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  3. TRAVEL: 2007 through 2011
  4. APRIL, 2008 JAPAN (KYOTO TRIP)

SAIPAN TO JAPAN

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Making our descent into Nagoya. Each time I fly in I think that these mountains would be interesting to explore.
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Making our descent into Nagoya. Each time I fly in I think that these mountains would be interesting to explore.

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  • We're on our way! Out over our little island of Saipan and Japan-bound!
  • Making our descent into Nagoya. Each time I fly in I think that these mountains would be interesting to explore.
  • And Nagoya is a port city, with LOTS of inlets and small bays all around.
  • This sign has been in the Nagoya Airport for a long time. Different regions are represented by the spice or grain they are known for. For instance, Mexico is shown as a collection of jalapeno peppers, the American West is shown as corn, I believe. The South and East as wheat. Anyway, Japan is shown as a big wasabi root. The sign reads "Taste WASABI. Taste Japan."
  • En route between Nagoya and Narita. You can see Mt. Fuji in the upper-right.
  • As you can see, the descent into Narita is over much flatter terrain than is the descent into Nagoya.
  • Rice primarily? I guess so, but am not sure. Could be wasabi, for all I know.
  • We got to Narita, got to our room, ate at our favorite noodle shop, and then walked down to this English pub I have always thought looked pretty cool. I know: Must be something wrong with people who go to an English pub in Japan, right? Well, Bev and I shared a beer there, which hit the spot quite well
  • The next morning we walked down to Naritisan Shinshoji temple area. This building is brand new: It was inside a protective shed and being built last time Bev and I were there together. You may have heard of this place just recently. The Japan portion of the Olympic Torch Relay was supposed to start here, but it was decided at the last minute to start from a different location due to controversy and fears of protests. I'm sure that the Chinese would have seen it as a PR victory if the Japanese leg of the relay were to have started at a Buddhist Holy place.
  • Taking a picture of your own reflection, Bev? Is your camera set on "smile" mode?
  • The grounds of this place are nothing short of magnificent. An image of Fudomyoo was carved around the year 800 in Kyoto by Kukai (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) at the request of the Emperor Saga. In 939 there was a revolt against the emperor (who lived in Kyoto). Priest Kanjo received a secret order from Emperor Sazaku to suppress the revolt. He traveled to Kyoto and obtained the image, bringing it to Narita. Over the image he performed a three week Goma rite for peace. Miraculously, on the final day of the Goma rite (Feb. 14, 940), the revolt was totally suppressed. Priest Kanjo prepared to return the Fudomyoo image to Kyoto. However, the image had mysteriously grown as heavy as a huge stone and could not be moved. The priest heard the oracle of Fudomyoo say "My wish has not been fulfilled. I wish to stay here forever and relieve the innumerable people from suffering." Upon hearing about this, Emperor Sazaku ordered a temple be erected to enshrine the image on that spot. Thus the establishment of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The grounds, which are quite large, have been in use as a Buddhist retreat ever since.
  • There are many buildings on the temple grounds. I have no idea where the original Fudomyoo image is housed, or even if it still exists.
  • One of the newer buildings, the Great Pagoda of Peace was built in 1984.
  • Hey, Bev: Can you make a camelia smile?
  • Bev is a purveyor of singing bowls similar to this. However, I think that this may be the largest one she has been able to play. It was in one of the cathedrals. A monk was in his office behind the lighted glass you see. Bev asked him if she could play the bowls. I'm not sure that he knew what she was asking, but he nodded approvingly, so she was able to play it!
  • And the small one, too!
  • for a movie effect, go through this photo and the next two fast!
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  • After a half day at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple area, it was time to return to Narita train station and catch JR (Japan Rail) into Tokyo Station. Our trip will continue with the next album! To proceed, click the following link: <a href="http://optimimagery.com/Travel/APRIL-2008-JAPAN-KYOTO-TRIP/NARITA-TO-KYOTO/9901585_NEpzG/1/674813790_JWXcA">http://optimimagery.com/Travel/APRIL-2008-JAPAN-KYOTO-TRIP/NARITA-TO-KYOTO/9901585_NEpzG/1/674813790_JWXcA</a>

  • OptimImagery

    on October 13, 2009

    1. PamThursday, August 21, 2008 5:02:35 AM
    Cool! Now, if only I had my secret decoder ring to decipher the message in the landscape.

    2. tom.Wednesday, May 07, 2008 3:22:27 AM
    ...hard to believe they are there!....
    ...on an island that size, where do all those people live again..>?..!...

    3. BeverLiTuesday, May 06, 2008 1:51:22 AM
    even the rivers looked light Japanese symbols

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