The Kencho-ji temple complex is huge–it just keeps going and going. As you make your way towards the hills at the back, you'll pass by this rather stunning door.
The Room with the Dragon
It's not just the ceiling that deserves a good look in Kencho-ji's Hatto–the whole room is impressive. Kencho-ji's Senju Kannon resides there, too, but somehow she didn't make it into a proper photo. You can just see her crossed legs and some of her arms behind the lantern. I seem to have been more interested … Continue reading The Room with the Dragon
Ceiling Dragon
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - when in a house of worship, be it church, temple or shrine (and probably mosque and synagogue, too, but I wouldn't know for sure), take a minute and look up. If you keep your eyes on the floor (as beautiful as it may be), you … Continue reading Ceiling Dragon
Jizo’s Closeup
The same Jizo from yesterday, but close up. I actually meant to include this in yesterday's post, but forgot, so here it is in its own post. And, as a reminder: 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 … Continue reading Jizo’s Closeup
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.
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.
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.
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.
Temple Garden
Engaku-ji starts where Kita-Kamakura Station ends. In fact, it used to own the land upon which the station sits, but had to sell it when the railroad went through. The pond beside the station—cut off from the temple grounds by a narrow road—is still part of Engaku-ji, though. This raked-pebble garden is lovely to look … Continue reading Temple Garden
女性専用 - Inn By The Sea Kamakura - Women's Guesthouse 