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.
The View from Enoshima
Climbing up the many, many stairs to the top of Enoshima provides the climber with several brilliant views of the harbour and cities beyond. I can't quite recall just how far we could see, but the lights in the background are either Kamakura or Zushi, or a combination of the two.
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.
Happy New Year
Rather than Christmas cards, the paper greeting that overwhelms the Japanese postal system this time of year is nengajo (new year's postcards). Many families make their own, adding photos of the previous year to show friends, relatives and colleagues the year's most important (or at least, the most photogenic) events. Joining the photos are usually … Continue reading Happy New Year
Today, the shrine in this picture (in Enoshima) will be overrun with people making their first shrine visit of the year. It will be overflowing with people even before the new year begins. They'll be returning the charms they bought last year, and buying new ones for this year. They'll be praying, and trying to … Continue reading
Little Map
While wandering around Enoshima's illumination display, I came across this map.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 