Dozens and dozens of very weather-worn stone stupas sit in the clearing at the top of the stairs at Sugimoto Dera. They represent the 300 samurai who died during a battle by the temple between Hojo forces and Ashikaga forces in 1337. I didn't count, but perhaps there are 300 in all.
Through the Incense Burner 2
Sugimoto Dera again, but looking through the incense burner in the other direction.
Moss-Covered Stairs
I can't help but wonder if the stairs leading up to the hon-do at Sugimoto Dera are the original stairs. If they are, it would make them 1282 years old, as Sugimoto Dera was built in 734 AD (though fires have meant it's seen some rebuilding). Maybe a bit of a stretch, but they do … Continue reading Moss-Covered Stairs
Through the Incense Burner
Sugimoto Dera doesn't have building after building after building like a lot of the other temples in Kamakura. It's pretty simple. The building that it does have at the top of the moss-covered stone stairs, though, is pretty nice. Too bad you can't take pictures inside! This was the best I could do without risking … Continue reading Through the Incense Burner
Sugimoto Dera Roku Jizo
Kamakura has an awful lot of Roku Jizo (six Jizo statues standing together). The best-known is likely the Yuigahama Dori Roku Jizo, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll find others sprinkled around town. The ones pictured stand on the grounds of Sugimoto Dera, the oldest temple in Kamakura.
Paddling in the New Year
Chilly temperatures don't keep everyone out of the ocean in winter. A strong wind was just starting to blow when I took this picture, but a few people were still braving the cold.
Surprising Kamakura
Kamakura can be a bit like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're going to get. Sometimes you come across the most authentically Santa-Claus-y Japanese Santa Claus imaginable (real impeccably trimmed, big beard and all!). Other days, you turn the corner and come across a tour guide group and tourists dressed as samurai and … Continue reading Surprising Kamakura
Up-Close Octopi
Remember those little octopi from the other day? Well, here they are up close.
Little Yagura
I posted a picture of Kamakura's biggest yagura a few weeks ago. Big ones are few and far between, but little ones like this are quite common. We came across this one while hiking the Gion-Yama hiking trail, though the best trail for yagura is the Ten-en trail. Most yagura are empty, but a few … Continue reading Little Yagura
Octopus Boat
A closer look at the tiny octopi of an earlier photo. These unfortunate eight-leggers are destined for takoyaki, balls of batter and, well, chopped up octopus.
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