Waves, cherry blossoms—and the revered Fudō-sama

Do you know about "Namikiri Fudoson" that stands quietly and solemnly on the northwestern cliff of Ibukijima? Housed in a hollowed out of a huge rock, it has long been called "Ofudo-san" by islanders who pray for safety at sea.
In spring, the mountain path becomes a tunnel of cherry blossoms at this place of prayer that watches over the sea. Because the cherry trees are rooted right up to the edge of the cliff, visitors are surrounded by the pale contrast of cherry blossoms and the Seto Inland Sea while listening to the sound of waves right next to the sea. Despite the steep mountain path, the islanders continue to maintain the path and hold a "Cherry Blossom Festival" every year in early April. The festival is lively with entertainment by the islanders, and anyone is welcome to participate.