Showing posts with label Ibaraki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ibaraki. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Another Side Trip: The Church of the Light


Current City:  Kyoto

...in Ibaraki...

Within a quiet neighborhood of this little town, there rests a beautiful little church called The Church of the Light.  We actually visited this last Sunday, but, it so happens to be posted today!  This church is only open for public viewing on Sundays.  We had to contact the church via their website.   We were then added to the list of visitors that day.  There is a limited number of people who can visit the church...which is totally understandable.


This church was commissioned by the town to be designed by Tadao Ando.  He designed the church so that it could be filled with light.  So, from this particular worship area, there was a giant cross that is cut out from the wall.  As the sun passes over the structure during the day, the light of the cross moves across the room.  There are images of this in the church office.  It's really spectacular to be here during noon time.  The room is just filled with such a luminous light.




It was a beautiful experience to sit in the pews of this church.  There was also an organ lesson going on at the time.  So, we had an incredibly inspiring experience.  I wonder what it would be like to have church service here on Sundays...

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Amazing Finds: 1970s World's Fair in Ibaraki


Current City:  Kyoto

In between Kyoto and Osaka, is a massive commemorative park that once was home to the 1970s World's Fair.  This was a good all day trip to the Ibaraki area.  From the train windows, the first thing I saw was this massive statue peering over the trees.  

1.  He was the first amazing find of the day.


2.  The little train that ran through the park was a great way to get an overview of the facilities.  There were points where you can hop on and off the train.  They really gave a good tour...


3.  Speaking of tulips!  There was an area of the park that was covered in tulips!  People were out photographing them.  Just so lovely to find.


4.  One of the fun bits of the day was finding this flea market.  I love me some flea market!  There were so many knick-knacks.  And it was a great place to find little gifts for my family.


5.  The last amazing find was the National Museum of Ethnology.  This was perhaps the most amazing museum that I have been to in my life.  It's massive.  It's so informative.  The displays were so awesome.  We also got a free audio tour set.


This was totally a great day of seeing a lot, but giving our feet a good rest.