In November 2015, the JJ family visited Japan for Thanksgiving Break. Japan’s a beautiful country with one of the most efficient railway systems. As part of our travels, we took a day trip from Tokyo, to Kamakura where sits the second largest Buddha statue in all of Japan. The Kamakura Daibutsu is about 44 feet tall and weighs about 120 tons. Made of bronze and originally cast in 1252, the statue was housed inside a large temple hall for several years before these structures were destroyed by tidal waves and typhoons. Since 1495, the Buddha sits exposed to all natural elements. For a small fee, the interior of the Buddha statue can be accessed. Kamakura also boasts the beautiful Hasadera Kannon temple situated a short distance away.
Here are some picture postcards shared from that day.
Entrance to Kotoku-in Temple, Kamakura
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Close up of the Buddha
Perfect symmetry, the Great Buddha at Kamakura
The Great Buddha, as seen from behind
Dorayaki sweets from local shop in Kamakura, we tested different flavors and they were all heavenly. No address needed, the aroma of the dessert was enough of a calling card.
Iconic Hato Sabure store, Kamakura
The dove shaped cookies from this store are famous and a shopper magnet. These cookies are variably considered shortbread and butter cookies but in reality somewhere between the two.
Slice of life, Kamakura
Grocery store, Kamakura. Japan was a tough place to find vegetarian food as dried fish flakes abound in most foods. Kamakura had no shortage of colorful vegetables
View from the Hasadera Kannon temple, Kamakura. Beautiful fall colors added to the location and serenity of this temple
Hasadera Kannon Temple, Kamakura
Hasadera Kannon temple, Kamakura
Rinzo, octagonal rotating book stacks, Hasadera Kannon temple
Mani-Guruma, prayer wheels, Hasadera Kannon temple
We may have missed the cherry blossoms but the fall colors did not disappoint. Vibrant and picturesque, they made us stop and admire the landscape, again and again!