Kamakura

We went to Kamakura, where I always wanted to go when I lived
in Japan but never made it before.

Since we were already staying in the south end of Tokyo, practically in Kawasaki, it really wasn’t that far as a day trip. It was raining early in the morning and everything felt damp and leafy green when we got out to the Kita-Kamakura station. The cicadas were buzzing loudly.

We then visited two Zen temples and monestary complexes, established in the 1200s. I associate Kamakura with Jodo-Shinshu because of the presence of the great Buddha there, and didn’t think about the fact that the Kamakura Shogunate’s official religion was Zen. Both were definitely active; at Engakuji, we saw a line of monks walking from one hall to another for chanting; at Kenchoji, some sort of lecture was going on in one of the buildings and there must have been at least 50 people there in attendence on a Saturday. At Kenchoji, I sat for a while with David and the girls looking out over the garden. Then I walked around and sat in the small section open to the general public of the great meditation hall. As soon as I knelt on the tatami, I could feel myself going into a state of meditation. There is something that feels just right to me about that Zen environment.

We then had lunch at a noodle shop, and went on to a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war. This place was quite busy, not because I think the Japanese people are so interested in waging war, but in competition, maybe? I read the prayer plaques and there was definitely hope for success in business and in school.

We continued walking into the center of town. I managed to figure out that it would be easier for us to take the bus to see the Daibutsu rather than take the train, figured out which bus was the one for us to take, and what the fares would be. I’m personally proud of being able to do this sort of thing.

It was a bit of a thrill to see the Daibutsu at last. David told me that there were people lining up to go inside and I thought he was making one of his usual jokes, but it turned out to be true. For an additional 20 yen (about 16 cents), you could go inside the bronze statue! I would not recommend this experience to clastrophobes, as there is not a lot of room in there and it was very stuffy. I thought briefly about what would happen if I passed out inside the buddha, and decided it was time to get out of there.

We then went down the hill from there to the Daibutsu’s related temple, Hasedera. This was a Jodo-Shinshu temple, not as much my style as the Zen ones. But it did have a wonderful view.

We retraced our steps by taking a train back to Kamakura, another to Yokohama, another to Kamata and a final train back to our Tokyo hotel.

For the Temples for the beauty for what I dream of

Beautiful Ancient City. Many temples and shrines.

Best day trip from Tokyo. I went there half a dozen times during a year, and I found something new every time. Easy hike to daibutsu is really nice.

I was 17 and it was my first travel outside the US.

The hiking trail is my favourite part… the daibutsu is ok, the temples are firly interesting, but none of it compares to Kyoto… so I like the hiking the most. There is an awesome hiking trail from Kita-Kamakura station to the Daibutsu, which is an easy walk and very pleasant amongst the mountains. Only problem: go on a weekend and you’re surrounded by tourists. Go during the weekday and you’re surrounded by schoolchildren and the elderly.

Kamakura festival is worth a trip in April. Lots of street parades and events centred around the main shrine.

If you’ve been in Tokyo for a while and are starting to go crazy, take a trip to Kamakura and walk around in the forest. The entire area is surrounded by hills, and there are trails throughout them. So that go quite far. You could walk to Yokohama if you wanted!

Temples, shrines, the fantastic Daibutsu bronze Buddha, good food, and waaaaaaaaaaay too many people. Especially old men who are far too proud of their little rat dogs. But totally worth braving the crowds.

Nature – small mountain, forest, beach
Culture – Zen temples

if you’re looking to get away from the city for a day, kamakura is a great option. It’s a convenient train ride away, and lots to see.