Takahata Fudoson Temple

The Arnells had Jim practice his driving by directing us to a famous pagoda and temple compound about 45 minutes away.  The entire compound was very impressive.  It was a little "junked up" while we were there on December 29 as they were bringing in all kinds of materials for the celebration of New Years.  Vendors were starting to put up their booths, and all kinds of seasonal decorations were being installed.  People were inside the temples bowing and saying vocal prayers.  We really regretted not having a translator there as we would have loved to learn more about what goes on in each of the ten or so buildings there.  The pagoda looks very much like the top picture in our blog.  It was very awe inspiring to say the least!

We also had a senior couples' training session with President & Sister Albrecht and five other couples on the 30th.  The highlight of the session was meeting Elder and Sister Watanabe who, as mission president in Iwakuni, had dinner in our home there over 40 years ago.  We were both surprised to meet each other again.  We didn't expect him to remember us, but it was especially touching when Sister Watanabe later said to us, "I believe you had two little boys, right?"  The Watanabes (ages 80 & 85!) have been called to serve as proselyting missionaries in our mission.  I guess this tells us that

 retirement is not an option in the Church!  ha!

Takahata-fudo is a Buddhist temple of Shingon sect, and is located in Hino city about 30 km west of Shinjuku.  It is said that this temple was founded in the late 9th century by Priest En'nin according to Emperor Seiwa's wish.  It enshrines the Fudo-myoo which is one of the Five Wisdom Kings.  Niomon (the main gate) and Fudodou (the main temple) were built in the 14-15th centuries, and many Buddhist statues housed in the buildings were made in the 10-15th centuries.  Most of them are designated as nationally important cultural assets.

Arnells and Takahata Fudoson Pagoda
Pagoda is based on early Heian Period style
Possibly built in the late 700s

Getting the pagoda ready for celebration

Horinkaku Hall

Smaller temple with donation box

Incense burner

Fudo Hall from the 14th century

Pagoda and flags

New Years wreath above doorway
Homes display smaller varieties of these wreaths