Zenkoji Toumyo

As a memorial for the Nagano Olympics, Zenkoji temple was lit up using the 5 coulours of the Olympic rings. The festival lasted a week, and the street up to the temple was lined with decorated lanterns. They were very fancy lanterns.









There were smaller temples on the side open for the public to experience traditional temple meals. My friend Mayumi reserved 6 places for her friends and for Colleen and I. The meal we small dishes and very simple. I wasn't sure if this meal would be enough. But once we started these delicate foods it was very nice, and suprisingly we were full afterwards. And Mayumi's cheeks were a little rosy from the little sake that she had. I had so much fun. It was great seeing the Japanese girls I used to do yoga with. They've stopped going because its too cold. It is cold though, but I still go occasionally. That night it started snowing, so we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. I'm looking forward to seeing them in the Spring, during cherry blossom season, when we'd have picnics under cherry trees and drink sake, and enjoy the beautiful pink flowers - hanami (cherry blossom viewing)