Japan: Day 6 continued (September 26)

Yesterday:

We caught the bullet train to Sendai and were met by my uncle, aunt and cousin, Masako. We went to the Sendai City Museum. There we learned about the famous Masamune Date who was also called the One Eyed Dragon. Lord Date was a very important lord in the Sendai area.

My mother's family temple was originally built for Date's young son who died at seven years of age.

We went next to my aunt and uncle's new Japanese style home and were served an incredibly delicious dinner of different artistic dishes.

Our bath was the traditional ofuro where you wash yourself on the outside before entering a deep, hot tub. Heavenly!

Our beds were futons on the floor and we got the best rest of our entire trip.
Here are a "few" photos:

Tokyo was extremely hot and muggy. We found an air conditioning register at Tokyo's JR train station and stood under it to get some relief.


We boarded the bullet train and were off to Sendai. The ride from Tokyo station to Sendai station was approximately 2 hours.


We passed through golden rice fields. Apparently north Japan is known for its excellent rice.


We were met at Sendai Station by my mother's sister and her husband and my cousin, Masako. It was a joyous reunion.


We were driven to the Sendai City Museum and given a guided tour by my aunt.


This is Masamune Date's armor.


Masako felt we needed to try out Date's kabuto (helmet). My brother is demonstrating why he was called the One Eyed Dragon.


Dinner was absolutely incredible. My uncle took a year long cooking course and we were treated to a sampling of the delights he had learned.


We slept in Japanese style rooms with shoji doors and futons on the floors.