Japan Day 17 - Nagano and a conference

In almost the centre of Nagano is a huge and magnificent Buddhist temple, Zenkō-ji - which had a service going on in it when we reached it, with much chanting and gong-hitting.  Around it were masses of other small temples and shrines, including this one full of little foxes (worshipped, it would seem, by business people who think they'll bring them prosperity.

Then there are rows of buddhas;

the 1400 year old wooden structure at the center;

yet more shrines, and what I think of as votivos;

incense sticks ready for burning;

and red gates and doors.

The small university where the conference was held had memorable views over the city and cloud covered mountains (it was a very grey day),

and the city itself had plenty of compelling weirdness: too much pottery cuteness;

the opportunity to contemplate a pyramid of broken cameras;

an electronics shop ...

and the cafe where the Convivial Dinner was held after today's proceedings.  It was, one might say, a culturally confusing day.