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.
Here are 9 + Mike looking like they are in Japan. ::snort::
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.
We'll go back when it's warmer and take a long look inside. Next we happened upon a pagoda.
There were statues all around. I'm sure we'd take more photos in warmer wheather.
The windmills are left in memory of dead children, miscarried and aborted babies.
The Big Buddha
Mike took this photo to show perspective - compare the Buddha to our 6 footers
This is dedication....get the shot at all costs. ::snort::
Hat
Fingers
Big Bubba - not to be confused with Big Buddha
Y
es, I explained that if there were other people around he could not do this. LOL
New car model
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.
Jared had the idea that he and Jamin could sit in the back seat, put the middle seat down and have leg room.
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...
Wow that is a BIG Buddha! So glad to see everyone home and together.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're having lots of fun family time despite the cold and snow.
ReplyDeleteWhen 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
HI:
ReplyDeleteMust 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.
Wow! That IS a big Buddha!
ReplyDeleteMay I hyjack your Buddah for my class next week? I get to teach the religion as part of the "big five".
ReplyDeleteYes, Janette. If you need original photos, email me and I'll email them to you. We had zillions....
ReplyDeleteNo, 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.....
ReplyDeleteLove all the pictures! Looks like you're getting in lots of sight seeing!
ReplyDeleteHI: :):):)I was just teasing about the kissing. :):):)
ReplyDeleteAgree 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.