As we walk along the Ichinosakagawa River, we see this sign outside a wine & art shop. Nancy & Eldon (who came to Japan this summer from 18 years in Germany) enjoyed speaking German with the proprietors, who were Japanese, but had lived in Germany.
















Although it's nearly the middle of November, flowers are still abundant along the river & all over town.















This is the statue that's so similar to the one at the restaurant in Foley, Alabama, that looks like our friend, George. We've been here before, but we're taking Nancy & Eldon in for coffee & dessert.

We've gone inside to enjoy teatime. This is a chestnut rolled-cake -- chestnuts are in season now.
















Cheesecake.















And of course, steaming coffee in a beautiful cup.

Eldon & Nancy enjoy coffee & dessert.
















Margie surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves. Because of my new knee, I was able to enjoy walking around Kozan Park area today. Last time we were here, I sat on this bench while Stan toured. Of course, last time we biked to this area, which was several miles uphill. Today we drove!
















Here's the same sign post that I saw in downtown Atlanta back in September. It says, "MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH" -- I still agree.

At the Rurikoji Temple grounds in Yamaguchi -- this Five-Storied Pagoda was built around 1442. Lord Ouchi created the city of Yamaguchi to resemble Kyoto, and it is known as the "Kyoto of the West."






















Nancy & Eldon





















This whole area was fragrant with a strong musk incense and watched over by a golden Buddha.

This happy couple tie their prayer wish onto this frame -- perhaps for the blessing of a child into their lives? We know this works, because Larry & Lisa did this while visiting us in Japan in November 2004, and byDecember 2005, they had twins, our precious Amelia & Natalie!















A lotus-shaped monument.
















Closer view reveals two large feet on top.

Another view of the pagoda.





















Closeup of one of the bells hanging under each corner eave.
















Look at how beautiful this pond is!

Koi swimming happily. The last time we were here, this pond was empty for repairs.















Stan & Margie in front of the Five-Storied Pagoda.





















As we approached a tunnel on our way home, there was a delay, which we guessed these highway signs were trying to warn us about . . .

Another Trip to the Hikari Flea Market

It's the last Sunday in October & we're back to see what's for sale today in Hikari. Eldon (Nancy was back in the US) and Pam & Jake have joined us on this gorgeous, warm autumn day.
















These interesting spiders were everywhere!

Guard dog . . .















Mandolin player.




















Beautiful canal with some other buildings near the temple.

Hmm, suppose this sign says something about not jumping into the canal onto the turtles?















All this has been rebuilt since the last typhoon wiped it out a couple of years ago.















Cute car in the parking lot as we leave.

Yes, it's a "Big Toy"















Another cute Japanese car. I saw this model a couple of years ago, but didn't have my camera.















Closer view reveals that it's a Daihatsu "Naked"

We've left Hikari and are continuing west along the coast toward Tokuyama. We decided to take our group onto that interesting little island that Stan & I found once before. Here's a statue honoring the "flat fish" -- hirame -- which are abundant in this area.

















Jake & Pam walking along the rocky beach.

There are lots of jellyfish in the water today, even though it's almost November.

















Last time we were here, my knees hurt too much to walk, but today with one new knee, I enjoyed walking along this walkway out over the sea.

















Goldenrod in bloom.

We've seen this interesting-looking building before, but we're going to eat here today. We've parked in the lot and are walking up the long driveway.

















Roof decor & flowers blooming on one of the buildings near the onsen overlooking the sea.















Garden

My meal -- these shrimp were HUGE & delicious! My set included salad, corn soup (in the teacup & saucer) rice (of course!) & even two little bites of dessert. Yum!
















Stan's lunch set included salad, sushi, soup, & tempura fish & veggies.

Walking back to our car, we see this banner depicting an octopus who has cheerfully given one of his tentacles so we could eat.















Sign along the sea explaining the different birds in this area.