The area behind the main hall at Zuisen-ji is comprised of caves carved from the rock wall, a pond, and several bridges. It's a beautiful corner of a beautiful temple.
Uneven Stairs
There are two sets of stairs leading up to Zuisen-ji, this set of old, uneven stairs, and a set of newer, easy-to-walk stairs. I found the older stairs to be much more appealing. I also liked the narrow island of green between the two sets.
Zuisen-ji
Zuisen-ji, tucked away in the hills northeast of Kamakura Station, is famous for its gardens. It's not so old compared to other Kamakura temples, having been founded in 1327, but it is one of the more important temples nonetheless what with its close association with members of the Muromachi Shogunate. Zuisen-ji is also on the … Continue reading Zuisen-ji
Onsen
Living in Kamakura means we're just an hour away by car from the onsen (hot spring) area of Hakone. Boy, do we love onsen. These photos are from a few months ago when we dropped by a very empty (completely empty) hotel onsen. First, we had a private family onsen, but I was curious about … Continue reading Onsen
Nio of Sugimoto Dera
There's nothing like a big, red, scary-looking demon to keep out the riffraff. This Nio at Sugimoto Dera, along with his partner on the opposite side of the entrance gate, does a solid job.
Dozens and dozens of very weather-worn stone stupas sit in the clearing at the top of the stairs at Sugimoto Dera. They represent the 300 samurai who died during a battle by the temple between Hojo forces and Ashikaga forces in 1337. I didn't count, but perhaps there are 300 in all.
Through the Incense Burner 2
Sugimoto Dera again, but looking through the incense burner in the other direction.
Moss-Covered Stairs
I can't help but wonder if the stairs leading up to the hon-do at Sugimoto Dera are the original stairs. If they are, it would make them 1282 years old, as Sugimoto Dera was built in 734 AD (though fires have meant it's seen some rebuilding). Maybe a bit of a stretch, but they do … Continue reading Moss-Covered Stairs
Through the Incense Burner
Sugimoto Dera doesn't have building after building after building like a lot of the other temples in Kamakura. It's pretty simple. The building that it does have at the top of the moss-covered stone stairs, though, is pretty nice. Too bad you can't take pictures inside! This was the best I could do without risking … Continue reading Through the Incense Burner
Sugimoto Dera Roku Jizo
Kamakura has an awful lot of Roku Jizo (six Jizo statues standing together). The best-known is likely the Yuigahama Dori Roku Jizo, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll find others sprinkled around town. The ones pictured stand on the grounds of Sugimoto Dera, the oldest temple in Kamakura.
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