Nanzoin Temple

Reclining Buddha entrance to the largest bronze statue in the world at 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height

We are at the bottom of her feet here.

Kayleigh's goodies from the mall we stopped at

Shimabara Castle

Sunday morning we arrived at our first stop Shimabara Castle, we were surprised by Ninjas and they dressed Kayleigh up right away.

The construction of Shimabara castle began in 1618 by Matsukura Shigemasa, who was then lord of the Matsukura Bungo Province. It took 7 years to complete the castle

Water Canal for old Samurai Residents

Water Canal for old Samurai Residences this 5.6 meter wide street runs from north to south for a total distance of 406.8 meters. A spring water canal runs down the center of the street, supplying fresh water to the residents since the clan era.

The little boy in the hat had given Kayleigh some food to feed the fish, the Japanese are so giving I'm really going to miss that when we leave. Anyways, I found where we could buy some so I had Kayleigh return the favor.

City of Swimming Carp

We ended up going to the City of Swimming Carp since Kayleigh had such a great time feeding them at the 1st location ( plus she was an angel the past 2 days with traveling) Here Red, white,tricolor,gold, and other colors of carp swim in the clear waters of the city. This went up and around the streets it was very very neat.

Buddha entering Nirvana

Statue of Buddha entering Nirvana this was built in memory of Itakura Shigemasa, chief commander of the expeditionary force who tried to take the rebels headquaters, Hara Castle during the Shimabara Rebellion. The statue is 8.6 meters long and 2.12 meters high.

Unzen Jigoku

Unzen Jigoku- The smell of sulfur was very strong here, and steam was pouring out everywhere. Jigoku means hell, you can buy eggs that have been steamed here also :) I didn't venture too far Kayleigh was asleep in the car and this was not on our list of things to do for the day so I just took in a quick Photo op :)

Jigoku, means Hell, is the number one attraction of Unzen　with a peculiar smell of sulfur emitted from the springs,　and with white smoke rising from the ground over a wide area.
This is a striking reminder that Unzen Volcano is still　very much alive.
These springs are highly valued by Japanese even now　as according to Buddhist teaching, "If you live in a bad　manner, you cannot go to Paradise, but rather, you will fall　into the Hell of agony".
Unfortunately, this was once put into reality nearly 350　years ago during the time of religious persecution in Japan.
30 Japanese Christians, failing to renounce their faith met　their death here in the scalding spring of Jigoku.

Something we stumbled upon :)

We saw a sign by the road with a bronze Buddha on it, we decided to take a look and it was well worth it :) This was one of my favorite spots from the day.

Obama Town

Obama Marine Park at 105m in length, it is the longest Ashiyu foot spa in Japan. The 105 m long foot spa is equipped with food steamers, water cooling rocks, seated foot spas, walking foot spas, and foot spas for your pet

Boiling eggs here :)

The little boy on the left gave Kayleigh bread to take with home with her, so I asked for a picture and boy did the grandmother love pushing this other boy into the picture:) They were all very sweet.