Kurashiki and Bicchu Kokubunji Temple

Kurashiki is just outside of Okayama and has a really beautiful old town. When taxes were collected in rice, they were brought to this central location, making Kurashiki a rich region. There are canals which they used to transport rice, than are now used to ferry sightseers up and down the 300m stretch of the touristic centre. The buildings are interesting and not really what I expected from Japan in some cases. The criss-cross patterns remind me of the black and white British Tutor architecture, but in the case the white and black has been reversed. In actuality the builds are covered in tiles with larger bands of grout, created to shield the structures from fire. Interesting little boutiques, cafes and gifts shops line the pedestrian roads and you can find a few interesting items within.

But the heat is really been cranked up another notch (Or two) as just walking at a slow pace feels like a marathon spirit and just standing still can bring out in an all-over body sweat. It's currently about 35 degrees with about 80% humidity. The scary thing is, it can hit 38%!

On our way back we stopped at the Bicchu Kokubunji Temple, a 5 tiered masterpiece that seems to defy gravity, let along seismic activity. I was amazed by the beauty of the way it seems to rise up from nowhere and yet I was even more amazed when I got up close. The intricate construction is so complex and yet precise in it's use. I'm confused why no one has sort fit to try and recreate this style of architecture for the 21^st century, as surely with modern building methods it would be easier to create and just as striking; using metal frameworks and while retaining a beautiful blend of traditional and modern. I sense a 'Grand Design' coming on!