Kamakura

Japan's first 'shogun' military leader set himself up in Kamakura in the 12th century so this place was full of history . It stayed as the nations political and cultural centre until the 14th century when Kyoto became Japans capital. In this time Zen Buddhism from China also spread across Japan and there are many Zen shrines in the area.

Kotoku-in is one such temple and it is home to Kamakura's famed Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Basically a big fucking Buddha that is now outside. Originally it was built inside a big hall but that got washed away in a Tsunami hundreds of years ago. The Buddha still sits proud tho and its a pretty cool Buddah...as far as Buddhas go. It's 13.35 metres tall and weighs 121 tons. Whilst checking out the Buddha we got some schoolgirls to take our photo all together (there were about 7 of us). They loved asking us to say "cheese"! Their English was suprisingly good. I then said...why don't you get in a photo with us...to which a bunch of screaming girls came charging onto the steps in front of the Buddha to have their photo taken. We were sitting there for a good 5 minutes whilst numerous random schoolgirls came into the picture and countless photos were taken...many by the other tourists checking out the Buddha who prob thought something mad was going on...which it was I guess. Was very amusing. Afterwards a few of the schoolgirls asked to have their photo taken with me...us white folk with blue eyes are still a novelty to them!

After visiting the Great Buddha, we went to check out Hase-dera temple. This place has an 11 headed 'Kannon'. Not really sure on exact details but it has 11 small heads above the main head. Each face has a different expression, showng the deity listens to all kinds of wishes from various people. It is more of an old school shrine and temple thing. It's pretty big, has lots of nice things going on, overlooks the sea and clearly has a quality gardener sorting out the ladscaping. I found a preying mantis hanging out at the temple too!










Also at this temple was the Jizo-Busatsu, a Bodhisattva possessing great powers like the blessings of the Earth. On both sides of the shrine are laid out small Jizo figures to comfort the souls of unfortunate unborn children (miscarriages/abortion etc.).











Following this we wondered down to the beach to muse at the sea for a bit...then went to eat in an American style bar restaurant thingy. Ate, drank some beers, smoked some cigs, looked at a huge spider (the guys did...the girls all ran away screaming), then came home! Oh...I also saw the colonel and had to stop for a chat.

Book progress...page 120/433