Kamakura

I’m finally getting around to posting about my trip down to Kamakura in December!  Kamakura had been on my list of places to visit, but it wasn’t until I realized that the sacred dance I signed up to go see was not in Tokyo that I found myself going in December.  Thankfully, it’s easily accessible – and not too far – by train.  

Daibutsu

Since I was going down to see the rite in the evening, I decided to make a day of it.  I took the train down, stopped to eat ramen for lunch, and then headed over to the famous Daibutsu – or “Great Buddha” – the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan.  It’s nearly 44 feet tall and is about 760 years old.  Very impressive!

Hasedera Temple

From there, I went to Hasedera Temple.  It’s famous for its statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy (which we're not allowed to take pictures of).  The grounds are full of little statues of the bodhisattva that is the protector of children – helping the souls of dead children reach paradise.  

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple

The grounds of the temple are lovely, and there is a great view of the city and the bay.

Hachimangu Shrine

I then went to Hachimangu Shrine, which is dedicated to the patron god of samurai.  It has a long approach that goes from the water (I’ve been told), through the center of town and up to the shrine, with several Torii along the way. 

Hachimangu Shrine

As soon as it got dark, I had the privilege of watching the Mikagura – an 800-year old sacred court dance and music that is “rarely performed in public”.  It was all very traditional, slow, solemn and precise.  You can see the notice of the event here.  The “guests from foreign embassies such as America” was me, a guy from FAA and his family.  I wasn't able to take any pictures - sacred rite and all that - so I can't show it to you (besides the pic in the notice), but I’m very thankful that I had the opportunity to see it.