Izumo Taisha
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We took a trip to the opposite side of our mission on the coast of the Sea of Japan to help some missionaries in that area. While we were there, we stopped to walk through Izumo Taisha, one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan. The exact time that it was built is not known but records from 950 AD describes the shrine as being one of the highest buildings exceeding 48 meters tall. In the year 2000, remains of enormous pillars were discovered and has lent credence to the shrine being so tall. This is a replica that was in a museum of what the shrine might have looked like so many years ago. The top shrine was the house of God. People can be seen climbing the stairs toward God. In some ways, this looks like the covenant path from our church. Man makes covenants to follow God. As we keep the commandments, we improve and come closer to God. Through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven and stay on the path to return to God. It is rare to see a Japanese flag flying. I have c