Tokyo - Day 7

Today is dedicated to Mike Makuch who quietly stressed that Judy and I should go to Kamakura if we could. Well, today we officially became Shriners. Judy took charge and set up a special day.

Hase-dera Temple. After a relatively quick train ride to Kamakura station, we set off to our first stop, a temple with a dramatic view of the town and Sagami Bay. See, pics.

This temple was a highlight because of its tremendous scenic variety and because of its famous Hydrangea walk (and they were in full bloom). Note the jumbo Carpe Diem.

Kotoku-in Great Buddha - Temple. The great Buddha was quite the sight to see. To add to the fun, some school kids pigeon-holed Judy for a school project, haltingly asking her questions in English. They were very cute.

Daibutsu Hiking Trail. For reasons that escape me on such a busy day, Judy decided on a 2.1 mile (3.4 kilometer) hike (301 feet in elevation) along a ridge bounding town. From a work out point of view, the good news was that it was either up hill or down hill the entire time. See, pic.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine. After an hour and a half walk along the trail (a 27 minute walk from the Buddha by street) we came to this shrine. The object of worship at Zeniarai Benzaiten is a syncretic kami that combines a traditional spirit called Ugafukujin with the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten.

Peaceful and nested in the woods, the shrine gained popularity due to the spring located within a cave. Visitors believe that washing their money in this spring will multiply their wealth. The tradition of washing money at the spring began in 1257 when Kamakura’s ruler, Hōjō Tokiyori, recommended faithful followers to wash their coins. According to the belief, the kami Ugafukujin would multiply the coins and bring prosperity to their descendants.

Many folks were there and they were ringing bells and washing their money! The phrase, “Wash and wear” originated here. It was interesting watching the enthusiastic folks sink into the ritual. See, video.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - Shrine. Many festivals occur here, and the street from the train station leads right to the shrine. Grand, but the least interesting of the places we visited in Kamakura.

There is a nice walk down the middle of the street for those that don’t care for shopping (akin the Philosopher’s Walk that we will see in Kyoto). But who, aside from from philosophers, can resist shopping?!

Shopping in Kamakura. Right before and after our visit to the shrine, we enjoyed browsing the many shops in Kamakura. Some are touristy, but others quite interesting. One store specialized in red lacquer items. Judy indulged in a stunning dress at a boutique. I bought a handkerchief.

We the dined at a yakiniku restaurant where we grilled, table side, Sukiyaki and Wagu meats and vegetables. Very tasty.

We trained back, briefly heard that the kids had great days, soaked in the onsen, and packed for our trip to Hakone tomorrow.Read more