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| Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple Kamakura |
History of Kamakura
Kamakura is just a little over an hour from Tokyo on the JR Rail. It is a coastal city steeped in military culture and was the birthplace of Japan's first Kamakura Bakutu or military government, it was also once a political capital along with Kyoto and Nara. It wasn't until the 19th Century that Kamakura flourished as a temple town and became popular for its beaches and resorts. Today, when people tell you about Kamakura, I'm sure there will be no shortage about the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and that was precisely my first stop on the list.Great Buddha, Kotokuin Temple
I chose to walk from Kamakura JR Station to the Great Buddha, a good, solid 30mins walk but a rather scenic one through quiet neighbourhoods with blooming Wisterias.The Kamakura Daibutsu or the Great Buddha of Kamakura is in Kotokuin Temple. The temple gate holds a plaque with the temple's official name – Daii-san and also two Nios or guardians that are commonly found in Buddhist temples. Entering the temple grounds, the giant bronze statue of the Amida Buddha dominates the scene, it dates back to 1252 and is today a National Treasure. It is definitely the main attraction and draw in large crowds from devout Buddhists to tourist and even local students. For an extra 200 yen, you can peek inside the statue itself, though space is fairly cramped inside.
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| Kotokuin entry gate with two Nios. |
Tip: At Kamakura Station, ask station staff for a city map and my recommendation is there is no better way to explore the city than on foot.
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| Great Buddha. |
Not far from the Great Buddha and only about 10 minutes walk from Kotokuin is Hasedera Temple. I actually didn't have any other planned temple visits in Kamakura, but because they're in clusters, it makes it easier to visit a few within a day, and also just explore to your heart's content.
Hasedera Temple is situated half way up Mt Kamakura and is designed on two levels including an underground cave. In total, seven buildings make up the temple complex with smaller halls, tourist facilities, and a beautiful garden on the ground level then winding its way up through garden paths lined with summer blooms to reach the main hall – Kannon-do Hall and the observation deck on the upper level.
To rest your feet, outside the Kannon-do Hall is the observation deck. Grab a 'dango' (sweet rice cake skewers) from the nearby snack stall, sit under the wisteria pergola and take in the panoramic view of Sagami Bay below. As you make your way down, dotted along garden paths and amongst plantings are small Jizo statues that are all so cute and endearing. These statues are there to comfort the souls of unborn children, hence why so many of them are adorned in bibs and charms. Don't forget to visit the Benten-kutsu Cave, where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiselled into the rock face, but steer clear if you have back problems for you are unable to stand up straight once inside the cave.
The main street leading from the station is lined with shops, selling everything from souvenir, to apparel to local snacks. Speaking of snacks, Kamakura is also famous for its biscuits, especially the Half Moon biscuits, so don't pass them by.
Kamakura is definitely worth a visit or perhaps even an overnight stay, because there are just so many temples and shrines to visit. Some will lead you through quaint neighbourhoods while others take you along train tracks, your feet may be sore at the end of the day but it is all part of the adventure!
For more photos from the trip, head to my Flickr page!
Hasedera Temple is situated half way up Mt Kamakura and is designed on two levels including an underground cave. In total, seven buildings make up the temple complex with smaller halls, tourist facilities, and a beautiful garden on the ground level then winding its way up through garden paths lined with summer blooms to reach the main hall – Kannon-do Hall and the observation deck on the upper level.
Kannon-do Hall
The main hall houses the statue of Hase Kannon or more commonly known in English as the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, but strictly speaking it is neither masculine nor feminine. Unfortunately, photos are prohibited inside the hall but it was quite a sight to behold. The statue is gold-leafed and stands over nine metres, it has 11 faces each with its unique facial expression, symbolising that the deity listens to the wishes of all people.To rest your feet, outside the Kannon-do Hall is the observation deck. Grab a 'dango' (sweet rice cake skewers) from the nearby snack stall, sit under the wisteria pergola and take in the panoramic view of Sagami Bay below. As you make your way down, dotted along garden paths and amongst plantings are small Jizo statues that are all so cute and endearing. These statues are there to comfort the souls of unborn children, hence why so many of them are adorned in bibs and charms. Don't forget to visit the Benten-kutsu Cave, where Benzaiten and 16 children are chiselled into the rock face, but steer clear if you have back problems for you are unable to stand up straight once inside the cave.
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| Kannon-do Hall, Hasedera Temple. |
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| Panoramic view from observation deck. |
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| Jizo |
Food
Seafood is abound in this coastal city and one of the most popular meal choices is the Shiso Rice Bowl Set. The rice is topped with salmon roe, raw shiso (white bait), shredded egg, seaweed, grated ginger and wasabi for an added kick. Paired with miso soup and pickles on the side, it is both filling yet light-weight, with no fishy after taste at all!The main street leading from the station is lined with shops, selling everything from souvenir, to apparel to local snacks. Speaking of snacks, Kamakura is also famous for its biscuits, especially the Half Moon biscuits, so don't pass them by.
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| Shiso Don. |
For more photos from the trip, head to my Flickr page!
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