In the Butsu-den—the main temple building—at Kencho-ji, sits an unusually large statue of Jizo. The story goes that the site of this temple was once an execution ground, and, as one of Jizo's tasks is to save the souls of those who have "fallen into hell", he now sits doing just that. Source: An English … Continue reading Saviour of Souls
Painted Ceilings
Whether you're in a church, temple or shrine, you should always take a minute to check out the ceiling. This particular ceiling is located at Kencho-ji, the top temple in Kamakura. The rest of the room is pretty fantastic, too. Stay tuned for more photos over the next few days.
Flags in the Wind
The Ten-en hiking course is my new favourite. Not only is it a bit more challenging than the Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka trail, it's also got much more to see along the way. Like these prayer flags that I found flapping away behind a statue sitting at the top of a trail-side scramble.
Little Jizo
Jizo statues are all over the place in Japan. He's the "protector of children, expectant mothers, firemen, and travelers. Most of all, he is the protector of deceased children, including miscarried, aborted or stillborn infants." ("Jizo Bosatsu: Bodhisattva of Deceased Children," Barbara O'Brien, About.com) This ever-so-cute Jizo was crouched along the path at Meigeitsu-in.
Fancy Dress
Dressing in traditional Japanese clothing to visit temples and shrines has become a popular activity of late. Kimono enthusiasts are usually female, but men sometimes get in on the fun, too. I saw the two women pictured wandering around Meigetsu-in in Kita-Kamakura.
Fox God
Small fox figurines are a dime a dozen in Kamakura, thanks to Yoritomo Minamoto's dedication to Oinari san, a god who takes on the appearance of a fox (more on that another day). These little foxes live at Yakumo Shrine.
Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka Hiking Course
Kamakura isn't just temples, shrines and surfers–it's also home to a few hiking trails. They're not particularly challenging, but they are a nice change from pounding the pavement from one temple to the next. The easiest and shortest is the Kuzuharaoka to Jochi-ji stretch of the Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka trail. It's not very long at all, and … Continue reading Daibutsu-Kuzuharaoka Hiking Course
Engaku-ji’s Gate
The day I visited Engaku-ji, there was–not surprisingly–a huge group of school children. They were spread over the entire temple grounds having lunch, running around, and being scolded for various offenses.
Night Quince
Growing up in a colder climate, the only fruit trees I came across with any regularity were apple, and to a lesser extent, pear; and even less frequently, cherry, peach and plum. Here in Tokyo/Kanagawa, I've lost the apple and pear, but gained persimmon and quince. I didn't know either fruit by sight (or even … Continue reading Night Quince
Mercy Tucked Away
Temples and shrines are full of little nooks and crannies housing statues large and small. This one, at Jochi-ji, is home to a small statue of Kannon, the goddess of compassion and mercy.
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 