[X] Yes, seeing these shrines first-hand would provide you with valuable insight as to the practises of the Japanese without you having to be too intrusive. The mining town will still be there when you finish, after all.
In the end, it was no contest. While you still fully intended to visit the Shinkano, you couldn't help but satisfy your curiosity towards the particulars of the worship practises of this part of Japan. Better to learn at what, by all accounts, was a relatively large shine used to dealing with visitor from all corners, than to fumble around in an insular mining village.
With such an objective in mind, you bid the family a farewell, leaving them with yet more spare rations of yours (which would have been concerning, had you been in a more rural nation with less access to food) and rush ahead, losing sight of the family before they were finished packing up their part of the camp.
You let Sato guide the cart this day, as you felt it likely that you'd have much to study over the course of the next few days.
And, indeed, you were correct.
As the land steadily became more mountainous and forested, and the cart slowed further and further from having to rise up steps it was most certainly not designed for, you stumbled across the first of many Japanese standing gates, sitting just a short way off of the stone-way.
Sato soon informed you that they were called Torii and that they marked the boundary between the worldly and the sacred.
Leaving Sato with the cart and with a quick lesson in proper etiquette- as those of Kyushu performed it- you ascended the motley assortment of trimmed roots that made for a set of steps to the torii.
Nearing the structure, you could just make out the small shrine that sat a fair distance beyond it, in a natural clearing.
As far as 'houses of God' went, you'd seen more impressive back in Porto, but it had a charm and a peace that even you could admit to enjoying.
Clapping twice, loudly, you passed under the gate and made your way to the small spring which flanked the clearing.
Washing off your hands, and then swishing the water in your mouth, you held back a smile.
Spitting out the water to the side of the spring, you finally were free to give the small shrine your full attention.
Frankly, for all it's lack of presence, you could easily see the traits of these Japanese in its construction. It had a quiet dignity, and, in spite of how remote this particular shrine was, you couldn't help but take pleasure in how well-maintained the building was. Not a single miniature tile was broken, and none of the wood was peeling. Part of that could be attributed to the lack of rains recently, but you still felt that a people who could show such respect to even the smallest of their figures of worship would easily be able to find faith in He who gave His only Son.
Giving a light bow, you kneeled on a nearby upraised root and- facing away from the shrine, you weren't that impressed- offered a quick prayer thanking the Lord for the opportunity to bring His light unto a people so deserving of it.
Getting up and backing out of the shrine, you clapped twice again upon your exit.
After all, you had yet to reach your destination!
The next three days were spent ascending increasingly difficult pathways with your cart. You passed a few more torii- some in similarly remote areas as the first. Others serving as fully-fledged gates, flanked by walls and enclosing much more active shrines than the first, being actively maintained and a few even playing host to visitors.
Sato asked for directions a few times, and you continued your exploration. You even managed to buy a charm!
Sato gave you a look when he saw it, but you saw no reason not to participate in the local tradition as best you could. It was certainly helping you with the language, after all.
However, you did, eventually, come across your destination.
Well, in a sense.
You came across a rest-house that offered to hold your cart and horse while you went to the shrine proper. Happy to be so close, you paid with some of what funds you'd been given and half-dragged Sato into following you up a markedly busy set of steps, with a set of torii sitting on the base as well as eighteen pairs of stone lanterns flanking the stone steps every six steps.
Clapping your hands twice, you began making your way up. Still, you wondered, however, how should you comport yourself?
[ ] You would act in accordance with how Sato had guided you on the way here. You'd no reason yet to doubt in any of his directions, though there was always the chance that he'd missed some small thing which would undoubtedly annoy some bystander.
[ ] You would find the nearest attendant or monk and ask for aid. While you had no reason to believe Sato'd lied to you, you thought it best to be as open as possible about your inexperience. They'd likely figure it out anyway, considering how you looked and your dress.
Also, how open would you be about why you were here?
[ ] You'd be completely open. The Word of the Lord does not spread by being cowed into silence. Not that you'd start yelling about His Holiness, but you'd no reason not to tell any who were curious. It wasn't like you were going to start a fight, thought a debate may break out.
[ ] You'd being reserved. While the Light of the Lord prospers best in the darkness, you couldn't help but assume that proselytising in the middle of a church might be frowned upon. While the Lord did not shrink from preaching no matter the location, you couldn't help but think that making the region hostile to you before you'd even started would not be helpful
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A/N: Write-in's are always available, just make them detailed plans of action if you make them, with accompanying motivations.
