I went on what was supposed to be a short hike to some temples and shrines in town the other day, but which became an epic seven-hour tour of places I haven't been in ages, and some I'd never visited before. Starting out on the Daibutsu hiking trail, I continued as it joined the Kuzuharaoka … Continue reading Bamboo Love
Photo of the Day: Tetrapods
If you visit coastal Japan, you're going to see these giant concrete tetrapods all over the place. They help break up rough surf to protect people, property and land. I used to think they were hideously ugly and such a shame to have ruining the seaside, but over the years, I've learned to see a … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Tetrapods
Photo of the Day: Tiny Trains
Public transportation upholstery choices don't usually make me smile, but the Enoden Line's cute seat covers are the exception. Tiny trains for a tiny train.
Photo of the Day: High Flyer
Sitting on the front step, relaxing after a busy three days, and suddenly this flew over me. Sadly, I didn't have my camera with me on the step, which meant I had to run inside and search for it. Too bad, because the first-sight angle was much better. Oh, well. But it just goes to … Continue reading Photo of the Day: High Flyer
Photo of the Day: Duelling Mikoshi
I've posted a few photos from this festival already, one of some fancy tattoos and one of some bare bums. I thought it was finally time to post a photo of what actually happens at the festival. Two mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines/divine palanquins), supported by local men and women, locked in "battle" in the ocean … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Duelling Mikoshi
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: Full’a Beans
Two words: free samples. This shop is called Mameya, and while it isn't a Kamakura-only shop—it's a country-wide chain—it's one of our favourites on the road between us and the Daibutsu. I enjoy the colours, Kaede enjoys the flavours, which are quite nice.
Photo of the Day: Red Tide
Looks more pink than red, but red tide it is. Actually, the proper term is harmful algal blooms (HABs). They make seafood temporarily inedible, and probably aren't so good to play in for humans, either. But, it didn't really stop anyone from splashing around. HABs happen every year, but not too often. They only last … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Red Tide
Photo of the Day: Ume Bloomin’
Spring in Japan blooms on trees, with ume (plum) in February and sakura (cherry) in late March being the most eagerly anticipated. Having grown up in Canada, I'm used to spring sprouting from the ground and up through the last of the snow in late March to early April, not bursting forth from trees in … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Ume Bloomin’
鎌倉ペンション・Inn By The Sea Kamakura 