Kamakura has been referred to as one of the most culutarlly rewarding daytrips from Tokyo that you can make, and it lived up to its reputation. Follow thin, criss-crossing residential roads until the houses begin to become increasingly interspersed with gift shops and food stalls, and you realise that you're heading in the right direction.
The Daibutsu is another one of those sights that everyone knows, that is on every other postcard of Japan, that you can never really appreciate until you see it up close and in person. The words at the gate read:
STRANGER WHOSOEVER THOU ART and whatstoever
be thy creed, when thou enterest this sanctuary
remember thou treadest upon ground hallowed by the worship of ages.
This is the Temple of BHUDDA and the gate of the
Eternal, and should therefore be entered with reverence.
Made of bronze way back in 1252, this statue was originally housed in a massive temple. However two hundred years after its building it was struck with a tidal wave that destroyed the temple but left the Buddha intact. Even the earthquake of 1923 didn't damage it, although its base has had to be repaired on occassion. Standing at 13.35m, you really can't tell how impressive this is until you stand before it.
But that wasn't all. We moved beyond the Daibutsu to the most stunningly beautiful temples and scenes I have seen on this trip so far, or perhaps ever.
These were the grounds, which could only be even more amazing in full bloom in Spring. I will definitely return to see that if I can.
Unable to resist high places yet again, we took a bit of a climb up a path above the grounds which let us look over the areas we had just walked through. Even when climbing up, there were little things hidden away left and right if you just took your eyes from the beaten track ahead.
But possibly th most overwhelming sight was that of the hase-dera, a corner of the area that featured rows upon rows of tiny little white statues (in my companion's awe-struck words: "There's hundreds of them."). It is quite a breathtaking sight, which slips slowly into a most poignant and lasting sensation when you realise what they all represent. This shrine is dedicated to the souls not only of lost travellers, but to unborn children.
It was really something to leave a lasting impression. After being sad to leave Hiroshima for Tokyo, and then being sad to leave Shinjuku for Yokohama, I have a memory that will really make me sad to leave this place too.
Next stop team, Kyoto!
- 88
(and let me assure you, cranes are still being launched daily! But that will be updated next time ^-~)
The Daibutsu is another one of those sights that everyone knows, that is on every other postcard of Japan, that you can never really appreciate until you see it up close and in person. The words at the gate read:
STRANGER WHOSOEVER THOU ART and whatstoever
be thy creed, when thou enterest this sanctuary
remember thou treadest upon ground hallowed by the worship of ages.
This is the Temple of BHUDDA and the gate of the
Eternal, and should therefore be entered with reverence.
Made of bronze way back in 1252, this statue was originally housed in a massive temple. However two hundred years after its building it was struck with a tidal wave that destroyed the temple but left the Buddha intact. Even the earthquake of 1923 didn't damage it, although its base has had to be repaired on occassion. Standing at 13.35m, you really can't tell how impressive this is until you stand before it.
But that wasn't all. We moved beyond the Daibutsu to the most stunningly beautiful temples and scenes I have seen on this trip so far, or perhaps ever.
These were the grounds, which could only be even more amazing in full bloom in Spring. I will definitely return to see that if I can.
Unable to resist high places yet again, we took a bit of a climb up a path above the grounds which let us look over the areas we had just walked through. Even when climbing up, there were little things hidden away left and right if you just took your eyes from the beaten track ahead.
But possibly th most overwhelming sight was that of the hase-dera, a corner of the area that featured rows upon rows of tiny little white statues (in my companion's awe-struck words: "There's hundreds of them."). It is quite a breathtaking sight, which slips slowly into a most poignant and lasting sensation when you realise what they all represent. This shrine is dedicated to the souls not only of lost travellers, but to unborn children.
It was really something to leave a lasting impression. After being sad to leave Hiroshima for Tokyo, and then being sad to leave Shinjuku for Yokohama, I have a memory that will really make me sad to leave this place too.
Next stop team, Kyoto!
- 88
(and let me assure you, cranes are still being launched daily! But that will be updated next time ^-~)
'lex! By soon how soon?! XDDD
ReplyDeleteAnd I just visited Kamakura for the first time last weekend! How sad is that? I've been here for two years and I only just recently got the chance to do it.
BUT.
I agree that it was one of the most rewarding trips you can take. I only got to spend about 5 hours there as I had to make it back for a work dinner but It was absolutely beautiful.
Sadly we didn't have the time to continue up past the Daibutsu but seeing your photos I really wish we had!
And by the way, I definitely saw someone get attacked by a hawk. I had no idea that sign was there or even that it was an issue out there until I just saw your other photo. I thought it was a total freak thing! Some kid literally got stabbed--nearly in the eye, might I had--by talons!
Needless to say no croquette eating+walking for me. XD