) Hotel booking   Photocopy of Cu
Read more

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa (in Singapore)

Image
So you've decided to go to Europe. Congratulations! But because you are a citizen of a third world country, you need to apply for a visa.  But fret not! I will teach you the ways and means of applying for a Schengen Visa ( Although I am not a pro, but this is based on my experience on how I applied for one. )  First things first, when do you want to go? What countries do you want to go? Point 1:  Selecting the Visa Center It is important to take note of the countries to go because it would decide where you will apply.  The rule is that: You will apply the visa at the embassy of the member country where you will be staying the longest. If dates are the same, you will need to apply the visa at the embassy of the member country at point of entry.  For my case, I've decided that I would be going around Central Europe ( Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany ) and I chose to do my visa application at Vfsglobal - The Netherlands.
Read more