reclining Buddha buried in rules
the journal of Michael Werneburg
twenty-seven years and one million words
Today I got out the door early(ish) and went to see the reclining Buddha that's just east of Fukuoka. It was a breezy autumn day and I enjoyed the visit in of itself.
My lasting impression from this place, however, is that they simply don't want foreigners. I get it, everyone knows we're loud and wear shorts and "YouTubers" make everything a thousand times worse. But the signage (following) is absolutely everywhere to the point of absurdity. Having staff loudly repeat the signs at me for simply walking around (with long pants on, tattoos under my shirt, nary a drone in sight) while Japanese visitors stroll by wearing shorts is a bit much. I am a fifty-three-year-old division manager, conservatively dressed and respectful of Japan's heritage sites. I didn't appreciate the reproachful, wary eyes on me.
Unfortunately the Buddha statue was largely under wraps. On the plus side, I shared the pics with my Japanese wife and hafu kids and while they agreed that the site is not worth the hassle, "No dance! No music!" Is now part of the family lore.
