Mia-tachi no tabi - Day 16 - The Long, Long Tunnel

We began the day with a trip to Eiheiji. About 10 minutes from the temple, we encountered construction. Annoying, but shouldn't be too bad, we thought. Then, about 10 meters from the end of the tunnel, we stopped for some reason. We quickly learned the reason. There had been an accident. And this was a single lane tunnel. Since they were doing construction. So there was no way out. We excitedly watched an ambulance go by. Then a police car. Then the ambulance left. Then the police car pulled forward. Eventually a tow truck showed up. Much later it left. Finally, after being stopped for an hour, we were released from our prison.

We arrived at Eiheiji soon after that. We met Miwa-san, a monk whose son Myra teaches. He guided us through the temple and told us cool things at various places.  

This room had over 100 paintings on the ceiling. Amount them are two koi, two lions, and a squirrel. It is said if you can find all five you will have good fortune. We found them all, but I couldn't photograph the entire ceiling, so if you want to look you have to go yourself. 

The temple was founded in the 1200s, but none of the original buildings remain. This gate is the oldest building in the temple.

Eiheiji also boasts the oldest elevator in Japan. We got to ride it down because of Mom's knees.

After the temple, we returned to Sabae and went to Stamina Taro for an all you can eat lunch. It was kind of like a buffet which included yakiniku. It was quite tasty and we left very full. Ice cream and meat are good.

After stuffing ourselves to the gills, we went to karaoke. Since we were before 6 it was only 200 yen a person per hour, so we opted for 2 hours of joyful song. Except poor Rich was sick and therefor unable to honor us with his singing. The rest of us had fun though.

Once our time was up, we returned to Myra's appartment and played bridge until bedtime. Hugh and Mako dropped by to say goodbye and give Mom a gift, which was really nice.