Back in town...

Oh my gosh. So so sooooo humid here in Tokyo! I came back from Hokkaido. Last 4 days were so great, sunny and clear blue sky! I rented a bike, mama-chari. There was great rental bicycle system for tourist. They deliver it to your hotel, and pick it up! I think that is the best way to explore a town as long as you have a sense of direction....

I went to Hokkaido Modern Museum to see an exhibit. It was about a monk who came over from China to spread Buddism. It was nothing about modern but oh well, who cares, it was amazing!! This Ganjin Wajyo was asked to come to Japan when he was 55 years old, he agreed for his belief of Buddism. However it was so difficult to ship over from China to Japan. He tried 5 times and failed, finally he made it for the 6th time. This took 12 years! It has been 12 years since he decided and he was blind when he landed to Japan. Isn't that amazing? Someone's belief, strong will power. It would not be too much if I say the Buddism in Japan would be as it is now without him. There was a famous wood carving of him, life size. He looked like smiling and keep nodding at me saying "everything will be all right...". I could not move for a while. I could keep looking at him. I did not want to leave. Also there are so many items from Heian and Nara period which is around 700-800 A.D.. I really apreciate the fact we still preserve those kind of things. Though it was only short time I am very glad to meet him (?).

Next day morning, I rode my rental bicycle along the river right next to my hotel. The air was so nice, sunny day, sound of the water, smell of the green...everything made me smile. Lots of people there....just walking, going to school on bicycle, and a young kid practicing a trumpet, a middle aged woman vocal training towards the river. Bunch of old people were having fun playing gate ball. I stoped my bike for a few minutes. I put my bare feet into the river.....it was freezing cold but felt so nice to my tired feet. it was a hot day anyway and I needed to cool down. How lucky those people who live here are! They probably don't know it until they leave their beautiful town. Surrounding by great nature is worth more than anything for your mind.

To be honest with you.....I am not in Tokyo anymore. I started to write this but could not finish so I saved as a draft.
I am in another great nature area, I am in Amami island. To be continued....