Nagoya Mission

We were so fortunate to be able to spend five days in the Nagoya Mission with President and Sister Traveller. They were very kind and they are outstanding leaders to their missionaries. Their work ethic combined with an ability to enjoy and love these young people has made for a wonderful group of enthusiastic missionaries.

Singing to the birthday missionaries included Sister Traveller as she once again
celebrates her "39th" year!

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa. One of the top three parks in Japan...I can see why, even in the early autumn, it was beautiful!! Sister Traveller thought we might like to see this lovely spot and forgo the afternoon, zone leader training. HA!

Another feature of this lovely park is this 600 year old pine tree. The sign had the name of who planted it and from whom he purchased the seeds...now that is record-keeping!

The other side of Mt Fuji. The Nagoya Mission has 13 of the 15 highest peaks in Japan in their mission boundaries. This clear day called for a quick roadside stop to get a picture of the elusive mountain!

This old castle gate is most of what is left from an old Shogun castle in Kanazawa.
They are doing renovations from early photos and of course in Japanese-style,
it will remain beautiful and well cared for.
E & S Brown, Sister Traveller and E & S Mead

Each zone we traveled to had sweet, enthusiastic Sisters who would make lunches that even the most robust Elders could barely finish. We Senior missionaries would share a lunch, and even that was too much. They were all great cooks!

The Sea of Japan from a lookout point, where we stopped to take a break
on our trek to zone conference.

This is a wonderful story. This tiny, elderly Sister is 87 years old. President Traveller (pictured) interviewed her for baptism last year and she returned, traveling quite a distance to have another interview....for her temple recommend. Oh the good and faithful saints of this land!!

Takao-San

Mt. Takao is a lovely mountain about an hour west of Tokyo by train, with a spectacular view of the city. The day we went the foliage was just beginning to change. The natural beauty of the area was actually enhanced by a temple complex that revere the Tengu. We spent the day outside the city, which in itself was a joy. The paths, tram ride, foliage, crisp air and the sound of birds other than crows, was a pure delight.

Most days are a bit hazy, unless you break out the camera the day after a huge storm. Pictured here is the greater west Tokyo area.

There are hiking trails that meander to the top of the mountain, but they are uphill, after all! In the interest of time and my poor old body, we rode the tram most of the way. The last 1/2 hour climbing through the mountain air along tree lined paths made for a peaceful afternoon.

On the pathway to the temple and summit there stood an old cedar tree with a remarkable legend attached to it. It seems that the Tengu were building a path to the temple and this cedar was going to be cut down because its roots obstructed the pathway. The story goes that the old cedar heard the Tengu and overnight it pulled all of its roots away from the path to make way for the construction and to live out its more than 450 years. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the roots are curved back toward the tree.

Now we get to the Tengu! This is a statue of one of the Tengu found in the forests of the area. They are considered spirits with supernatural powers. They account for some of the enchanting sounds heard in the forests through the centuries. They were introduced into Japan many centuries ago and have undergone several transformations. The Crow Tengu which has a beak-like nose is the most common. I thought it was interesting that these forest "spirits" have wings....the first I have seen in Japan.

Two Tengus and one handsome mortal!

The temple complex was very beautiful and well worth the hike up the hill! Several buildings, like this one were very ornate and in perfect condition.

The relief murals are very intricate and colorful like this one depicting...who knows what!

This amazing wood carving at the entrance of another temple building appears to have been done from a single piece of wood. The detail is remarkable and the dragon looks like he might jump off the temple and have you for lunch!

Mt Takao is famous for its fall foliage and thousands of people go here in the fall to enjoy the solace and the colors. This tree at the summit (yes I made it) seems to be one of the few that had decided to display its colors early!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

This month has been great! Alysha Earl Pyper and Brandon Pyper were here in Japan for a visit and came to stay with us for a few days. We ran our legs off but had a wonderful time showing them the sites. Alysha had so many questions and I realized how little I really know about this amazing country...will have to get busy and study Japanese history more!!

We took the "kids" to as many of the sites as time would allow. We did manage several train rides, the big buddha in Kamakura, some local sites and a bit of sashimi. It was so quiet after thay left that we took a little day trip out to a park and zoo complex. So here are our days in pictures! Enjoy!

Street leading to the temple in Asakusa. Brightly lit and ready to sell whatever
souvenier you may want.

This is the Shibuya crossing which was made famous in the movie "Lost in Translation".
It is a five street intersection and the lights are either all red or all green; the pedestrians cross in every direction at once. At rush hour you cannot even see the pavement!

Brandon and Alysha in front of the moat at the Imperial Palace

We went to the Meiji Shrine and were pleased to arrive in time to watch the
proceedings of a buddhist wedding. Was very interesting.

Critters at the zoological park

Cute little monkeys!

Every park in Tokyo has a water/rock and moss element.
They are the most beautiful parks I have ever seen!

People, Places and Books!

After 9 days of rain and typhoon Melor dancing through, we have finally seen the sun! Hurray! The skies are a beautiful clear blue and we are ready to hit the streets again looking for adventure in Japan! Here are a few things of note that brought a bit of sunshine into our lives in the rainy weather!

