Tango-no-Sekku, also known as Boys' Day, is a Japanese festival to celebrate, well, boys. Since 1948, it's been called Children's Day, but for most families, the day still revolves around sons. Tango-no-Sekku is May 5, and the festival is related to Double Fifth celebrations held in other areas of Asia. In Japan, a family with … Continue reading Nighttime Nobori
Kamakura Mikuji
Usually, mikuji (fortunes) are sold at temples and shrines. But sometimes, you can get them out of a gum machine. Because, why not?
Kamakura Daibutsu Quick Facts
A few interesting FYIs about Kamakura's most famous resident. *Kamakura’s Daibutsu is Amida-Butsu (Amitabha Buddha), of the Jodo Sect of Buddhism. *He’s designated as a National Treasure. *The original Kamakura Daibutsu was made of wood, but was destroyed in a typhoon only a few years after completion (circa 1247). *The rebuilt Daibutsu (casting began in … Continue reading Kamakura Daibutsu Quick Facts
Wisteria Season
Just as the last of the cherry blossoms fall to the ground, the wisteria vines start to bloom. While there are a few gorgeous wisteria vines in our neighbourhood, by far my favourite is the vine (are the vines?) on this house. It looks to me like the wisteria might topple it over at any … Continue reading Wisteria Season
Photographer Face-Off
He wanted a photo of the new Hachimangu Dori/Wakamiya-oji sakura avenue, and I wanted a photo of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu's main building framed by a torii gate. I think mine turned out okay. I hope his did, too.
Rising Sun Sakura
For the past few years, Kamakura has been tearing up the old road to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu. It used to be a raised and walled walkway through the middle of the modern road, bordered with old cherry trees. Now, it's, well, different. I admit to liking the old road better. Much, much better. But, safety is … Continue reading Rising Sun Sakura
Fallen Petals
As much as I love sakura blossoms still on the tree, I have a special place in my heart for the ones covering the ground. They remind me of soft pink snow.
Hayama Boats
We stopped by a harbour in Hayama, a small town up the coast from Kamakura, and I decided that boats need to be painted bright colours. It's a beautiful little place, with an amazing view of Mt. Fuji over the water. What makes it even better is that there's a torii gate out in the … Continue reading Hayama Boats
Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Kosoku-ji, a small temple not far from Hasedera, has absolutely fantastic gardens.Even before you get to the gardens, though, there are absolutely fantastic cherry trees - and today, they were pretty much at their peak. I admit to setting this next shot up. Not at first, but I decided that the blossoms that were already … Continue reading Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Sakura
Today, we finally made it down to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, the main shrine in Kamakura. It was actually a good thing it took us so long to make it down, though, as the cherry blossoms weren't quite at 100%. Maybe later this week... They were still pretty spectacular, though. Kamakura isn't really known for sakura—the city's … Continue reading Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Sakura
鎌倉ペンション・Inn By The Sea Kamakura 