Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Showa Daibutsu - Big Buddha in Aomori

Warning, this is a very photo intensive blog post, we had five cameras.

Josiah got off the plane and said, "Show me Japan!" This was GREAT to hear as we need to do a lot in the next three days so that the girls know they've been in Japan. ::snort::

We now have to drive two cars everywhere we go. No storms were in the forecast. Mary had sent us a big file of driving directions to various spots around Japan. We have a few ideas of things to check out. We set out for Aomori. My general observations of the trip: there is more snow up there, I don't want to drive up there alone to fly to Korea in March (maybe I'll fly from here to Tokyo to Korea), Japan is gorgeous, lots of long tunnels - which the kids love.

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike

Here are 9 + Mike looking like they are in Japan. ::snort::

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

The Showa Daibutsu (Big Buddha) was built in 1984. It's made of bronze, is 70 feet tall and weighs 220 tons. The Big Buddha is located on the grounds of the Seiryuu-ji Temple (Blue-Green Dragon Temple). The local phone number is 017-726-2312. We got the feeling they were closed today. They are CERTAINLY gearing up for the New Year celebration. They took our money and allowed us to walk around and look. We had the place to ourselves, which was nice for photos. Buddhists journey here to pray for the repose of their ancestor's souls and to pray for the peace of their dead children's souls. I'll have to write more about that later.

The Blue Green Dragon Temple - as you come into the parking lot.

From 2009-12-29 Jamin Big Buddha

We'll go back when it's warmer and take a long look inside. Next we happened upon a pagoda.

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike

There were statues all around. I'm sure we'd take more photos in warmer wheather.

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista

The windmills are left in memory of dead children, miscarried and aborted babies.
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista


The Big Buddha

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike

Mike took this photo to show perspective - compare the Buddha to our 6 footers

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike


This is dedication....get the shot at all costs. ::snort::

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

Hat
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

Fingers
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

Big Bubba - not to be confused with Big Buddha
From 2009-12-29 Jamin Big Buddha

Yes, I explained that if there were other people around he could not do this. LOL

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta

From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha De'Etta


From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike

New car model
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Mike

Did you make it this far? Do you need a sign to tell you this is a male bathroom? The urinals did that for me. ::snort:: And WHY are they in front of a glass, sliding door? We've seen this before. This photo was taken from the OUTSIDE of the men's bathroom.
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista

Jared had the idea that he and Jamin could sit in the back seat, put the middle seat down and have leg room.
From 2009-12-29 Big Buddha Krista

If you are local, you can find driving directions to the Big Buddha here. If you have a GPS the coordinates are N 40 40.611 E 141 21.270.

EVERYONE IS HOME!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

9 comments:

Jodi said...

Wow that is a BIG Buddha! So glad to see everyone home and together.

Renee said...

Looks like you're having lots of fun family time despite the cold and snow.

When you go to Korea, are you staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge? If so, say hello for me.... and if Elvis is still working there, give him our regards

Anonymous said...

HI:

Must say that is the most handsome/beautiful 9 + Mike I have ever seen. :):):) and to think they are having a blast together. :):)

However, is it an approved thing to be kissing. Oh, nevermind, Dad/I kiss at the swimming pool just to keekp things interesting. :):)

Interesting that abortions are easy to get over there but they recognize the unborn child as real. I like the memorial to the unborn......

Hard to believe a Buddha that big. Wow! you all standing in front of it sure is a good comparison.

Keep on having fun.... love/prayers --- mom T.

Linda said...

Wow! That IS a big Buddha!

Janette said...

May I hyjack your Buddah for my class next week? I get to teach the religion as part of the "big five".

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

Yes, Janette. If you need original photos, email me and I'll email them to you. We had zillions....

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

No, it is not at all appropriate behaviour in Japan, Mom....but as I mentioned we had the park to ourselves. That may be the advantage of touring in the winter....no crowds...though by the looks of things there will be plenty on 1 Jan. They were bringing in heaters, lights, shoveling parking lots and sidewalks.....

Cynthia said...

Love all the pictures! Looks like you're getting in lots of sight seeing!

Anonymous said...

HI: :):):)I was just teasing about the kissing. :):):)

Agree with you that the non-favored times to sight see might just be the best. So glad you are all enjoyig thing so much. love/prayers --- Mom T.