Dressing in traditional Japanese clothing to visit temples and shrines has become a popular activity of late. Kimono enthusiasts are usually female, but men sometimes get in on the fun, too. I saw the two women pictured wandering around Meigetsu-in in Kita-Kamakura.
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
Engaku-ji’s Gate
The day I visited Engaku-ji, there was–not surprisingly–a huge group of school children. They were spread over the entire temple grounds having lunch, running around, and being scolded for various offenses.
Night Quince
Growing up in a colder climate, the only fruit trees I came across with any regularity were apple, and to a lesser extent, pear; and even less frequently, cherry, peach and plum. Here in Tokyo/Kanagawa, I've lost the apple and pear, but gained persimmon and quince. I didn't know either fruit by sight (or even … Continue reading Night Quince
Mercy Tucked Away
Temples and shrines are full of little nooks and crannies housing statues large and small. This one, at Jochi-ji, is home to a small statue of Kannon, the goddess of compassion and mercy.
Temple Garden
Engaku-ji starts where Kita-Kamakura Station ends. In fact, it used to own the land upon which the station sits, but had to sell it when the railroad went through. The pond beside the station—cut off from the temple grounds by a narrow road—is still part of Engaku-ji, though. This raked-pebble garden is lovely to look … Continue reading Temple Garden
Serenity in a Bamboo Grove
Tokei-ji again, with another of its myriad sculptures. The green was getting to be too much, so I went with sepia tones. ...But of course that's not true–the sepia is being used to hide poor lighting, as alas, I am an amateur.
Bridge Over Zen Water
The entrance to Jochi-ji is enchanting. Towering trees, stone steps, and this little bridge. In fact, I think the entrance is my favourite thing about Jochi Temple.
Mother and Child?
Okay, so I'm not sure if this is a mother and child, but it sure looks like it. I love finding images and sculptures like this. It just seems so right (though some father and child sculptures would be nice to see, too!).
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 