The Buddha at Todaiji Temple

The alter in front of the Buddha statue











The Buddha statue. This is the Vairocana Buddha ("Buddha that shines throughout the world like the sun.") Each curl on his head is the size of a human head. Made from cast bronze, which was then plated with gold. Originally built in 752.















Description of the lotus petals
















The Lotus Petals (read description above)

Todaiji Temple in Nara

Todaiji Temple--original building built between 710 and 794 A.D. This is the third one which was built during the Edo period











One of the few cherry trees still in blossom














The crowds of school children and tours entering the temple












Jim standing in front of a beautifully-engraved lantern in front of the temple

Our Trip to Nara and Kyoto

We rode this Shinkansen train to Kyoto. Took us about 2 hours to get there.










The tour took us to Nara first where we went through big gates on the way to the Todaiji Temple











The Temple is also a Deer Park where the deer are considered sacred and are not allowed to be killed.












This is a second gate on the way to the Temple

Missionaries wishing Sis. Hartzell a Happy Birthday

Pat Turns 60 in Tokyo

Sister Jones and Sister Nonaka decorated Pat's desk--
There were balloons and stars and streamers everywhere!!











Brother Yahagi in the ward does wonderful balloon animals in addition to his magic act.
Elmo is holding a beautiful flower!!











Pat was so amazed to see her desk all decorated up




Pat showing her birthday cards and Japanese cakes from Sister Onishi

Hanami of Sakura on the River/Moat

Our first view through the crowd at the boats on the river under the Sakura trees











Aren't these cherry blossoms gorgeous?!!











The crowds were so thick you could hardly move down the sidewalk.













The sunlight really showed off the beauty of the blossoms.

A close up of the blossoms with the dark bark of the tree as contrast











Elder and Sister Kodama

















Pat














It must have been wonderful to be floating underneath all this beauty

Hanami at the River/Moat

Notice the rock wall of the moat which used to surround the Imperial Palace grounds. Now it's only partially there.










What glorious color!!













A popular photo spot--notice all the cameras and cell phones held up high to get the best picture.













The trees and blossoms were so beautiful!!

Hanami at Asigaya Park

The cherry trees lined both sides of the main street alongside the park











Look at all the trees












As you can see, we were nearly alone in the park!











Jim stands by a beautiful old lantern

Hanami at Asigaya Park

These white pigeons are on top of their roost. This is the only place in Tokyo where they can be found.










Elder and Sister Kodama and Sister Hartzell at the Park















These guarding dragons always show one with the mouth open

















and one with the mouth closed

Primary Easter Egg Activity

Everyone is singing a song while waiting for the activity to begin


























Sis. Hill showing how the egg looks after the coloring