Long time, no update?

Time has been flying by fast since I've last posted, so much so that I haven't been able to update. But this past weekend has open my eyes to a few things. Firstly, we were taken to a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine; both very different in every way. Buddhism itself in Japan isn't consider a religion in particular but rather it's often associated with death and funerals. This is represented by its peaceful, serene atmosphere that is maintained at all times. The Buddhist priest kindly explained his feelings about the religion and gave us a tour of the temple. This is　長勝寺　（ちょうしょうじ), which is in Kanagawa prefecture. This temple is particularly famous for the thatched roofing that is called 茅葺屋根（かやぶきやね）. Because of its rarity in Japan, 茅葺屋根 has become a national heritage figure, the same with the art of kimono dressing.

We also visited 鹿島神宮　（かしまじんぐう） or Kashima Shrine, which is also a famous shrine within Japan. The Shinto religion believes that nature is a spirit, thus everything within it contains a spirit that must be revered. This can be seen in the way that the shrine is incorporated with nature. There is a large forest in the middle of the shrine.

The coming of fall is also an important event in Japan. And I believe it has to be one of the most beautiful seasons I have ever seen. In California especially I think we take for granted that we dont have 4 seasons but in Japan each season is given its own special event and in fall it is 'the changing of the leaves'. Many of the Japanese students here on campus have spent there weekends heading up North to Tsukuba mountain and other places to watch the leaves change from yellow, gold and red.

I was also able to see 七五三日（３，５，７、ひ）　or 3, 5, 7, day. Many children that were ages 3, 5, or 7 came to shrines with their families to celebrate the day that was honoring them. Although this day is not a national holiday, its normally celebrated the weekend closest to Novemeber 15th (which is funny because 3, 5, and 7 equals 15).

I'm particularly looking foward to spending Christmas and New Years in Japan considering this are the two holidays that Japanese students seem to look foward to the most.


Until the next adventure,
Kristin Van De Yar