Not far up the coast from Kamakura is a lovely little cottage town called Hayama. So lovely is it, that the Imperial Family has a large cottage compound there. We headed out that way the other day, and while we traced the seaside by way of winding roads, I saw a little torii gate out … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Torii in the Water
Photo of the Day: Crane Box
A box full of origami cranes at Kuzuharaoka Shrine. There are a few unique things about this shrine—coins on strings, heart-shaped prayer tablets, clay dishes for smashing, and this box of paper cranes. Small, but well worth the hike.
Photo of the Day: Washing Day
Wash, wash, wash that money. If you've ever wondered how to wash money, it is done with a woven basket and these little hishaku, or dippers. Doing this at Zeniarai Benten is supposed to mean that your fortunes (of the monetary variety) will improve. If only it were so easy!
Photo of the Day: Evening Lantern
Lanterns are a dime a dozen in Japan, but that doesn't mean I'm tired of them. Quite the contrary. To me, lanterns are a warm, glowing light in the night that make me feel all home-y and comfortable. This particular lantern is from the entrance to Zeniarai Benten. There was one on either side of … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Evening Lantern
Photo of the Day: Colourful Kamakura-gu
Throwback... Monday, with a photo of fall colours at Kamakura-gu. Kamakura-gu has a white torii, which isn't too common, but not unheard of. Most torii in the area are either unpainted or red. The white is a nice change, and let's the fall colours really shine.
Photo of the Day: Candle Burning
A candle burns at Zeniarai Benten. Just a quick note today as we've happily got a very full house: Happy Easter
Photo of the Day: All Tied Up
Five-yen coins hang off scarlet string and drape over a boulder at Kuzuharaoka Shrine. Kuzuharaoka Shrine, with its deep reds, heart-shaped prayer tablets, and coins on string, is striking at first sight. Quite far off the road and along a hiking path, it's also tremendously peaceful.
Photo of the Day: Through the Lantern Hole
A red-bibbed guardian dog framed by a stone lantern at Zeniarai Benten. There's so much more to this shrine than just money washing. First of all, it has one of the most amazing entrances—a tunnel carved out of the hillside. Once through the stone tunnel, visitors walk through yet another tunnel, this time made of … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Through the Lantern Hole
Photo of the Day: The Heart of the Matter
Continuing on from yesterday's post about Kuzuharaoka Shrine, here's a shot of the heart-shaped prayer/wish tablets. As I wrote before, I've never seen anything like them.
Photo of the Day: Breakin’ Dishes
Sometimes, you've just gotta smash a plate, but where? And what will the neighbours think? We've all been there, right? Luckily, Kuzuharaoka Jinja has a small stack of clay dishes ready, and a big rock at which you can freely toss/whip/skip your plates. And all for the low, low price of ¥100 per plate. It … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Breakin’ Dishes
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 