As mentioned yesterday, we lucked out and happened to catch an unexpected fireworks display. Our original plan for the day was to hang out on the beach near Enoshima, head in to Kamakura to see the Daibutsu (as the kids had yet to see him), and then head back to Enoshima for the sunset. We stuck with the original plan but hoped to get back to Kamakura in time for the fireworks. We didn’t have enough time to get back so we ended up watching the show from Enoshima. The view wasn’t bad and there were no crowds, but the show would have been far more spectacular from Kamakura.

Posted on August 18th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: enoshima, fireworks, kamakura, night photography. Comments: None

While visiting Kamakura last month we were surprised to see the above poster for a fireworks show (hanabi taikai or 花火大会) on the very day we happened to be there.

So while enjoying a froat (float) we planned our evening.

Check back tomorrow for a photo of the fireworks in action.

Posted on August 17th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: engrish, kamakura, signs. Comments: 1

One of many moss-covered statues that can be found at Tokeiji (東慶寺) in Kamakura.

Posted on May 30th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: kamakura, tokeiji. Comments: None

Last week I made my fourth excursion to Kamakura. I have taken a completely different route each time and still feel like I have much to explore and discover in this ancient capital of Japan.

We followed Yamaonna’s Kamakura Daibutsu Hiking Course 大仏ハイキングコース during the morning. I won’t repeat everything she said. Click the link for details.

We skipped Engakuji as I was just there at the end of November. Tokeiji (東慶寺), our first stop, was incredible. I’ll have more pictures from Tokeiji in future entries. The top picture in today’s entry is from there.

The trail itself was very cool and nearly empty. The second picture is of an “ordinary” house, and its fence, on the first part of the trail.

There are a few things I would add or change to Yamaonna’s write up of the Giant Buddha Hiking Course.

One is Jochiji’s admission fee, which has increase by 50 yen in the past few months to 200 yen. Strangely, the 200 yen sign looked very old. Maybe they change the price based on the season?

One item about the Daibutsu Hiking Course I would add is that there are views on this hike when you are near the top. The views to the right are of Mt. Fuji and those to the left are of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, the morning was overcast and a bit hazy so we couldn’t see Mt. Fuji and could barely see the ocean when we sat down on the above, empty bench next to these four Japanese ladies.

If you aren’t tired after your walk and after visiting the Daibutsu, make sure to visit Hasedera if you haven’t before or if you aren’t planning on doing so on a future trip. From there you can jump on the train and go to Enoshima or you can walk the beach back most of the way to the Kamakura station, saving 250 yen and seeing much more than you can see from the train.

Also, a cheaper way to get to Kamakura is from Shibuya through Yokohama. Instead of the 780 or 890 yen quoted on Yamaonna’s blog, it is only 550 yen (although it takes a bit longer).

One final note, this hike can be very muddy if it has rained recently. It hadn’t rained in almost 48 hours but it was still muddy for us in places. I wouldn’t recommend this hike if it has rained in the past 24 hours.

Posted on March 11th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: buddhist, hiking, kamakura, people, tokeiji. Comments: 1

Engakuji is an amazing place regardless of the season. The Hojo (方丈), above, looks especially good in the spring or fall. Today’s photos were taken during the last week of November. It doesn’t matter whether you look straight at it,

or look down,

or look up, the view is good every which way.

Posted on February 15th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: engakuji, kamakura. Comments: 1