Finding Our Inner Buddha.

Definitely the high point of Japan for both of us was our journey to Mt. Koya, where we spent the night in a Koyasan Temple. Like many of the rooms where we slept while in Japan, this was a mat floor with thin futon-like mattresses. Mt. Koya is picturesque: imagine Redwood National Forest littered with thousands of ancient shrines and Buddha statues. The weather was brisk and the autumn change of season was just starting.

Both breakfast and dinner were served in our room. We awoke early and attended a Buddhist prayer session and fire ceremony. Tonight, our last in Japan, we're sleeping in a budget hotel in Osaka. Tomorrow we fly to Beijing. Sayonara.