Kamakura

Gardens of Engakuji Temple.
The rain was on and off all day. Lucky for us Tomi and Aoki had a boot full of umbrellas!



We tried to go into this shrine but a priest was giving a lecture on buddhism so we were unable to get in.



The large temple bell (ogane) behind us found at Engakuji has been designated a national treasure by the government. There is a horizonal log hung by rope that is swung to ring the bell. The bell is only rung on special occasions.



Here's Krys at the popular Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.



This is what we came to Kamakura to see. The Daibutsu of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were washed away by a tsunami (tidal wave) at the end of the 15th century, and since then the Buddha stands in the open air.

Here are the specs of the Daibutsu:
		    
  Height:      11.36m
  Head Height: 4.00m 
  Knee Width:  9.63m 
  Eye Width:   94cm 
  Ear Length:  2m 
  Weight:      125 metric tons 
		   

Kamakura is scattered with small shrines, such as this one.



After a long day in Kamakura we retreated to our favourite local watering hole, Nijyu Maru, for a few quiet drinks. We were ambushed by some locals when we left. Harel, Krys and Beth couldn't help themselves.