Archive for May, 2006

Our Last Day in Japan…

Saturday, May 20th, 2006

started out with a sunny morning!
View From Tokyo Government Building
We took advantage of the sun and went for a stroll over to the Tokyo Government Building’s Viewing rooms. We took an elevator to the top and walked around the window encassed room to see a panoramic view of Tokyo. It was quite a hazy day, so we could still not see Mt. Fuji! (more…)

Leaving Mt. Koya for Tokyo

Friday, May 19th, 2006

Dressed Up For Night on Town - Tokyo Style

It figures on our very last day at Mt. Koya that the sun would make an appearance! When we woke up the mountain was drenched in sunlight and it felt good to be travelling in nice weather for a change. We had our 2nd elaborate breakfast, and packed our bags. (more…)

Mt. Koya Cemetary

Thursday, May 18th, 2006

Breakfast at Shojoshin-In on Mt.KoyaClare About to Eat BreakfastYummy Breakfast at Shojoshin-In

After the morning prayer service, and the ample breakfast, we headed out for the Mt. Koya cemetary. Supposedly, there are over 10,000 grave markers as well as amazing sculptural masterpieces. There was an auditory tour available, but we forgot to pick it up, so instead we got to wander around exploring on our own. At the end of the 2 km walk there is a shrine/temple which is quite impressive. (more…)

Shojoshin-In: A Buddhist Monastery on top of Mt. Koya

Wednesday, May 17th, 2006

We left HGH early in the morning walking through a drizzle on the way to the subway. Our plan was to take a train to Nara (2.5 hour ride), visit Nara, and then leave for Mt. Koya.

Dennis Reaching Out to the Nara DeerClare and a 5 Story PagodaNara Local Chats With Clare
The Largest Wooden Building in the WorldClare in Front of Buddha's HouseIncense For a Blessing

The train ride to Nara went fast, as I slept for half of it. We had 2 hours in Nara, so we checked our bags into lockers at the station and then took off to see the largest Buddha in Japan. Incidentally, the largest Buddha is housed by the largest wooden building in the world! (more…)

Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, & Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Tuesday, May 16th, 2006

Dennis at Nijo Castle Main GateNijo Castle Main ComplexDennis and Nijo Tree
Dennis About to Enter Nijo Castle InteriorClare on Bridge of Nijo CastleClimbergirl About to Invade Nijo Castle
Today was a busy day. We headed off to the Nijo Castle in light drizzle. It was going to be a long day, and we were both a little snippish from not feeling well. By the time we got to Nijo, the rain picked up and we were happy escape the weather. (more…)