See this is why I like you @azircon. You can be so matter of fact and scientific, and give us historical facts, but you also become emotionally moved by beauty, history, landscape.
I've been to many popular places but rarely go to sunrise or sunset as it's too busy. The exception was Bagan, but we still found a less frequented stupa.
This is probably the most enticing post I have read about Japan. Perhaps I'll start the Japanese travel dream after all.
Thank you Riv. I am touched!