Kamakura is riddled with small caves carved into the soft rock. These caves are tombs, built in medieval times. According to Wikipedia, Kamakura has anywhere from 1500 to 5000 yagura cut into its hills. It is assumed that many have yet to be found. The yagura pictured is Kamakura's largest, located at Meigetsu-in in Kita-Kamakura.
Kencho-ji Tengu
At the back of Kencho-ji's vast grounds, a hill rises up, topped by Kencho-ji's shrine, the Hansobo. Sprinkled over the hill is a collection of karasu-tengu (crow tengu), a kami (god)/yokai (supernatural being) combination creature. Most tengu in Japan, nowadays at least, are depicted as having exceptionally long noses, though the older style have more … Continue reading Kencho-ji Tengu
A Most Fabulous Door
The Kencho-ji temple complex is huge–it just keeps going and going. As you make your way towards the hills at the back, you'll pass by this rather stunning door.
The Room with the Dragon
It's not just the ceiling that deserves a good look in Kencho-ji's Hatto–the whole room is impressive. Kencho-ji's Senju Kannon resides there, too, but somehow she didn't make it into a proper photo. You can just see her crossed legs and some of her arms behind the lantern. I seem to have been more interested … Continue reading The Room with the Dragon
Ceiling Dragon
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.
Flags in the Wind
The Ten-en hiking course is my new favourite. Not only is it a bit more challenging than the Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka trail, it's also got much more to see along the way. Like these prayer flags that I found flapping away behind a statue sitting at the top of a trail-side scramble.
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.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 