Tanebo Rice Art

Our explorations continued later that first week with a road trip out to see the Tanebo Rice Fields near Hirosaki. Every summer, farmers in the area plant different types and colors of rice in such a way that a beautiful picture appears when the plants grow. Tourists gather at the end of the summer and wait in long lines for a turn to ride up to the top of an observation tower and look down at the feat. We enjoyed viewing the design from up close on the ground as well as from the air. Definitely worth the two hour drive!

my adventure partners

The Big Buddha

We always say that keeping busy is the best way to cope with separation, so I spent that first week doing a lot of exploring with my friends. Our first stop was to see the 5 story wooden pagoda and big Buddha statue at the Seiryu-ji Temple near Aomori. This is one of the major landmarks in our neck of the woods - something most people go to see at least once. My friends and I waited to see it for ourselves until it was lit up with hundreds of candle-lit lanterns for the Obon festival. Obon is one of the major Japanese holidays. They travel home to honor and pray for their deceased family members and loved ones. At twilight, they hold services for the dead at shrines and temples. It's rather creepy, but the temple was so beautifully lit. I kind of ignored the service and focused on taking pictures. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them!

The night air reverberated with the sound of this giant bell all night

Close up of one of the lanterns hidden among the azaelias

The Big Buddha

There was a spectacular sunset that night with buckets-full of golden, buttery light

Thinking of someone special, even while he's away.

Saying Farewell

Well, we knew he had to leave but didn't expect for our final week together to fly by so quickly. We found several ways to spend some fun quality time together that week - hanging out with friends, eating good food, finishing up a few projects and preparing for our time apart. Of course, before I let him go I insisted on snapping a few photos. Hope you enjoy them!

Looking dapper in his desert flight suit

I love that man! =^)