Miyajima Island

Today we journeyed by tram, train, ferry, foot and cable car to reach the top of mount Misen on Miyajima Island. We waved to everyone who passed us on the cable car.

Before going up the mountain we looked around the sites and the shops.

Look who turned up. Again.

We saw at least three big eagles from the cable car.

The view from the top.

Ducking stones.

This temple is almost at the top of the mountain. The photograph cannot capture the atmosphere of the location.

Way to the top but this is on the way down. Note the incredibly sweaty T-shirt.

The floating Tori gate at Miyajima.

You have already eaten Shirley's dinner, now get lost. Shortly after this it attacked the bags holding some souveniers we had bought.

Hiroshima Castle

This is Hiroshima Castle - reconstructed. The original was flattened by atomic bomb. This was our first encounter with the notorious history of Hiroshima. In the castle precinct was a semi-underground bunker which was manned by the military and girls from a nearby high school. The first message telling what had happened on August 6th was sent from here. This made the hair on the backs of our necks stand-up.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Park. This symbolising the time, 8.15am, 6th August 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

We rang the Peace Bell.

The Children's Peace Memorial, we're taking our origami cranes back later.

Below - the A bomb dome.

Himeji

Sharing a pint at the Hosanna British pub before retiring for the night.

I always knew I was a stealth warrior in a past life. It's all coming back now.

After the rain it got really really hot. We needed these.

Ha ha, ha ha ha, ha.

Koyansan

Spent　day wandering about Koyasan`s many temples,shrines and pagodas after an early morning start. At 7am we witnessed the Buddhist service which was followed by breakfast. This is the view from our own, personal diningroom!

The Saito Toto with the Konpon Daito in the background. The two pagodas. This was taken after the torrential rain, lightning and thunder.

Same area - the Kondo.

Bridge over Dragon Queen`s pond.

Artistic shot taken whilst sheltering from the rain. The thunder rumbled on all afternoon. Some of the television pictures from around japan show some terrible flood damage - landslides etc.

Our room in the Fudoin temple Lodgings.

Feeding time!

Calum having a rest.

Big bolt in　door.




Zen garden in Kongobuji Temple headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect.

Gateway to Fudoin.

Monk Boy at doorway to　lodgings.

View from　cable car getting here.

View from train - lots of swollen, muddy rivers.

We are going to Himeji tomorrow. Have really enjoyed our stay here. Off to our room to watch the Open in Japanese which is quite disconcerting seeing a place you know so well but not following a word!.

A Stop Off in Nara

Well surprise! The Temple Lodge has internet connection.

Left Kyoto this morning on our way to the Fudoin Temple Guest House. Stopped off in Nara to see the deer and some more temples including a giant Buddha.

The photos are a bit jumbled up because we can`t change computer from Japanese into English!

Konichiwa!

Sunshine!

Inside Hall of Great Buddha.

Outside Hall of Great Buddha.

After her early release from hospital, the family are happy to welcome Shirley home.

They were actually more interested in the deer biscuits she brought with her.

Dude in Kyoto who cooked our dinner last night.

Dragonfly - by mum.

Great Buddha.

Deer on steps.

Calum makes an easy mistake, thinking he was giving Shirley her lunch.

Are you ready to leave deer?

Oh deer!





We are now at the Fudoin Temple Lodgings. It is great ... so chilled and beautiful. We have just had the best vegetarian meal ever and are going to bed soon as we are going to see a Buddhist service tomorrow morning at 7am. Cannot wait to explore tomorrow. Hope everyone is well.