Finally, the thing that inspired all of this culture, feeding those who produced it... the perennial rice-fields.

THE END.

Some fresh spring leaves. I loved the colours of these. 

Growing flowers, with no roof. 

Now time to head back, this time by the temple. 

Another with a bell. 

Here is Jizo, the protector, standing over them.

This one's got an outstanding character. 

Here are ojizosan, which people put here and pray. they can represent various things, often children. 

... or to snap a picture. 

A fine time for a rest. 

There was a very easy-going atmosphere here, something like a music festival, people relaxing on the grass in the sun. 

Nokogiri Mountain- The Biggest Buddha and the Journey Home

And here we are- the biggest Buddha in Japan.

One last view of the arhats on the way up. Actually most of these are reconstructions- as the originals were destroyed by sea, wind and fire long ago.

Hmm. An interesting display inside a shrine. I expect they represent the male and female principals. 

Now time to plan the next stop on our tour. Here are my friends- on the left you can see Glen (Aka Tokyo Fox) and on the right, Asif. 

Not a good time to loose one's head. 

At the end of the path this rather sinister-looking figure. Actually a bit evil-looking. 

A cheerful one. 

This one seems a little sad though. Perhaps it's the spider's web hanging on him- an itch you just can't scratch. 

Peaceful contemplation. Perhaps this one understands the buddha's message well.