At the shrines you can make a prayer/wish on a slip of paper and wrap it around these metal wire lines that represent cherry blossom branches. The wind carries the prayers up to the heavens where they are granted by the gods. Here are Aaron & the kids in front of the branches of prayers.
The gateways into this shrine had granite lanterns that are lit at night. Here I am with my little monkey. We've got our sun hats on. You cannot tell from this picture, but it was an extremely sunny day.
My handsome beau in front of the shrine. This shrine is one of the foremost attractions at Kamakura. The patron saint of this shrine is the god of war. At the entrance of the shrine are two large statues of menacing looking Japanese warriors. This shrine has steeply arched Japanese bridges, lotus blossom ponds, a Noh theater, a museum and art gallery.
This shrine has steep steps that lead directly down to the beach. You can see Rhett peering over his stroller as Aaron plays Sherpa.
From Tsurugaoka we took a commuter subway to Kotokuin Temple. This is where we saw the Great Buddha or Daibutsu. This Buddha is about 40 feet high. Here the Buddha is seated in a meditative pose. A small stairway inside leads upward to a small platform near his knees. Mia loved going inside the Daibutsu. She wanted to know exactly where his heart was from inside. This picture doesn't do justice the the Daibutsu. He was imposing and awe-inspiring. Even Mia was moved by his gravity and greatness.
Unfortunately my camera batteries died and this was the only picture we got of the Great Daibutsu. On the way home we bought Daibutsu lollipops. What a kick! Can you imagine buying Jesus lollipops?
2 comments:
Hey TIff--here are some more pictures of daibatsu. Scroll down to the bottom of the page!
http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~donahue/nara.html
I want to see Kamakura. Connemara too, but that's another trip.
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