Ryuhon-Ji --- Intricate Wood Carvings

Some people assume that in order to see old & beautiful Japanese temple architecture and art work, a trip to Nikko, Asakusa, or Kyoto will be necessary.

However, that is not true, as a temple with fantastic & detailed wood-roof carvings is located only about a 10-15 minute walk up the hill from Yokosuka Chuo train station --- It is called "Ryuhon Ji."

猿海山 龍本寺

Here are some examples (amazing woodwork art!):

Unusual Hill-top Monument

On top of a bluff overlooking downtown Yokosuka (just up the hill from Chuo Station) is a large mysterious & oddly-shaped metal sculpture.

It is hard not to notice...

It turns out that this structure is called: "Peace Monument"

Built in 1989 as part of Yokosuka City's declaration against nuclear weapons.

Not sure what the design means ---- sort of has an abstract "Hammer & Sickle" look to it.

Back story --- Yokosuka's Mayor at the time was Mr. Yokoyama.  He served for 5 terms (20 years) and his last year was 1993.  Turns out that Yokoyama-san was originally from Hiroshima .... so, that may explain why this anti-atomic bomb sculpture was erected while he was in power.