Associated with: The Demon of Gango-ji (元興寺の鬼)
Our destination for this entry has been sitting like a spoiler on the maps of our last two entries, that being a little star marking the nondescript Crossroad of Suspicion, or Fushin ga Tsuji.
Picking up our story, the demon tore itself from the acolyte's grip and fled the belfry. Following the trail of blood left by its scalp, the acolyte pursued it to a grassy crossroad, where it vanished. The youngster searched furiously, but the demon was gone, never to be seen again. The crossroad was of course the very location where the thief and ex-servant of Gango-ji had been put to death.
Artist Unknown, Edo Period (Source: Yokai Zukan, Kyogoku & Tada, Kokusho Kankokai, 2000 via https://ja.wikipedia.org/)
The acolyte in time became a lay brother, and after other impressive deeds was ordained and given the name Dojo. He is thought to have been a real historical figure, but the Chinese characters for his name (道場) are the same as a martial arts dojo, so while an intriguing fellow it takes a few tries to find him with a search engine.
Comments: The Crossroad of Suspicion is only a three-minute walk from Gango-ji. At the juncture is a sweet shop that uses the crossroad as a point of reference, so these days it's a delicious "Crossroad of Confection."
Getting There
The crossroad is about a block and a half north of Gango-ji. You can get there using the map below.
Map courtesy of Google Maps
Photo Credit: Gragma's Yokai Tourbus
Driver Gragma (yokaitourbus "at" mail "dot" com)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yokaitourbus/
The Master List (Nara):
http://yokaitourbus.blogspot.jp/2015/08/6-e-master-list-nara.html
(yokai) The Demon of Gango-ji (元興寺の鬼)
Site: The Crossroad of Suspicion or Fushin ga Tsuji (不審ヶ辻)
Nearest Station: (JR Line) Nara Stn. (奈良駅)
Google Map Search: NA
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