Above the Todoroki Valley

 Something else about Todoroki Fudoson Temple is it has a wonderful view of the Todoroki valley.

There is a railed observation walkway which offers a view of the gorge with the many trees there. 

Including beautiful sakura trees. 

And bright pink ume trees. 

It is a very pleasant view. 

The observation walkway is near the steps that lead down to the gorge. Ready for this? 

 The dirt and board steps transitioned to these stone steps. Still couldn't see the bottom yet. It is a long way down.

However there are things to see along the way. 

Little shrines, like this one with a frog. Frogs have been considered protectors against fires and also for praying for returns, for bringing things back, in Japan.

This shrine was rather interesting, being set into the gorge wall and lined with concrete blocks, giving it an ancient Roman or Greek appearance.

Parts of this shrine appear older, yet the lanterns and bell rope are newer. 

There was even a stand for burning incense. I am not sure who the shrine is for. Perhaps the person who founded Todoroki Fudoson Temple, or if it is for Buddhist Priest Kobo Dashi who explored the valley back when. It does resemble his statue at another shrine in the valley.

 There is also a formidable looking Fudo Myo-o in a shrine up on the side of the valley. 

Someone is definitely tending and visiting this shrine, even though it would be a difficult climb up there. Also if you were to have a god to protect the valley, Fudo Myo-o is a good choice. His name means "immovable". Which I am sure they hope all the rocks are.

 I could finally see the bottom of the steps, which lead to that timeless valley gorge.

And looking back up the lowest part of the steps.