Monday, February 04, 2008

Kamakura

Several URC members took us to Kamakura, southeast of Tokyo right off a subway stop.

We headed towards the Tsurugaoka Hachiman shrine, at the end of a path that began with a torii. It looks like the path vanishes in the distance, but that is partly an optical illusion as it is built that way - the path narrows as it approaches the shrine.


Torii
Originally uploaded by klbarrus




Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine
Originally uploaded by klbarrus



After lunch we walked back along a street lined with shops, and eventually caught a bus to see Daibutsu, the famous large statue of Buddha.


Daibutsu
Originally uploaded by klbarrus



After that we visited Kenchō-ji, a large Zen temple nearby.


Offering
Originally uploaded by klbarrus




Peach Blossom
Originally uploaded by klbarrus



This peach blossom is a sign of spring. We told the Japanese our equivalent spring tradition is Groundhog Day, which they thought was amusing.


Cave Offering
Originally uploaded by klbarrus



Kenchō-ji had a small cave accessible by tunnels. The tunnels were lined with various carvings. The cave had more carvings, and was a place people came to leave small statues and flowers as offerings.

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