Bill,
I am so jealous that you went to Japan! On an order of good work too!
I actually stayed in the Kansai area for about a month almost four years ago. In addition to attending some classes, we got to do all of that cool historical stuff. Thank goodness I was no longer a JW because I could really appreciate my culture and Todaji Temple in it's fullest! Did you fit into heaven? I was afraid I would get stuck so I just figured that if I ever have children, I would send my children through when they are babies. (P.S. To everyone that thinks that sounds crazy: there is a square hole cut out of one of the columns that hold up the temple. It is rumored that if you go through the hole, you get to go to heaven. It is a rather small hole. Apparently, only small people go to heaven. Who would have figured?)
Another interesting note: When I stayed in Kobe (near Osaka), I passed by a Kingdom Hall on the train everyday. I always wondered about Japan's branch.
Thank you for the good update and hope that all goes well with you and your endeavors!
Much Love, forgetmenot