Kamakura is a pretty spooky place. It's really not surprising, considering the bloodshed that took place in and around the city. Being the capital of a shogunate that had violently wrenched power away from Kyoto—the imperial capital of Japan—and which had enemies near and far, bent on revenge and thirsty for power, well, something was … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Cave Priest
Photo of the Day: Through the Umbrella
The temple grounds were almost empty when I arrived—and right up until the ceremony was about to start. I was confused because not only did I expect more people to come out to the mantoukai (Buddhist lantern ceremony) in remembrance of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but also because entrance that evening to the … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Through the Umbrella
Photo of the Day: Warm Glow
Daikon (Japanese radishes) on lanterns—is there anything better? Another photo nicked from our Facebook page, it was taken at Hokai-ji last summer. I love the lanterns so much, I had to re-post. Hokai-ji is famous for its bush clover. It wasn't in bloom when we visited, but the vegetation had pretty much taken over one … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Warm Glow
Photo of the Day: Historical Cosplayers
Costumed visitors to Kotoku-in pay their respects at the mantoukai held in remembrance of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. I'm fairly certain this pair is meant to be Yoritomo Minamoto—founder and first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, and his consort, Masako Hojo, whose family took on the role of regents of the shogun (and basically … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Historical Cosplayers
Photo of the Day: Painted Panel
When you visit temples and shrines, be sure to look up. Guaranteed you'll be rewarded with beautiful carvings, and sometimes, you'll get a pretty paint job, too. This panel is from Komyo-ji, which you can read a tiny bit more about here.
Photo of the Day: Kobo Daishi of Joju Temple
More love for Joju-in, the temple on the hill by our inn. Though it be but small, it is rather photogenic. And convenient. Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai (his name while he was living), was a Buddhist priest and founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. He's a major character in Japanese Buddhism and … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Kobo Daishi of Joju Temple
Photo of the Day: Snowy Dragon
Throwback... Tuesday? This is a shot from our January 1st snowfall. It didn't last long, but it was fun to play around in. The temple at the top of the hill by the inn became our playground, with Kaede and Hisashi even having a bit of a snowball fight.
Photo of the Day: A Frog’s Life
This fellow had his photo taken during our first snowfall of the year, January 1st. He lives just up the hill from us at Joju-in (Joju Temple), famous for its hydrangeas in June and July. Joju-in sits at the top of a hill, and is accessible by stairway from both the top and bottom of … Continue reading Photo of the Day: A Frog’s Life
Photo a Day: Komyo-ji
Komyo-ji is just shy of two kilometers from Kamakura Station. The distance means that it's off the beaten track and a little quieter than some of the better known temples. Don't let the distance discourage you, though, as it's worth the hike out - unlike many of the other temples and shrines, visitors can actually … Continue reading Photo a Day: Komyo-ji
Good Fortune for Sale at Hongaku-ji
Hard work may be the key, but who doesn't like a bit of extra luck?
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 