April 14 - Kamakura, Japan

 Today we headed south of Yokohama, to Kamakura.
First we visited Kotoku-in Temple, with the a Huge Buddha statue, commonly known as Diabutsu. It sits in the open air, which is quite unusual for Japan. It is 11.3m ( 37ft) tall and weighs 121 tons.


You could go up into it, but we were time limited and I had key-chains and postcards to buy.


This is a cleansing station, which you are supposed to clean your hand before you pray.


The gate to the temple. But because we weren't of their religion, we had to go in a side gate. Also notice the statues out in front of it, we saw them in the Forbidden City. Big Chinese influence here.

After the temple we drove along the beach. It was a nice day and everyone was enjoying themselves. And it appears Lasers and Windsurfers are quite popular



Marker in the water, I wonder what it says.

Then it was onto the Tsurugaoke Hachimangu Shrine, which dates back to 1063. There were 60 steps up to the shrine.




Looking down on the Maiden house, where women danced for the Emperor.

There was a ceremony there today and folks were dressed in traditional clothing



Banners and ribbons of wishes or blessings


Komachi Street. I bet this is beautiful when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom.
We were a little late in the season.

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