One week after going to Kawagoe, my Japanese friend invited me to visit the historical area around Kanto. This time to Kamakura, a coastal city which in the 12th century became the center of Japanese power of Minamoto shogunate. As a history freak, having a travel companion who likes history too, is so fun. Certainly, I didn’t miss the offer. ^^
Kamakura is not so far from Tokyo. It is in Kanagawa prefecture, only about 1 hour by train from Tokyo. What I like about Japan is all places are well connected by trains, so everywhere feels comfortable and we don’t have to worry about traffic jams, compared to taking a bus or private car.
When we arrived in Kamakura, I saw there were many seafood nugget snacks in Kamakura. Wow, I really like various seafood! :9 I thought that I can live only with seafood, hehehe.
First of all, we headed to Hachimangu Shrine which is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. This temple complex is very wide, consisting of the main temple building that we need to use high stair to the top. There are several small buildings below, and there are two fish ponds, each representing the Minamoto clan and the Taira clan, the Kamakura ruling clans.
The main building of the Hachimangu Shrine
View from Hachimangu Shrine
After walking around Hachimangu shrine, we, who were starving decided to look for a restaurant that provided a halal menu around. Our choice was directed to the Kajiya restaurant. Actually, this was not a halal restaurant (100% only provides halal menus), but provided halal menus for Muslims with distinctive menu book.
Kajiya Restaurant Halal Menu
Fresh and soft Tuna Rice: 9
Front view of Kajiya Restaurant
After eating at the super fresh seafood restaurant Kajiya :9, we headed for the Kamakura mascot, Kamakura Daibutsu, which is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan. The tallest Buddha statue in Japan is in Nara.
Kamakura Daibutsu
Amida Buddha
After going from Kamakura Daibutsu, we visited the Zeniarai Benten Shrine, which is one of the most popular Shinto shrines in Kamakura, where Japanese people launder their money. They said that the money will double if they wash it here. To get there, we have to go through a very uphill road, because it is located on a hill.
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
A place for Japanese to wash their money
From Zeniarai Benten, we used Kamakura train and stopped at Hase station. We wanted to go to Hasedera (Hase temple). As the Buddhist temple is on a high hill, so we could see the view of Kamakura beach from the temple’s courtyard. Kamakura is a coastal city surrounded by hills, making it a perfect city as the center of Japanese power in the 13th century.
View of Kamakura beach from Hase temple
Hasedera (Hase Temple)
As I love Komorebi (sunlight streaming through the trees), my friend took me to Hokokuji Temple where there are large trees and rows of bamboo to see Komorebi in the afternoon. ^^
Komorebi at Hokokuji Temple
Komorebi at Hokokuji Temple
After satisfied looking at Komorebi, we headed for Kamakura beach, because it would be sunset soon. Certainly, we didn’t want to miss the sunset. And indeed, the sunset was very beautiful. Masha Allah. Probably the prettiest sunset I’ve ever seen so far. The sky was so bright, and the sun’s ray was golden. Just perfect <3 Whenever I see a sunset, I don’t know why I feel excited thinking about dreams and future. Thank you for taking me to see this beautiful sunset. ^^
Sunset at Kamakura Beach
From Kamakura, we headed for Enoshima using the local Enoden train. Enoshima is a small island connected to Kamakura via a bridge. We headed for Samuel Cocking Garden, a park founded by Samuel Cocking, a merchant from England in 19th who bought a portion of Enoshima Island. There is also an observation tower to see Enoshima and Kamakura from above. When I arrived, I was truly amazed, as in this park there were many beautiful lights and candles. So beautiful and romantic. ^^
A colorful chemical liquid that lights up
Observation tower surrounded by candles
Thousands of candles
Thousands of candles
View of Enoshima and Kamakura from Samuel Cocking Garden
This trip was very fun and memorable. Thank you for taking me to these beautiful places. ^^ I hope we will have the opportunity to visit other beautiful places in the near future. \ (^ o ^) /
Next : Nikko and Autumn
Previous : Kawagoe or Little Edo
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