Seeing the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in) is one of my secret wishes to see in Japan. Earlier this year i´ve seen photo of this gigantic Buddha in one of the travel magazine in our local library and since then ,its been on my quest to see it for real.The photo was taken during Sakura season so it looked so pretty with all the surrounding spring blossoms.But we went in summer so there were only trees, pines, bamboos, and of course, crowds.
Either way, seeing my feet in front of Kotoku-in left an enormous feeling of gratitude in me.It is overwhelmingly huge,that´s a given, but the place is also very beautiful.The experience itself was priceless but the journey going there is also worth to remember.We´ve planned for a daytrip away from Tokyo going to Kamakura because its ideal for a day. It´s easy to reach by the local train and the schedule is flexible.Meanwhile, the weather is still the same,hot, and nothing less too warm.For a change,the sight of the beach also made our adrenalin rush.With clear skies, no haze or fog, Mt. Muji can be seen from here.But during our visit, we didn´t have that luck. The scenic beachfront kind of reminded me of the beach in Philippines near Mayon Volcano or the arid yet quiet Arabian Gulf in Kuwait.Surprisingly, the sand here are lighter shade of grey, compared to almost black volcanic sands in Legazpi.Grabbing some ice cream and smoothis from 711, we head on to the beach and enjoyed this view.
Kamakura coast has three beaches open for public.Yuigahama, Zaimokuza and Koshigoe.Yuigahama is the most convenient for us since its only 20 minutes from the city center and a walking distance from the main station.The vast sea is endless, bordered to the south by Saigama Bay,a part of Pacific ocean.The beach is still less crowded, waves rumbling like crazy, no wonder there are lots of surfers on sight.Compared to the crowds in touristic Boracay beach in the Philippines.Lots of tourists, families, floating yachts, and shrieking children make the scene.Waves are a bit strong but still managebale for a swim.We spent some time just breathing in the air of Kamakura and letting it sink deeper to our system, deep sighing.I still can´t believe that I am here in this place.
There´s something about this place that makes you feel relaxed, chill and in slow mode.Maybe because i got tired of the chaos in Tokyo so Kamakura is a breath of fresh air.We moved on further to our next destination after a having some AC break and matcha,we head on to Hasedera temple. As i began ascending the steps to the main temple of Hase -dera (Kanagawa) majestic sea view awaits in the top followed me.Even if you are not into Buddha or shrines,there are many reasons to see this place.For me personally, i cannot say no to multi-tiered gardens and nature so i really enjoyed exploring this place, also the rice cakes and matcha lattes are divine.There´s something about the silence and calmness of zen gardens here that makes you really aware of your surroundings.
The sea of bamboos swaying and bustling as the wind goes.Kamakura coastline seemed not far from where I stand but the sea looked so vast.
Another fond memory was seeing Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and its wonders.I´ve heard that this is the spiritual heart of the city, founded in the 11th century and connected to Kamakura’s samurai history.No idea about samurai era but the place is also full of grand details.We enjoyed watching the giant black carp fishes in the pond full of lotus and the bamboo grove in Hokuko-ji is also one of the highlight of this trip.I can´t even simplify or describe in plain words why exploring this place really made a mark in our trip.In the little nooks of the shrines lies these japanese gardens, with flowing waterfalls, Koi ponds, endless charming little bamboo groves that always steals my attention.If you have an eye for landscape design then you will really learn a lot from observing japanese zen gardens.
Location wise, Hase-dera has an edge since it sits above the three-lined hill where the ocean and Kamakura coast laid waiting for my camera to enjoy.After the scenic train ride, everything about this town looks so picturesque.There´s a small spot just midway of the stair going up to the temple that caught my attention-the Jizo-do Hall.In one look there are quite a number of these little Jizo statues who looked like small children. This spot is dedicated to the lost, unborn children from miscarriage, stillbirths, or abortions.I find that spot so solemn.
I´ve tried inspecting Daibutsu from different angles since I was also trying to minimize sun exposure.It was so warm that day that I was squinting while taking photos.Again, as expected, the giant straw slippers or Owaraji was also present in here.The sandals are 1.8 meters long (nearly six feet), 0.9 meters wide (nearly three feet) and weigh 45 kilograms.Too bad i was not able to see the interior of Daibutsu since we ´ve got less time and the line was too long.
Our feet were tired, exhausted but we had a great time in this place, i mean overall, what´s not to love about Kamakura?Even the Enoden train ride is so unforgettable, and yes, they have purple train!
Until then, Tschüß fellow travellers !
Kamakura is a fun destination. I was there this time last year and loved the enoden train but it was jam packed as it was a Sunday.
I must not have been able to see Fuji from my viewpoint on thd train but I remember the small island off the coast that you can see in one of your photos.
Thanks for shoecasing this lovely city.
You think so too? At first i was only looking forward to the beach and Daibutsu but Kamakura
was like a breath of fresh air that i needed from the busy chaos in Tokyo.
Would love to be back there maybe in the Autunm .
Thank you for stopping by.
The leaves hadn’t turned when I visited Kamakura last year. I think late November would be a good time to visit but the are sites so take a raincoat.
What a wonderful story and what great pictures!