Japan could not exist without its trains! Our side trip today was 40 miles by 5 trains ("local", express, hanging monorail, and two more "locals") southwest to the seaside town of Kamakura, home of the political center of Japan in 12th century shogun times. Clear skies afforded us our first peek at Mt. Fugi along the way. This was a day of shogun (military government) era Buddhas, temples and gardens. The first stop brought us to the Great Amida Buddha of Kamakura, the huge bronze open air statue cast in 1252.
Lunch at a very traditional Japanese restaurant stretched our comfort zone. While the presentation was colorfully artistic it included more raw fish than most of us could appreciate. Thank goodness for the sweet potato and green tea soft serve ice cream we had later (and, yes, that was really good). Second stop was the beautiful multi-level Hasadera Temple complex, high above the city, with many versions of the Buddha. Lots of steps to keep our heart rates up.
A trek through the long pedestrian shopping street brought us to our last temple grounds, this one a Shinto shrine. No Buddha, but a big mirror to reflect the Spirit back. Various people were dressed in traditional komono garb to celebrate family events.
Full day today with lots of walking and train rides, but we couldn't end it without going to a neighborhood noodle restaurant. See pic. 3 for inservice: look at all the pictures of noodle dishes displayed on the vending machine, put your money in the slot, punch the picture/button you want, take the ensuing ticket to your table, hand to the waiter, have a seat, and voila! Your meal is served to you in minutes. Reminded us all of the days of the Horn and Hardart automats! By the way, this was great fresh food.
Pic 1: bronze Buddha pic 2: Hasadera Temple complex pic 3: "fixing" dinner
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