Tokei-ji, the divorce temple, is green. Like, really, really green.
Tanuki of Nightmares
Tanuki statues are usually fairly cute, but this one is the thing of nightmares. A wild animal native to Japan, tanuki are called raccoon dogs in English, (though they're not related to raccoons). In Japanese folklore, they're mischevious shape-shifters. Statues of them are all over the place, but the ones in this post are from … Continue reading Tanuki of Nightmares
Big Bell
This impressive bell was made in 1301, and sits on a hill at the top of a rather long set of stone steps at Engaku-ji. Engaku-ji is the second of the five great Zen temples in Kamakura. Its entrance is right at Kita-Kamakura Station (apparently, it lost some of its land in order for the … Continue reading Big Bell
Roofs
The gentle curves, the tiles, the emblems—temple roofs are beautiful.
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:
Mini Buddha
Tokei-ji is deceptive. After climbing up some steep steps, it may seem as though you've stumbled upon a small, boring temple, and you might think, "hmm... should have skipped this one." But don't give up and turn around–keep walking, and discover a gorgeous hillside world of emerald green, covered with tombstones and statues. Tokei-ji also … Continue reading Mini Buddha
Autumn Decorations
These colourful fall decorations were sprinkled around the Meigetsu-in grounds.
Stair Climbing
Meigetsu-in again. I just love these stairs.
Red Bibs
Meigetsu-in, a temple famous for its hydrangeas, is tucked away in the hills of Kita-Kamakura. I visited the other day—not during hydrangea season—to reacquaint myself with the temple, and cam across a lot of well-dressed statues.
Citrus Foot Bath
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the stained glass tower is a looooong foot bath with nice warm water. When we were there, it was full of bobbing lemons, limes, yuzu and other citrus fruit. The colours were glorious.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 