Early morning walk in park across from Imperial Hotel. We were surprised at homeless men shaving and asleep on benches.

Tokyo must be applying to host Olympics in 2016. They hosted summer Olympics in 1964.

Washington Heights - huge American compound - where they got the land for the 64 Olympics. This was my home - end unit of 4 built into courtyard.

Mrs. McLean - the BEST teacher I ever had - 5th grade, Yoyogi School. Her class looked like chaos but we all learned so much.

Frank Lloyd Wright Imperial Hotel - taken over by military during occupation after World War II. We ate special occasion dinners here.

New Imperial Hotel - this is 3rd one. "They"said FLW's beyond repair so tore it down & rebuilt. Saved few artifacts

Optional trip to Nikko - This is Toshogu Shrine.

Martha and I in front of pagoda - not sure it is same one but think so and we did travel quite a bit while there.

Carving of well know saying - hear, speak and see no evil

Examples of how every surface was decorated if possible.

Human version of speak, hear and see no evil.

No temple monk stamper here - it was a real mission to get books stamped and signed. Cost Y300 or $3.00

Prayers or wishes written on wood boards. I think they are later burned.

If you don't want to write a prayer or wish, you can purchase one. New Zealand gave this temple a white horse and it is brought on site once a day.

So many roof lines and no pagoda.

Temple of the growling dragon - echo effect of monk clacking wood together. Dragon painted on ceiling

Sake and whisky stored in many temples - perhaps it ages better in a temple

Lots of sake stored in this temple

Highly ornate Yomeimon Gate - decorated w/flowers & animals. One upside down - deliberate imperfection

Close up of painted birds and flowers

More detail

Karen cleanses her hands at the sacred fountain. Built in 1618.

Prayer and wish boards for sale

Swan boats on Lake Chuzenji

Tori gates appear everywhere but there is always a Sinto Shrine nearby.

Buddhism defines funereal rituals w/belief in cycle of reincarnation

My Mom and Dad at a cemetary - looks like they haven't changed.

Note sake & beer cans for departed - didn't check to see if cans were full.

Sticks give information about deceased or perhaps a poem for them.

Notice patches of snow in background - mid April in the mountains.

Kegon Falls and more snow. Monkeys run wild in this area. Many potters in area.