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
They Work Hard for Their Money II
Rain or shine.
Early Sakura
We visited Kosoku-ji, a small temple with amazing gardens just down the street from us, the other day, and were surprised to see a few cherry trees had already bloomed. Unfortunately, I only had my iPad mini on me, and the trees were rather far away, so the photos aren't as clear as I wish … Continue reading Early Sakura
End-of-season Wakame
I mentioned in a previous post that this year's wakame harvest has been poor. The ryōshi (fisher people) along our beach have managed to bring in a few days' worth of it, though. In this photo, you can see the wakame hanging from laundry clips to dry.
Yuigahama Love
We had a few days of gorgeous weather last week, and the beach was full of people. Kaede and I were collecting shells when we came across this heart of stones. I just now realized that Kaede's shadow made it into the shot—that wonderful stripey skirt must have caught my attention and kept it.
Myoryu-ji’s Lucky God
Jurojin, the shichifukujin of Myoryu-ji, is the god of wisdom and longevity.Considering that the man who stamped and signed our books at Myoryu-ji was the oldest we met along our trek, I think it's fair to say that Jurojin is doing his job. This Jurojin isn't the actual Jurojin - the temple's proper Jurojin is … Continue reading Myoryu-ji’s Lucky God
A Whole Lot of Yagura
Along the Kinubari Yama hiking trail is a spot called the Mandaradō Yagura. If I recall correctly, it is the largest concentration of yagura (burial caves) in Kamakura, with over 150 caves. Because it's such an important spot, it's fenced in, and only opens for a few weeks at a time throughout the year. Unfortunately, … Continue reading A Whole Lot of Yagura
Break Time
A hike around town on a cold day requires a few stops for snacks and warming up. Last month, Kaede and I hiked around town gathering stamps in our goshuincho. It was fairly chilly, so we stopped at the cafe at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu. Kaede went with Jagarico (a kind of stick-shaped potato chip, that, !!!, … Continue reading Break Time
Hiking Prayers
I'm not sure if these are a kind of Jizo, because there's one boy and one girl, and I've never noticed a female Jizo before. But, they seem to be functioning as Jizo, so I guess they're something similar. They sit along the Kinubari Yama hiking trail that runs from near Sugimoto Dera to Kotsubo.
Welcome to Enoden
Not sure when this fellow popped up at the Enoden line's Kamakura Station for the first time, but it's another kawaii (cute) touch.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 