A Perfect Day in Kamakura

(by Suzanne)

Kamakura is my favorite day trip from Tokyo. Just a short, easy jaunt on the train takes you from the teeming metropolis to this hilly, woodsy, ancient town full of temples and shrines.

Our first stop there was the obligatory visit to the Daibutsu (Big Buddha). He is magnificent.

And big.

Lillia is brandishing an ice cream cone in the first picture. She also got a Buddha-shaped lollipop. I tried to imagine a Christian church selling Jesus lollipops, but I couldn't quite wrap my brain around that.

Next, we took the Daibutsu Hiking Course, which runs along a heavily wooded ridge, to Zeni-Arai Benten. The thing to do at this shrine is wash some money, which supposedly brings you prosperity. It is in a tight little box canyon, and is reached by a tunnel through a hill.

Entrance to Zeni-Arai Benten

Washing money in the grotto

Last, we visited a sight that I don't remember having been to before, Sasuke-Inari Shrine. Inari is associated with foxes, so the shrine is liberally sprinkled with them. There are dozens of torii forming a tunnel that runs up the hill to the shrine.

Tom, Lillia, and Foxy in the torii tunnel

Foxies

Lillia heading back down the stairs

On our way back toward the train station, we noticed a couple of totoros among someone's potted plants.

(Have I mentioned lately that you must all rent the movie My Neighbor Totoro?)

Near the station, there was a shop selling all things Totoro, where Lillia got a little plush totoro.

Then we had dinner at a cute little okonomiyaki place, where we cooked at the table.

And for dessert, Green tea and purple sweet potato ice cream cones.

We had such a wonderful day that Tom and I decided that if we ever win the lottery, we'll buy a house in Kamakura.