David Esteban
A worthwhile detour
The Isonokamijingu Temple is found in Tenri, which is south of the province of Nara. Although Tenri itself is important, being a province very, Nara is rich in tradition and history. This temple would go unnoticed, were it not for the several sacred roosters there.
They are free, and they sing and swarm in the courtyards of the temple, which is at the base of a mountain that invites you to lose yourself in the wild. I don't consider it an essential place to visit, but I think it does have a touch of class compared to other temples in the area.
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