Richmond's In Japan

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Saikyô-ji Temple

We also went and saw the Saikyo-ji Temple today, I had looked for this before when we went and explored Hirado Castle but wasn't able to find it last trip, so I was very excited to find it this time. This temple was built in 1988 and is one of the largest pagoda structures in Japan. You usually have to pay 400 yen to get inside the temple but the girls and I had bought some things in the little gift shop and the lady working it said " please come free" so we followed her inside the temple, it was really neat inside, She even lead Tony and the older girls down to the basement where they had to put their hands on each other's shoulder's and touch the wall it was completely dark down there they said. We enjoyed this Temple one of my favorites so far.

There are 88 little statues that lead up to the pagoda.

Inside the temple, very pretty and elaborate.

After the lady took us inside she offered us some hot green tea, she was very nice and welcoming much like everyone we have came across here in Japan.

Ikitsuki basalt columns

These are the Basalt Columns in Ikitsuki, the columns are called "shiodawara" which means salt bag since the resemble the shape of traditional Japanese straw bags used to pack salt. This is one of the top 100 sights to see in Nagasaki prefecture.

Our Hike down the mountain

We saw this section of water and Tony thought it would be great to find our way down there, so the journey began.

Making our way to the bottom of the mountain.

Yes all the way down there.

Almost there.

Amber loved being down here and exploring all the treasure (trash) that was onshore.

Tony happy we found a way down to the water.

We have to make our way back up there, when we are done exploring.

love this picture of Kayleigh, you can see the red tint to her hair.

Kayleigh making her way back up, Tony ended up carrying her not long after this picture.

Autum found a nice crab.

Making our way back up to the top, I'm already thinking I'm not ready for Fuji.

We had a great time exploring this area and were able to get cold off by the water :)

Obae Lighthouse

We went to Obae Lighthouse this morning, was not a lighthouse that we are use to out at the outer banks but was a nice view, with few steps to climb. It was built in 1958, and it is one of the few lighthouses in Japan where you can climb for free. This lighthouse is located in the northern tip of Ikitsuki.

We made our way down the mountain to the rock formation below it was definetly a wake- up call that I am not ready for Fuji.

Ikitsuki Daigyoran Kannon Statue

Today we went to the Ikitsuki Daigyoran Kannon Statue it is the largest bronze statue in Japan. It was completed on April 29, 1980. It is 18 meters tall and weighs 150 metric ton. Inside is a Buddhist Alter. It prays for world peace and the safety of those who are out to sea. It also mourns over shipwrecked people and marine animals. I was shocked at how tall it was. Enjoy the pictures below.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Kawatana Town for Boy's Day

This morning we headed to Kawatana Town for the Boy's festival, we followed Jane and her girls there. We had a nice morning and enjoyed our picnic lunch.
Kayleigh will make a great big sister one day.

They had dance competitions this morning and this was one of the groups.

All the people walking around.

More of the flags, these were everywhere and have been for awhile now.

Here they were exercising.

The festival down below.

Kayleigh posing she loves getting her picture taken.

We came upon a group of boys and they knew basic English, they said hello, how are you, and thank you and knew the word picture:) They were really nice and enjoyed talking to us in our language.

Kayleigh at the park, where we had a picnic lunch.

Kayleigh and Grace with the boys.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

More Kit Kats

My Friend was traveling for 3 weeks to different areas of Japan and she knew I was collecting the Kit Kat's so these are the flavors she brought back with her for me and the family.