Today we went to 鎌倉 (Kamakura).
Kamakura was once, long ago, the capital of Japan. It’s not too far south of Tokyo in 神奈川県 (Kanagawa Prefecture).
Kamakura is my favorite part of Kanagawa Prefecture.
It’s still very “traditional” Japan. There’s a nice beach, 大仏 (Great Buddah), many shrines and temples, lots of great souvenirs and food to buy, and 江ノ島 (Enoshima) and 横浜 (Yokohama) aren’t far.
One reason we decided to go to Kamakura today was because they were having a 流鏑馬 (Horseback Archery) show (like the one I watched in Tokyo yesterday) today.
My wife’s aunt wanted to join us today. So we woke up early and met her at the train station at 7:30AM and the six of us (my wife and I, our three kids, and my wife’s aunt) got to Kita-Kamakura Station at 8:45AM.
From there, we walked to 浄智寺 (Jyouchiji Temple).
Then we walked to 源氏山 (Genji-yama Mountain) and followed the hiking course.
And we walked to the 高徳院 (Koutokuin Temple) with the 大仏 (Great Buddah).
At the 高徳院 (Koutokuin Temple), there were some children dressed in kimono who were learning 茶道 (Tea Ceremony) (In Japan, preparing and serving Green Tea properly involves an elaborate ceremony). The children and their 茶道 teachers were preparing and serving tea for free. So we decided to have some.
It was very good!
The tea ceremony teacher:
From there, we walked over to 長谷寺 (Hase-dera Temple), which is a beautiful temple with a beautiful garden and Koi (Carp) pond.
The temple is up on a mountain with a beautiful view of Tokyo Bay.
In addition to that view, on the way up to the temple we were able to see 富士山 (Mt. Fuji).
At Hase-dera Temple, we ate a picnic lunch.
After lunch we headed to the 長谷駅 (Hase Station) on the 江ノ電 (Enoden Train Line) and rode the train to 鎌倉駅 (Kamakura Station) and then we walked down the 小町通り (Komachi-doori) shopping street which is lined with many great traditional Japanese shops. We bought some freshly cooked おせんべ (Rice crackers) at a shop here.
We went to the 鶴岡八幡宮 (Tsurugaoka-hachimanguu Shrine) which is where the 流鏑馬 (Horseback Archery) show was. Since it was extremely crowded and I watched Horseback Archery yesterday, we didn’t stay for the entire show.
After that, we went back to the shops and got a few bottles of “Kamakura Beer” and some famous “Hato Sable” cookies from the 豊島屋 (Toshimaya) store for souvenirs.
Then we headed home. It was a fun day.
Tokyo Five 
>Perhaps we can ship ourselves UPS, to cut down on airfare!
Either that or contact a travel agency (in person is better than online) to find out about good deals.
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We do hope to come visit sometime. Perhaps we can ship ourselves UPS, to cut down on airfare! Traveling overseas is pricey..
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Hi Bob, Looks like a fun day, seems like you guys are always doing fun and interesting things. Like mom said we are going to Grand Shores tomorrow, remember when you all came down there, that was such a nice time. Hopefully some day soon we will get to make another trip to Japan, it’s been way too long! Say hello to everyone, and give the girls a hug and kiss from Grampa.
Love Dad.
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Anthony…
Thanks for writing.
Feel free to comment anytime.
>It will be very interesting to come and visit sometime!
Yes…why don’t you?
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Japan looks very exotic, having never left the US, minus a trip around the Carribbean. 🙂 It will be very interesting to come and visit sometime!
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Hi Everyone! Nice website Bobby. I like all the new photos very much. It looks like you and your family all had a fun day together. I love the temples too, their design is so unique.
Dad and I are leaving this coming Sat.,4/26 to go to the condo in Fl to spend a little over a week with Julie and her family. From there we will fly to Dallas, Tx to visit with Mb and Anthony. our first time in Texas! we are going esp. to see Mb graduate!! we wish you all could be there too. it is a special day for Mb and we are glad that we get to see her graduate.
We will be home again on Sunday, May 12! the dogs and cat will spend their vacation in the dog kennel at our vet’s. if I can use someone’s computer while we are away, I will email you with more info. well, we hope that one year we will also get back to visit Japan again too. that is our hope and dream.
take care and please give our love to everyone. love Mom
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>I like your new layout!
Thanks.
>Your day sounds like alot of fun.
It was.
>What is it like inside the temples?
How can I explain? Most have nice gardens, statues, and architecture. Come to Tokyo and see.
Actually, I prefer the Shinto Shrines to the Buddhist Temples.
>Are there monks?
Yes.
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I like your new layout! Your day sounds like alot of fun. What is it like inside the temples? Are there monks?
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