Couple of quick stops over the next couple of days. We had less than 24hrs in Koyasan, to visit Okonoin graveyard and stay in one of the many temples run by monks. We stayed at Ekoin, which was very picturesque and were well looked after. We, as requested, got a 0630 call to come and watch the prayer and fire ceremonies that are done every morning before breakfast. Pretty special to be able to watch such a thing and felt very welcome. Okonoin is a huge forested cemetery, lit up at night and containing hundreds of lanterns in a large Hall, awaiting the return of Miroku Buddha. We went back at night to get some atmospheric spooky shots. We left quite quickly a small way in as it was deserted and we were terrified (Rob only confessed when we were back in the light).

Continuing with our tour of largest, tallest, prettiest.... we went to Nara to see the largest wooden building in the world - Daibetsu-den Hall, housing 16m high bronze Daibetsu - 'Great Buddha'. Managed to escape a deer attack and had an early night, ready for the 5-train, 7 hour extravaganza to Mount Fuji area.