As part of our ICR we were taken on a field trip to Kamakura. Here we were able to see both a Shinto Shrine and Great Buddha. I absolutely LOVED exploring today. It was the first day that I really felt, “hey, we are in Japan!” Visiting Kamakura will definitely be on “Julia’s Japan Tour.” Once in Kamakura, we walked to the Shinto Shrine.
The dogs stand guard in front of the shrine protecting it. Also, there are a series of three torii (gates) leading to the shrine, which is actually a Buddhist temple. Each torii is sized differently than the previous one and the sidewalk narrows as it approaches. This gives the impression the holy area is further away and larger than actuality. The complete walk begins at the beach and runs 1.8 km. We walked about half of the walk.
When approaching the temple, the most direct way is up and over a steep bridge. The bridge is steep because one should not be in a hurry when approaching God. You will notice the bridge is blocked. This is because only the Chosen One is allowed to cross the bridge.
While visiting the Shrine, we saw a couple having wedding photos taken.
This might be my favorite spot of the Shrine. These are barrels of Saki that are brought as offerings to the Gods. Because of course Gods will be thirsty and need Saki!
The Senior Shrine, (Hongū), is 61 steps above the Junior Shrine. In the picture is also a significant tree stump. The tree stump was a 1,000 year old Ginko Tree that was uprooted in March 2010 during a storm. The tree was cut down and the stump remains.
The actual Shrine sits a top a hill. Again, the placement is designed to make it more grand and deliver a bigger impression on the mortals.
Sometimes, it pays not to speak the language. This is a picture I took inside the Shrine. A place where pictures should not be taken. Ooops.
A significant part of visiting the Shrine is to write your fortune (wish or prayer) and place it into a box. It is then transcribed onto one of the wooden Ginko leaves. At the end of the year, all the fortunes (Ginko Leaves) are burned releasing the fortune will come true. In the picture below, a family is placing their fortune into the the box.
A less expensive way to have your fortune come true, is to write it on a strip of paper. Then tie the strip to the rope. The same principle applies. At the end of the year, the paper is burned and your fortune is released and will come true.
After visiting the Shrine, we were HOT! After passing at least 3 ice cream stores, we decided to stop. Dave opted not to have his in a cone. Instead they put his ice cream on ice!
I did get my ice cream in a cone and it was AH-mazing. The cone was more like a French pastry and it was WARM! Ridiculously good. I will admit, I ordered blueberry. Obviously, a very safe choice. Next time I get ice cream in Japan, I will get the green tea flavor.
So yummy. Not sure if you can tell in the picture, it was served with a fork. Also, the family that sat down across from us giggled at me when I realized you could tear away the paper. I was so excited and the ice cream was as much fun to eat as it was to taste. Directions for eating ice cream, of course!
After our ice cream pit stop, we took a train to Hase to visit the Great Buddha. Today was “Mountain Holiday” in Japan.
The Great Buddha was extra crowded because the locals had off work.
This picture makes me happy…
What a fantastic day of sight-seeing and truly being able to discover a little of the country we now call home.
PS. More great news. Long story short… My newest friend, another spouse, went to Fleet Rec while we were on the field trip and signed us up to climb Mt. Fuji! #navyspousesrock We will climb 8/27! Super super super excited!