Climbing up the many, many stairs to the top of Enoshima provides the climber with several brilliant views of the harbour and cities beyond. I can't quite recall just how far we could see, but the lights in the background are either Kamakura or Zushi, or a combination of the two.
Paddling in the New Year
Chilly temperatures don't keep everyone out of the ocean in winter. A strong wind was just starting to blow when I took this picture, but a few people were still braving the cold.
Happy New Year
Rather than Christmas cards, the paper greeting that overwhelms the Japanese postal system this time of year is nengajo (new year's postcards). Many families make their own, adding photos of the previous year to show friends, relatives and colleagues the year's most important (or at least, the most photogenic) events. Joining the photos are usually … Continue reading Happy New Year
Today, the shrine in this picture (in Enoshima) will be overrun with people making their first shrine visit of the year. It will be overflowing with people even before the new year begins. They'll be returning the charms they bought last year, and buying new ones for this year. They'll be praying, and trying to … Continue reading
Little Map
While wandering around Enoshima's illumination display, I came across this map.
Zigzag Lanterns
More lanterns from Enoshima, this time zigzagging up a hill at the start of the shrine's sando. Shrines and temples in Japan are getting ready for hatsumode, the first shrine/temple visit of the year. Lanterns are glowing all over the place.
Red Lantern
While in Enoshima the other night to see the illuminations, I snapped a few pics of the shrine. It's beautiful and sprawling, and full of red lanterns, which I love.
Enoshima Illumination 2015-16
After spending an awful lot of time inside over the past few days, we decided to head out for an evening of illumination viewing. Japan is big on lights, and in our area, the best known is Enoshima's display. It didn't disappoint. The lights will be on until February 14. More info (in Japanese) here.
Surprising Kamakura
Kamakura can be a bit like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're going to get. Sometimes you come across the most authentically Santa-Claus-y Japanese Santa Claus imaginable (real impeccably trimmed, big beard and all!). Other days, you turn the corner and come across a tour guide group and tourists dressed as samurai and … Continue reading Surprising Kamakura
Up-Close Octopi
Remember those little octopi from the other day? Well, here they are up close.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 