Hase-dera Temple - Kamakura - 1995

January 1995. There is a cave, which is supposed to be carved out by Kobe Daishi, which the visitor can walk through. The cave is dark and winding and is lit by candles. The cave features statues of the Goddess Benzaiten and 16 children carved out of the cave walls. Benzaiten is one of the 7 Gods and Goddess of fortune of Japan. Bensaiten is Goddess of Music, Fine Arts and Literature.


Kamakura Hase-dera Temple

Kamakura Station - 1995

January 1995. The station design is uniquely Japanese.
Kamakura Station

Kamakura - 1995

Train ticket from Kamakura to Kotoku-in. The train is quite small, old and literally goes through the backyards of homes with little crossing gates at each pathway. Scenic and serene.



Nothing can prepare the visitor for the first time they visit the Great Buddha. As the visitor walks up - the statue gives an illusion that the eyes are closed. Only when the visitor stands in front of the Buddha does the visitor realize that Buddha's eyes are open and looking down directly at you. A very stirring moment in time.
Kotoku-in

Randomness

A charm for the back of a child's back pack. It is luminescent for visibility in the dark.

Iced coffee (ko-he) from Mr. Donut.

Random and bizarre TV commercial for hair replacement, anywhere. Essentially nylon thread that is woven into skin.

Early Winter Celebration

Homemade Japanese food at its finest. Great care and deliberation is taken in preparing Japanese meals, especially when there are guests, friends and family in attendance.

Japanese Trains - Blog Post

Traveling in Japan by rail is an experience to be enjoyed. From the bullet trains to smaller rail transit systems, the rail transit system in Japan is unique.

7 Reasons Why Japanese Trains Are Different

Early Winter Celebration

While the Japanese do not "officially" celebrate Christmas, they do have a winter gathering of food, drink and celebration. Add a Christmas tree and there you go. You won't go home hungry.

Takashimaya Food Court