After a sumptuous breakfast, my aunt and cousin, Masako took us to Hiraizumi. From 1089 to 1189, three generations of the Fujiwara family headed by Kiyohira Fujiwara, created a political and cultural center in Hiraizumi. He wanted to create a "paradise of Earth." Hiraizumi was certainly a strong attempt.
Here are the photos:
The morning began with a near disaster. Our PC laptop with the Vista operating system went haywire. It somehow rewired itself to its original set up somehow losing all our inputed information including all the photos we had uploaded on it and didn't have time to back up. We were horrfied but my brother managed to reset it again and saved our day!
Hiraizumi is an absolutely heavenly place.
I can see why wedding couples like to have their wedding photos taken here.
The lake area was just gorgeous and my mother and aunt enjoyed the walk. It's incredible how different the temperatures are between Tokyo and Sendai which is farther north. It was sweltering in Tokyo. We need jackets in Sendai.
My aunt says the hagi flower is very popular there and they have hagi festivals at this time of year.
The museum was very interesting. We couldn't resist having our photo taken in front of a statue of the poet, Bassho.
Ahem... These are ancient toilet papers, OK... so they're sticks. Not exactly soft but I guess they did the trick.
Shrine: I'm sorry I can't remember which one. I'll have to fill this out when I'm more awake.
Another shrine
This is the grave of the famous warrior, Benkei. A pine tree was planted at this site because the pine is unchanging even in winter. Benkei was also unchanging in his loyalty to his Lord Yoshitsune. Legend goes that he died still standing while protecting his lord even though a slew of arrows had covered his body.
We cajoled Art and Dennis to pose as Benkei and Lord Yoshitsune.
Here is my wonderful master chef uncle with one of his favorite fans.
Great photos again, Kay, with interesting captions. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI continue to enjoy traveling along with you and your lovely family. Isn't it interesting how different climates can be just a few miles apart. I was surprised at the differences in Japan, however, since it is an island and surrounded by the same ocean. Fascinating trip.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKay, what a joy traveling along with you to Japan! I am so glad you are having a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteOh Gosh Kay, you scared me at first. How awful that would have been.
ReplyDeleteLOL -- Art makes a great lord!! :D
What a beautiful tree that is by the shrine of Benkei.
ReplyDeleteTerrific photos. You all look so relaxed. What a great experience for Dennis (and you?) to get acquainted with relatives you've never met before and learn so much of your history. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us Kay. I love the photo of Dennis and Art! Question: Do I now have to refer to Dennis as "Lord" when he comes home?
ReplyDeleteI want you to adopt me!!!
ReplyDeleteglad you got your computer fixed. always do two backups of photos-maybe on a thumb drive and on your blog? looks like you are continuing to enjoy the many places to see in Japan. It is truly beautiful there.
ReplyDeleteSo happy I could catch up with your adventures Kay...
ReplyDeleteKay- I just love all that you are sharing of your trip! It is all so nice to read and very interesting. Keep the info coming - this is such fun!!
ReplyDelete