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Ikego Forest National Park
We enjoyed the morning with a nice long walk. Starting with a tunnel.

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Navi Park - "Turtle Park"
We had heard about Turtle Park, but didn't know what to expect.

It is over in Kanazawa, not far from Hakkei.

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The Arch
We had heard a

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The Other Side
We had heard a

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The "Life Bridge"
We enjoyed our peaceful walk around the park. A gentleman asked us if we knew the meaning of the bridge? Of course, we didn't. But, were willing to learn.

He called it the Life Bridge. We don't know if that is it actual name, or what he calls it.

ARCHED BRIDGE
Essentially, LIFE starts out at the beginning of the arched bridge. We are born, and grow, and learn. As we walk up the arch of the bridge it gets more difficult. It takes effort, and can be hard. We can't see very far ahead at the beginning. Just like life. Its an uphill battle. There are many struggles, and failures, and disappointments. It might be easier to go back, but we can't. Fortunately, as we grow and continue up the bridge, we get stronger, learn more, and start to realize our successes. Our work, relationships, family, parenting, and other things, then reward our efforts and commitments. At the top of the bridge we can see all around us, the overall beauty, our journey, our achievements, our blessings.

Life then gets a little easier as time continues to pass and we begin to slow down, relax, and reflect as we continue on the downside of the arch.

LEVEL BRIDGE
He went on to say, for those who believe, once the journey over the arched bridge comes to an end, there is a level bridge that goes on forever towards the temple. There are no more struggles. No more work or disappointments. Just beauty, as represented by the surrounding pond, filled with the colorful Coy fish, turtles, birds, and plenty of happy ducks all just enjoying another day in paradise.

Works for us!

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Remembering Families
We know very little about how Japanese families actually remember those who have passed.

The bodies of deceased are apparently not typically buried. They are cremated.

Many of the Temples and Shrines we saw, had sacred grounds, such as this one, with various markers memorializing family members who have passed.

I wish we knew more, but we definitely appreciated how important and beautiful these sites are.

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Look Closer
It is easy to just walk by, but a pause, for a closer look at the tiles on a roof can be worth it.
Built to last for the long term, with meaning, and style.

Yokohamashi Fire Station
An impressive Fire Station not far from the Turtle Park.

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