Kamakura is one of my favorite places in Japan. It is a small city and a very popular tourist destination, sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan. It only takes an hour drive by car or train from Tokyo to Kamakura.
I frequently visit Kamakura on weekend or my leisure time to enjoy the ancient city experience. Kamakura used to be the political center of Japan in 1192. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents. Since it is a political centre, in Kamakura we can find many historic places, numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments.
The main attraction in Kamakura is undoubtedly the Great Buddha which also known as “Daibutsu”. It is a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Buddha which seated serenely in the grounds of a Buddhist temple. Daibutsu is my favorite place in Kamakura to experience spiritual ambience of this ancient city.
I started my tour in Kamakura from Kamakura Station. Not far from the station, there is a big Torii or Shinto Gate which directly leads to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This shrine is a symbol of the ancient capital of Kamakura.
From Kamakura Station, I took the Enoden Line Train. Enoden train is a classic train which runs from Kamakura to Fujisawa. I like to get on the first wagon, behind the driver, so I can see the railroad in Kamakura.
I stopped at Hase Station and getting off the train. It is the closest station to get to Daibutsu.
But before Daibutsu, I stopped over to Hasedera Temple or Hase Kanon. It is only 5 minutes walk from the station. In Hase temple, there is a tallest wood carving of the “Goddess of Mercy” in Japan. In summer time there are so many hydrangea or Ajisai (in Japanese) and other kinds of flower blooming here. Very beautiful.
I respect the spectacular view of this ancient temple. So, I did some tribute levitation around the temple.
Also, I did a levitation under the big lampoon of Hase Kanon.
Walking another 10 minutes, I finally reached Daibutsu. I always amazed by the serenity of the Buddha Statue seated in the lotus position with his hands forming the Dhyani Mudra, the gesture of meditation. With a serene expression and a beautiful backdrop of wooded hills, I always told my friends that the Daibutsu is a truly spectacular sight that a “must see” experience in Kamakura.
At 13.35 meters high and weighing 93 tons, the Daibutsu is the second largest monumental Buddha in Japan (after the one at Todaiji in Nara) and to many, the most impressive.
I did some levitation meditation position around the Daibutsu.
In addition, Kamakura’s sand beaches also interesting to try. It attract large crowds during the summer time. However, I prefer to go to Enoshima Island, not far form Kamakura center. From Hase Station, I took the Enoden Line Train again and stopped at Enoshima Station.
Here I am, waiting for the train to come.
In Enoshima, I can feel the beauty beaches and sun set. Here is my levitation during sunset in Enoshima beach. Look, two Japanese girls beside me are surprised with my levitation.
It was an interesting experience visiting Kamakura and Enoshima. And this is the sun set levitation.
Thank you for stopping by.