I've said it before, and I'll say it again - when in a house of worship, be it church, temple or shrine (and probably mosque and synagogue, too, but I wouldn't know for sure), take a minute and look up. If you keep your eyes on the floor (as beautiful as it may be), you … Continue reading Ceiling Dragon
Jizo’s Closeup
The same Jizo from yesterday, but close up. I actually meant to include this in yesterday's post, but forgot, so here it is in its own post. And, as a reminder: The story goes that the site of this temple was once an execution ground, and, as one of Jizo’s tasks is to save the … Continue reading Jizo’s Closeup
Saviour of Souls
In the Butsu-den—the main temple building—at Kencho-ji, sits an unusually large statue of Jizo. The story goes that the site of this temple was once an execution ground, and, as one of Jizo's tasks is to save the souls of those who have "fallen into hell", he now sits doing just that. Source: An English … Continue reading Saviour of Souls
Painted Ceilings
Whether you're in a church, temple or shrine, you should always take a minute to check out the ceiling. This particular ceiling is located at Kencho-ji, the top temple in Kamakura. The rest of the room is pretty fantastic, too. Stay tuned for more photos over the next few days.
Little Jizo
Jizo statues are all over the place in Japan. He's the "protector of children, expectant mothers, firemen, and travelers. Most of all, he is the protector of deceased children, including miscarried, aborted or stillborn infants." ("Jizo Bosatsu: Bodhisattva of Deceased Children," Barbara O'Brien, About.com) This ever-so-cute Jizo was crouched along the path at Meigeitsu-in.
Fox God
Small fox figurines are a dime a dozen in Kamakura, thanks to Yoritomo Minamoto's dedication to Oinari san, a god who takes on the appearance of a fox (more on that another day). These little foxes live at Yakumo Shrine.
Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka Hiking Course
Kamakura isn't just temples, shrines and surfers–it's also home to a few hiking trails. They're not particularly challenging, but they are a nice change from pounding the pavement from one temple to the next. The easiest and shortest is the Kuzuharaoka to Jochi-ji stretch of the Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka trail. It's not very long at all, and … Continue reading Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka Hiking Course
Hole in the Wall
Meigeitsu-in's famous view: the circle in the wall. Sadly, I couldn't get any closer, but the basic idea is there. And a few more from the temple grounds:
Autumn Decorations
These colourful fall decorations were sprinkled around the Meigetsu-in grounds.
Stair Climbing
Meigetsu-in again. I just love these stairs.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 