Our friends and fellow travelers, Elder and Sister Mead, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at an Indian restaurant in Roppongi.
They are on a mental health mission here for 18 months and we travel with them visiting the missions in the Asia North Area. They come to us from BYU. Elder Mead had been retired for an hour when the call came!

Walking through a little park one day we were greeted with this group of children doing a fun outdoor dance routine. Just as cute as they can be!

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the printing of the Book of Mormon in Japanese. Our Public Affairs couple, the Robertsons, have had some special editions printed that are replicas of the original to present to the Emperor's family and other dignitaries.

Saying farewell to the Tokyo Mission couple, Elder and Sister Hartzell. We will miss them! This is a picture of our missionaries, both temple and Area Office. Elder and Sister Stevenson are seated in the center. We are so blessed to associate with such amazing people!

Odaiba

View looking from the fort area across a lagoon to the Fuji TV Building. The center "ball" is a viewing area.

This is the fort island as seen from the Fuji TV Building

A trip on the train over the Rainbow Bridge that crosses the Tokyo Bay brought us to several man-made islands. The most well known is Odaiba which was originally the home of a fort built by the Tokugawa Shogun in response to the visit of Admiral Perry in 1853-54. Little is left of the fort, but the major island has been turned into a sandy beach and shopping district mixed in among the shipping docks and warehouses. A famous building built by Fuji - Television Network Headquarters is quite the imposing and unique structure and dominates the eastern skyline.
Fall is in the air and getting out in the city has become a pleasure once again!

Elder Brown at one of the old remaining gun mounts

Loved this replica of the Staue of Liberty with the Rainbow Bridge in the background...did a double take to remember this was not NYC - Dorothy!

Couldn't resist this smashing outfit. Some of the styles in Tokyo are truly breath-taking!
No young woman is complete without her little doggie!

Rainbow Bridge lit up at dusk. Tokyo Tower in the background

Stunning sunset over the bay shows up poorly on film!

So Much to Love

The weather is getting a little milder as fall approaches! The Obon Festival was lovely this year, with dancers of all ages participating. Although it was hot and humid the day we were there, everyone was cheerful and in the holiday spirit. Even the little children seemed to know the steps for these dances! Tried to upload a video, but no go....sorry.

Dancers of all ages enjoy Obon

We also paid a visit to Ueno Park, which is very similar to Central Park in NYC. The Pre-Incan Gold Exhibit brought out some South American singers to entertain in the Park. This pair were from Peru and played a variety of very interesting instruments, including a zampona, quena and a charango...yes I had to look them all up! The music was so melodic that we bought one of their CDs.

The Markamasis Musicians

The other item of interest, although not about Tokyo, is that our Autumn made it from Cameroon to Morocco to NYC and on to California and is reportedly no worse for the wear. We are so grateful that she has had a good experience and has been kept safe!

Autumn and Bailey pretending to be palace statues

Silly Autumn

Ready for a camel ride?

My little African girl!

Mission President Seminar- Seoul, Korea

Just returned from the annual Mission President Seminar for the Asia North Area. Twelve missions were represented from Japan, Korea and Guam/Micronesia. Elders Cook and Costa and their wives were there and gave us excellent counsel and training. It was truly a feast, both temporally and spiritually!! We were so grateful to be invited. Associating with so many capable and remarkable people is a wondrous treat!

Elder and Sister Quentin L Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve. They are marvelous people and we were so privileged to listen to their counsel and feel of their great spirits!

Elder and Sister Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy
They are originally from Brazil, but have lived many places. He has been a General Authority for 15 years. In our Sisters break-out session, Sister Costa stood and said..."Why did we have to have the tower of Babel?" She speaks Portuguese, but gave her talk in English which was then translated into Korean and Japanese!

Elder and Sister Stevenson. Elder Stevenson presides over the Asia North Area and he and his wife live here in Tokyo. They have been here for about a year, serving as a counselor to Elder Evans, who has since been reassigned. They are great people and we love them!

Monday morning the temple opened for us and we had a session together. It was a very spiritual two hours! The Seoul Temple is very lovely! This is part of our Family Home Evening group from the Area office. The Meads, Browns, Riches, Markers and McArthurs. How we love them!

The Korean Seventies wives (office Sister in the middle) wore their traditional dresses to our dinner and they looked beautiful. Unlike the Japanese, the Koreans are fond of vivid colors!

We had quite a few members come and entertain us with their talents! This Sister is playing a 12 string instrument called a Kaya-Geum. The drum is called a Jang-Go. The music was unusual but very lovely.

These young boys gave a Tae Kwon Do demonstration set to music. They were adorable.

Here is the proof that we were actually there. In a few years I am sure I will have to look at the pictures to be reminded that I was not dreaming!

We also attended the Korean Cultural Museum and enjoyed seeing several centuries of Korean culture. This couple are wearing the old style Korean costuming.

Of course a trip to Korea would not be complete without visiting the huge warehouse market district called Namdaemun. Wholesale goods can be purchase reasonably and the size of the market and the variety of goods is staggering!

Elder Brown and Sister Marker are checking out and buying ties....almost too many to decide!