8. KAMAKURA - BIG BRONZE BUDDAH

Saturday March 2, 2013

Our work assignment came to an end on Friday, around 11 pm if I remember correctly. We sure need a few days break. Happily, that is exactly what we have arranged.

The weather is perfect, it's just turned from winter to spring and though its about 5 or 6 degrees Celsius, the sun is shining and the sky is blue... Japanese are very conscious of their 4 distinct seasons.

So off we went with Maho and Shinsuke to the seaside area of Kamakura.

Not seen in the background is Mt Fuji, oh well, perhaps later in the day.

And tonight we will catch the midnight bus to to Kyoto but that's another story or 3.

Perhaps this photo explains why there are so many Japanese surfers in Australia.

To reduce traffic problems, the government provides public transport in the form this free shuttle train... Smart

Alternatively, there is the old style public transport.

Outside the first temple of the day, there is water for ritual cleaning... but according the sign its not fit for drinking. Curious...

This is the famous Kamakura Buddha, and what a big boy he is.

I doubt that little fruit bowl will satisfy him.

According to the tourist info, "The Great Buddha is a made of bronze. The art of bronze sculpture was started in 1252 but the exact date of this statue's completion is unclear. At that time, the statue was housed in a temple but the building was washed away in strong winds and a tsunami and the statue is now in its present position." We can verify that it is in its indeed in its present position.

Alexandra is off and shooting.

Definitely no MEF here (Meaningless Empty Foreground)

Or here

This is my one, looks a tad drowsy don't you think?

 

 

By coincidence, we met up with some of our brothers and sisters in the Memorial campaign

Local spice store

Sake

Lloydnalex