Kamakura

If you come visit us in Japan we will likely take you to Kamakura. Kamakura used to be the political center of Japan in the 13th century when the Shogun and the military took over the government from the Emperor.

It is only about 7 miles from our house and an easy train ride. Kamakura is home to many beautiful shrines and temples. The most famous being the Giant Buddha.

The other major religion here is Shinto. Shinto Shrines are easily identified by the giant red gates. 

Kamakura is an obvious tourist destination but it's such a beautiful place filled with neat shops, food and street vendors. If you are lucky enough to receive a souvenir from us when we return home, we will have likely purchased it here.

Reese got a candy covered grape which was delicious. We also got some friend fish on a stick which was not...

Though there are many tourists here, the Japanese come here as well for festivals and for reflection. It is interesting to be among them. We saw people washing their hands so we tried it too.

This is another time when I think it would be helpful to read or speak the language. Of course you can learn a lot by observing but if we could read the signage it would have shed some light on the customs we were witnessing. We saw people throw money into the leaves at the lily pond, maybe as a tribute or simply making a wish. They leave notes at the shrine for dead loved ones or pray at the various shrines.

Kamakura is a great mix of modern life and ancient tradition. 

This is a fun destination I could return to over and over. It is always busy and there is so much to see and do in this little village. So, please, come visit and I will take you there. I promise, you do not need to eat the fish on a stick!