Misawa and Hachinohe Tours

As newcomers to Misawa, we signed up for a tour of the city and another nearby city, Hachinohe. In Misawa, we visited Tonami Clan Park, which was established in 1872 by a samurai warrior (Yasuto Hirosawa of the Tonami Clan) as the first Western-style ranch in Japan. He imported stud horses and bulls from the West to breed livestock and farm. We explored the memorial hall displaying farming tools as well as a recreated Clan house. Notice the straw footwear hanging above the sandpit and fish being cooked on sticks- we've seen this method of cooking being used at outdoor shops and festivals as well.

Here's a quick and admittedly oversimplified summary of the two dominate religions in Japan- Buddhism and Shintoism. While Buddhism was brought to Japan in the 6th century, Shintoism originated in Japan during prehistoric times as a nature worshiping, polytheistic religion. Interestingly, Buddhism and Shintoism do not appear to be mutually exclusive; people identify themselves with both religions depending on the life event taking place. From what we've been told, Buddhist temples are frequented for sad life events (funerals and memorializing ancestors), while Shinto shrines are frequented for happy life events (to bless a new  baby or new car and weddings).

On our tour of Misawa, we visited a Buddhist Temple and an on-site Buddhist cemetery. 

Temple Bell

Japanese funerals consist of a wake, cremation, burial in a family grave (some are quite elaborate, as shown below), and a memorial service. We happened to be visiting the temple and cemetery after Obon, an annual Buddhist event during which people believe their ancestors' spirits come back to be reunited with their families. Japanese people will place offerings at their loved ones' graves as demonstrated by the can of beer left below.

The next day, we visited a Shinto Shrine, complete with the signature red Torri (gates). 

These are Hachinohe (or Yawata) horses, which we were told are wedding symbols native to this area. The black horse is male, the red horse is female. Small, wooden toy versions of these horses are frequently sold in gift shops throughout the area. 

 
That day we also visited an indoor fish market. Although we didn't buy anything, we did get to sample a few things as well as photograph some of the more exotic sea creatures being sold...

Octopus

Sea Urchin (we actually ate some sea urchin in a sushi roll for dinner one night)