(this post is still in process…) Yuko and Michael took me to the most exquisite park and temple this past weekend. Shibamata Taishikuten Daikyo Temple is probably more well-known as the home town of Tora-san, the much-loved central character of the long-running television series, “It’s tough being a man” And many come to have their photo taken beside the giant bronze statue of him in the middle of an open courtyard, just outside the train station.  I know nothing about the tv series, but the temple and the park are definitely worth the visit. The wooden bas-relief sculpture covering the outside of the temple is stunning. Then there are the covered wooden walkways that allow you  (actually you have no choice – you must remove your shoes) to walk in socks or barefoot all through the garden, without getting wet – a perfect place to visit on a rainy day. Watching rain drops collect in the lotus leaves was a special treat. Lotus-leaf in the Rain

About 50 minutes south of Tokyo is the coastal town of Kamakura, home of some great beaches and ,the giant buddha or Daibutsu Temple. Shino and I spent a gorgeous sunny afternoon there in mid May. Here are some images from that day.

These images are of trees and parks that I especially found interesting. Some trees seem to be quite revered, protected and propped up and yet others are mercilessly pruned and in some cases to within an inch of murder.