I visited Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha in 2022 and posted about it here. At that time, Japan was still very cautious about the spread of covid and keeping distant from others, so there were fewer people and visitors could not go inside the Buddha. I think the Japanese border was closed until October of 2022, so there were no foreign tourists when I visited the first time.
The admission fee is 300 yen, plus an additional 50 yen to go inside the Great Buddha.
I walked all the way around the Great Buddha before going inside.
These windows in the back are for inside ventilation, but it was still pretty stuffy inside.
After paying the 50 yen, you go inside by a narrow stairway that is used for both up and down. Someone with claustrophobia might not want to go in.
Looking up, inside the Buddha’s head.
These are the windows that can be seen from the outside.
This is the area behind the Great Buddha, and I think a building was removed. Looking at the last three photos in this post, you can see the same stone lantern and large flat stone. It’s a mystery!
The Quiltmaker - After removing the big section of miscounting, I am back on track. I am counting twice as I continue stitching this time.
New Start - Small Sashiko panels - I found the panels and variegated threads at Seria (100¥ store) and instantly had an idea of what I wanted to do with them. This is the first one.
New Start - Quilt Show Kit
I had a wonderful lunch with my friends on Sunday. I’m always happy when we can get together.
Little zipper pouches progress - all of the stitching is by hand. It would be quicker by machine, but I am enjoying the slow hand stitching. There are hexagons on both sides.
On June 14th, 131 candidates from Japan and abroad sat for the ninja certification exam, in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.
The exam is divided into three levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced, and includes written questions, shuriken throwing, and ninja attire. This was the 18th year of this exam. There were 93 beginner level candidates, 28 intermediate, and 10 advanced. This year’s candidates ranged in age from 9 - 76. The beginner pass rate was 90%, intermediate 70% and advanced 55%. The test is given every year, so if you missed it this year, there will be another chance next year.
This temple was built by Emperor Toba in 1145. Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, stayed at this temple. There are many many steps at this temple.
Going down was faster than going up!
