Sunday, July 9, 2006
We left Nikko and decided to go straight to Kamakura which we had originally planned as a day trip. Since there could possibly be surf at Kamakura, we had to make it at least an overnight and ended up with two nights there.
Kamakura is one of my favorite places! I have been here every time I have been to Japan and I always love entering the grounds where the Daibutsu is located. You round the corner and suddenly, there it is...so grand and peaceful. It was raining all day but it seemed to add rather than detract from the experience.
We also visited the Hasedera Temple there which is famous for its statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There are also many jizo there and parents got to pray for the souls of lost children. There is a beautiful garden which is famous for its hydrangea and was in full bloom! At the top of the garden there is a small cafe where we all had something to eat ant the view of the city is superb.
We had a great room right near the train station and the downtown shopping of Kamakura. This was the first place we stayed where we had our own private bathroom! While I am on the subject, I have to say that when we lived in Japan, the bathrooms were not so great. In fact, they could be downright horrible. A western toilet was rare out in public. Now, the Japanese have re-invented the toilet and they come with washlets, heated seats , and blow dryers. Remote controlled and computer programed! It’s a whole new world here now and western toilets are abundant. See Toto here.
Sadly, no waves this time but we managed fill the two days with lots of walking and sight seeing. We had to leave and get back to Asakusa since Phil was leaving the following day. Check out the photo 2 page for more photos of Kamakura.
