Grandma Goes To Naritasan

Today we took a day trip back to Narita-san. This time I wanted to take my mom here. Last year when we visited this temple, it was being restored for it's 1070 year anniversary. This time, all of the scaffolding was gone and the buildings all open for everyone to see.

When we arrived and saw the main temple building, we noticed that they were actually letting people inside. Usually at these temples the closest you get is the front gate where you throw your 10yen coin and make your wish. This time the side entrances were opened and the Buddhist monks were chanting and beating taiko drums for a special ceremony. Since you usually don't see this unless you know about it, this was a great opportunity.

Mom really loved the gardens around the temples. There were still cherry blossoms in bloom with some more different kind of blossoming trees blooming with various colors everywhere. Since the place was being restored last time, we really did not realize then just how big the whole complex was. This time, we got to see it all.

Also, on the way home I was able to get a final picture before I go back to work tomorrow of the Kobayashi Bokujo Cherry Blossoms in full bloom. This picture was taken while I was behind the wheel. You should not try this on your own.