There's no denying it: Rainy season is over (something like 22 days earlier than average!), which means summer is here and it is hot. And humid. And it's going to last at least two months. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way in a beach town — who wants cool, drizzly summers when … Continue reading Summer in Kamakura
A Guide to Kamakura’s Hydrangeas
This is an unofficial history, recounted to my husband by his kobudo teacher, who assures us that his memory is correct: ***** Once upon a time, some 40 or 50 years ago, the city of Kamakura had a problem: June — the rainy season in the area — saw tourist numbers plummet, and the much-needed … Continue reading A Guide to Kamakura’s Hydrangeas
Firefly Festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
The best part about June? Fireflies.
Kamakura Bungakukan Rose Festival
Roses are red... and pink, yellow, orange and white at the Kamakura Bungakukan's Rose Festival
Hydrangea Train, Kamakura
In Kamakura, June means hydrangeas. Thousands of them. And the tourists just eat it up. One of the most popular spots to take photos is Goryo Jinja, because the always-photogenic Enoden Line train rattles by as it exits the tunnel between Gokuraku-ji and Saka-no-shita.
Bon Odori Summer Festivals
Japanese summers are pretty spectacular. They buzz (cicadas) and DON DON DON (taiko drums). They whistle and gong and chant (festivals). They're burning hot and impossibly humid. But if you let the music drifting from the festival grounds carry you along, not only will you make it to fall without melting into a puddle … Continue reading Bon Odori Summer Festivals
Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Kosoku-ji, a small temple not far from Hasedera, has absolutely fantastic gardens.Even before you get to the gardens, though, there are absolutely fantastic cherry trees - and today, they were pretty much at their peak. I admit to setting this next shot up. Not at first, but I decided that the blossoms that were already … Continue reading Kosoku-ji Blossoms
Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Sakura
Today, we finally made it down to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu, the main shrine in Kamakura. It was actually a good thing it took us so long to make it down, though, as the cherry blossoms weren't quite at 100%. Maybe later this week... They were still pretty spectacular, though. Kamakura isn't really known for sakura—the city's … Continue reading Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Sakura
Hakone Persimmons
I told you there'd be more persimmon photos. I just can't.get.enough. These were miniature persimmons–I'd never seen such a thing! They looked almost like cherry tomatoes hanging on a vine. We came across them at the Picasso Museum in Hakone, a hot-spring area about an hour/hour-and-a-half from Kamakura.
A Fine Fall Day
The first winds of winter may have started blowing this week, but the afternoons are still gloriously warm. Hisashi bought a small boat the other day, fulfilling a year-long dream, and took Kaede out for a little row. By the time I joined them on the beach, they were back to shore, and Kaede was … Continue reading A Fine Fall Day
鎌倉ペンション・Inn By The Sea Kamakura 