Zenkoji Temple, Nagano

Another busy day.  This morning, we left the traditional Japanese inn we have been staying at for the past two days, and drove to Nagano where we visited the Zenkoji Buddhist Temple which was founded in 642 AD.  It is a vast complex, and very crowded with many pilgrims and visitors.  This is a "watercolour" view of the temple's roof line and one of its bells.

We then visited a Sake brewery where we learned how this traditional Japanese liquor is made, followed by a tasting.  Then on to another beautiful Japanese lunch at a local restaurant before boarding the bullet train back to Tokyo this afternoon.  I must admit that even though we very much enjoyed our stay in the traditional Japanese inn, I am really looking forward to sleeping in a western style bed tonight!!!!  The extra shows our room set up with futons on the tatami floor for night time, and the same view as it is arranged during the day time.

Tomorrow we will board the ship!