Japanecdote: Am I an Alien?

There were only a handful of visitors in Engyoji Temple and as far as I could tell we were the only foreigners there. A Japanese man kept looking at us—at me, according to my friends. Did I look like an alien? I don't think I look that weird. Was my shirt on inside out? Was I wearing mismatched shoes? Did my mustache look like I have been electrified? I had no idea why he kept looking at us—at me.

But no biggie. We went about our business. We explored the temple complex. Peeked into the Honda Family Mausoleum. Entered Daikodo and Jikido, two of the three wooden halls that made up Mitsunodo. Enjoyed the serenity and fresh air. Explored some more before taking the last shuttle bus back to the cable car station. Waited for the cable car. Looked at the city of Himeji from the viewing deck of the cable car station while waiting. Descended the mountain via cable car. Stumbled out of the cable car and made our way to the bus stop.

Daikodo, one of the three halls of Mitsunodo in Engyoji Temple

And that's when the Japanese man hurried towards me and started speaking to me. Where are you from? Definitely not Mars, sir. I am from the Philippines. How did you find out about this place? From the internet, sir. In the many times he has been to Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, he has only seen local visitors, and he was surprised I had found my way there, he said.

Maybe I really looked like an alien—among my three friends and I, Mr Japanese Man had honed in on me. Curiosity got the better of him and I guess he simply had to get some answers before I took my spaceship back to Osaka.

Japan

Know Before You Go
Single Entry Tourist Visa for Japan
Roam Around Japan with a Swagger
An Ignoramus in Japan: Vending Machines
An Ignoramus in Japan: Bathrooms and Toilets
An Ignoramus in Japan: Manhole Covers
I Spy With My Little Eye: Japan's Fashion Contradictions
I Spy With My Little Eye: On the Go in Japan

From Tokyo to Hiroshima (2015)
10D/9N | Tokyo, Toyama, Kyoto, Hyogo, Osaka, Hiroshima
Tokyo Accommodation: Shinjuku Airbnb
Tokyo: Memorable Tokyo Eats
Tokyo: Odaiba
Tokyo: Doing Touristy Things in Tokyo
Toyama: A Hamlet Called Ainokura
Kyoto Accommodation: K's House Hostel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Wisdom from the Road: On exits #2
Kyoto: By the Thousands (Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove)
Kyoto, Japanecdote: Turning Japanese
Kyoto: Braving the Crowds at these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto (Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji)
Hyogo, Japanecdote: If Only I Could Speak Nihongo
Hyogo: Day Trip to Himeji: Himeji Castle and Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Hyogo, Japanecdote: Am I an Alien? (you're here!)
Hiroshima: Strolling and Snacking in Miyajima
Hiroshima: Remembering the Past in Hiroshima
Osaka, Japanecdote: How to Lose Friends
Osaka Accommodation: Osaka Airbnb
Osaka, Japanecdote: Where is Bentencho Station?
Osaka: Osaka Castle and Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai
Osaka, Japanecdote: Learn From Your Mistakes