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We did not have to travel very far to find a temple. This one was in our own backyard so to speak and very old. One like this could be found right next to a brand new house or modern building. Temples and shrines are revered, valued, protected and found almost everywhere in Japan. The entrances to these are similar to the one above and are always open year round. To either side of the entrance are two large wooden statues (protectors), and are enclosed with heavy metal screening to protect them. Vandalism is generally NOT a problem in Japan, but just to be on the safe side, these solid wood and perhaps 100's of years old statues, were protected. The lantern is lit at night and other lighting is also inside the court area and the temple. If you look inside the middle of the picture, to the right of the tassel hanging from the lantern, you will see a car. It is part of several private residence areas around the temple area. Temples are generally never torn down. If you are able to find property to buy in Japan and it happens to be near a temple, many of such residences help to preserve the temple. In contrast, homes devalue over time in Japan as the property itself is most important not the building, but the temples and shrines, their buildings and the property appreciate. Most are never closed, never vandalized and nothing is rarely if ever, stolen.

WOW, how cool would this be to live near a temple! One evening we came to this place and the moon was full. There we were, surrounded by cedar trees, the air was full of fragrant incense and the aroma of conifers, outside of an old temple in Japan. It was dark enough to not be able to discern anything modern or even our clothing. It was like we were somewhere inside ancient history and beyond my imagination to have ever conceived.

Just past the entrance to the temple and to the immediate left was this interesting frog sculpture. To the right was the common fountain area to purify yourself with water before entering the temple. Unseen, is the modern invention of a motion sensor. The water would turn on as you approached and gives one a nice surprise, especially at night.

Shoes are supposed to be removed out of respect before entering the temple. We left ours on the first step. In the center is an incense burner. Incense Sticks were found at all shrines and temples. Honor boxes were found to purchase sticks for use. Proceeds go towards either the maintenance of such places or for the monks which maintain them; sometimes for both. Upon entering and leaving any temple or shrine, many buildings and sometimes private residences, the custom is to bow out of respect. I soon found myself almost automatically bowing everywhere, even while waiting for the automatic doors to open at McDonald's.

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