WORLDVIEW

Hello, everyone. Yuki Hirasaka here.
I’d like to continue introducing Okunezato’s charms to you all.
Yasu is currently been locked up at the police substation in handcuffs, so rest assured he won’t bother us today.
Now, this time, let’s scope out some mysterious places Okunezato has to offer.

This is a shrine that was built on the slope of a mountain. When you pass through the torii gate and climb up the stairs, you’ll find yourself on the shrine grounds.
Usually, it’s a very calm and lovely place. However…

Have any of you heard of the Legend of the Revenants that’s been passed down here in Okunezato?
Haha, that’s great that you’re all so well-informed!
While a white snake is enshrined here in the Okune Shrine, it was originally built to mourn the revenants that have been resurrected, or so they say. But I wonder what the story is behind the white snake?

These are restricted areas that have been avoided since ancient times. However, no one knows why that is.
I actually tried asking my mother about it once, but she had been told not to go since she was a child, and even she didn’t know when it all began.
Regardless, it is said that once you set foot into these areas, you’ll never return, thus making it one of Okunezato’s seven mysteries known as “Okunezato’s mysterious disappearances.”
It’s odd that we’re still being bound by such legends in this day and age, isn’t it?
But it seems that, surprisingly, there are other places that are like that in Japan.
I recommend looking into it yourselves when you have the time.

When walking down a path near the Okune Shrine, you’ll come across this small tunnel that goes deep into the mountains.
It really is tiny, so I doubt cars can drive through it.
It was a walkway that was connected to the mountain paths in the past, but since Okunezato prohibits entering the mountain entirely, this tunnel has also been restricted, not unlike the forbidden places.
There have been plenty of groundless rumors created because of it, such as there being a run-down shrine beyond it, or that there’s a place where violacias bloom, and even that there’s a special sanctuary where the Okune Panda’s family resides…
But for the average Okunezato resident, since it’s considered taboo, no one would even think to set foot into this tunnel.
That’s simply how traditions work.

This is the large bridge people take to enter Okunezato.
Everyone who takes the bus into town from the nearest station cross through this bridge.
Beneath it lies the Kamiki River.
It is said that long ago, this river was formed when a white snake passed through the area.
Since this serves as the only way into and out of Okunezato, with there being a tunnel on the other side of the main street, it would be a great setup for a mystery novel. The bridge could collapse, and the tunnel could cave in, transforming Okunezato into a giant prison…
Ah, sorry, don’t take that to heart. It was just an idea for a book!

That’s all for now.
Next time, I’ll introduce the Fuurinkan Hotel, where you’ll all be staying, in more detail.
Wait, hold on… You’re all already in Okunezato, aren’t you?
Just so you’re aware, there’s only one room left that’s available, so be sure to book soon!

All right, I guess I’ll undo Yasu’s handcuffs now!
But he did say “Does this make me a tragic hero?” earlier. Maybe I’ll leave him like that for a bit longer…