Can't be a bull market in Japan as long as he is resting here

Lovely pictures hanging outside tho protected.

Cleanse hands & mouth, go to hall of worship before main shrine. Toss coin into offering box, ring gong to summon deity, pray, clap twice, back away.

Hippo with hand made bib.

I got it! Our mission at each temple - get our book stamped and dated

Prayer sticks

Not a doubt about meaning of this sign - no words necessary.

One never doubts that one is in a foreign country - tori gates, stone lanterns

A young Marilyn

Easy to pray in Japan, shrines are everywhere

Judy thought this rock would look great in her front yard.

School kids, always in uniform, were everywhere.

Kyoto Station. DK says "sleek complex of soaring spaces, glass surfaces & bleacher-like staircases. 1997.

Nara: East end of Silk Road & 1st capital. 1000 deer are considered to be messengers of the gods.

Gathering to take illegal group picture in front of Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple.

Largest wooden building in world. Unusual bracketing & beam-frame construction.

Largest in world and yet only 2/3 size of original built in 752. This one completed 1709.

"Striking roofline w/golden horns & curved lintel was 18th century embellishment

Blackened buddha can't be seen here but is largest bronze image in world. Hand holds 4-5 priests.

Large golden bodhisattva, meaning "Enlightened Being" was created in 1709.

Another classic permanent flower arrangement. Ikebana started as flower tribute to Buddha and created by priests.