There are many places in Japan where the tradition says that if you perform some unusual act, you will get something in return. Probably the most famous such place is inside the Todaiji Temple from Nara, but I recently found something similar in Amanohashidate.

An old Buddhist teaching says that “Out of the counsel of three comes the wisdom of Monju”, Monju being the Bodhisattva of wisdom. The meaning of this saying is that three heads think better than one, but related to this, a strange belief appeared here, according to which if you will pass 3 times through a “wisdom lantern” - a ring of stone called Chienowa Tourou, Monju will grant you wisdom. But since the ring is placed quite high, I guess not many people are trying…

Wisdom lantern, Amanohashidate

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Syoda Ebisu Restaurant Shinsekai