Hanami in Kamakura

     


       This weekend we visited a few different cities in our local area of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hase and Kamakura. This was perfect timing to visit a few of the many shrines, temples and hiking trails this area offers as it was during hanami, or the cherry blossom veiwing season which is only about one week long. The tradition of Hanami, or picknicking under flowers started as early as the 8th century! Cherry blossoms (sakura) are very important in Japanese culture because they blossom in the springtime. They also signify a major Buddhist tennant mono no aware, or essentially that "all things are impermanent". Because the blossoms are so beautiful, and have such a short life they serve as a natural reminder of mortality.

Cherry blossoms at Hasedera, Hase Temple has a unique and rare combination
of Buddhist and Shinto religions.

        In 721 AD a large tree was discovered by a monk, who decided it was large enough to carve a statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is a future Buddha, or one who is destined for enlightenment and has made a vow to save all sentient beings. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is also known as Kannon (Kanzeon, in Japan). Kannon is often referred to as a goddess, but is actually neither male or female, he/she represents love, compassion and mercy. A 9.18 meter tall statue of the eleven-headed Kannon was carved from the large tree. The eleven faces represent different emotions as it is Kannon who listens to the wishes of all people.

Smaller statue of Kannon, carved from the same tree in 721 AD. There is absolutely no photgraphy allowed of the larger statue. I snapped this shot even though I still feel a little guilty about it...I promise I didn't use the flash!

Wish cards can be purchased for a small amount. You write your wish on them and hang them up on a wall.

There are many, many rows of this little guy, Fukuju Jizo or "Happy" Jizo. It is said that Bodhisattva Jizo comforts the souls of unborn children and posesses the great power of all the blessings of the earth.

Monks chanting and drumming under a cherry tree.

 For me Hasedera was one of those places you visit in life that make you feel truly connected to something greater. Maybe it's the beautiful gardens, the sound of monks drumming and chanting, incredible architecture, and ancient artwork that surrounds you as you walk through the temple grounds; but maybe there is something truly sacred about this place. Whatever it is, I felt the presence of an inner peace as I walked through the temple grounds...though it could just be a stage of culture shock too, I suppose...  

After we left Hase Temple, we took a short walk down the busy street to see The Great Buddha, or Daibutsu. This is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, made of cast bronze nearly 1000 years ago, circa 1243 AD. It stands 11.47 meters tall and weighs 125 metric tons. It is still a mystery (that modern technology can't even figure out) how this statue was made.

 The Buddha used to be housed in a temple, but about 700 years ago there was a great Tsunami in Kanagawa prefecture that destroyed the building and moved the statue a little ways. Rather than erecting a new temple, the people of Japan believed that the Buddha wanted to be outside, and so made a Tsunami to free himself. So this is where he has sat since then, out in the open elements.

Some massive sandals for Buddha...

For perspective...

In the belly of the Buddha...for only 20 yen.

       Once we finished exploring the Great Buddha, we headed back to Kamakura station and on our way to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (tsu-roo-ga-oh-ka, ha-chi-man-gu) Shrine we saw this guy...it's true Peruvian Flute Bands are EVERYWHERE! I even got yelled at for taking his picture!

     Once you near Hachimangu, there is a Danzakura you walk through. This is essentially a large walkway lined with Cherry trees.

          This thing was PACKED full of people walking at a snail's pace towards the Shrine. It happened to be a festival day, so there were millions of people around. The red gate is called a Torii, and is an entrance to a Shinto shrine. As you pass through it is customary and respectful to stop, and bow to make yourself known to the gods.

A thousand year old Ginko tree stood in the spot with the white flags since before the shrine
was built in 1063 AD, until it's death during a 2010 winter storm. The tree played a
vital role in the shrine's violent fuedal history.

          Hachiman is the Shinto God of War, to whom this shrine is dedicated. There was a festival going on to commemorate Minamoto Yoritomo who established a bafuku shogunate (feudal military dictatorship) government at Kamakura in 1063. This government was headed by Shoguns (hereditary commanders of Samurai forces) from 1185-1333.



Hachiman (maybe?)

The boys in front of a wall full of sake barrels.

Our lunch...smelled so good and it was. Chicken intestines and skin all fried up and delicious!
 We didn't know what it was when we ordered it, but hey don't knock it until you try it!

 

People's wishes in many different languages...

    Overall, our day in Kamakura was amazing. Japan is proving to be a beautiful, and culturally rich country. Each week I eagerly plan our weekend outing and with each new experience I learn so much about Japan's history and religions. The more I learn, the more fascinated I am. I am truly looking forward to the next few years, and hopefully showing some of these places to friends and family who wish to visit us here!

Outside the danzakura, on the way back to the train station.