About an hour away from Tokyo is Kamakura, a seaside city with beaches, shrines, temples, and forests. A popular attraction is the Kotoku-in Temple’s Great Buddha. With that in mind, I hike a trail, about an hour, that leads me to the Great Buddha. The hike is relatively easy, following these instructions.
My initial plan for the afternoon is to check out Enoshima, a small island about an hour away, to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. Since it is too cloudy, I veto that idea.
Not very far from the temple is the beach. If I recall correctly it is about 10-15 mins walk.
For some reason, I thought Japanese people don’t swim or sunbathe at the beach. I am surprised to see swimmers and surfers. Then again, this is a resort town. If you look closely (at my cover photo) you can also see that it is not a soft, sandy, white beach, but more a grey, packed-sand type of beach.
In the afternoon, instead of heading to Enoshima, I wander the streets of Kamakura, towards Kamakuragu Shrine. What’s unusual about this shrine are the white torii gates.
Turns out a prince was imprisoned and executed where the shrine is. The shrine was built to hold Prince Morinaga’s spirit.
Full haunting story here
Not far from here is his grave. I got lost finding it, but after climbing three long sets of stairs, I arrive at his tomb, only to find it gated.
Probably better that way…