#enoden

Shonan

Kamakura by จ ะ เ ที่ ย ว ไ ป ไ ห น

12/6/2024

Owing to depression since I got into university, I'd missed an opportunity to go to my long-time ideal destination Kamakura; this short trip today was a kind of dream come true.

Last year, I ran into a TV program featuring Kamakura's famous hydrangea temples and then decided to tour the temples someday in June. Mom and I were off there before 7am in order to avoid the crowds, but there were so many people who must have been thinking of the same thing walking to Meigetsu-in temple（aka: Ajisaidera） in the strong sun.

As I'd read in some articles beforehand, there were many blue hydrangeas lining paths in the precincts but a crowd of people. I should have come earlier than 9am or around 8am, which might allow me to feel its picturesque scenery, nature and stillness to my heart's content alone/without any distraction. Stillness early in the morning must match this temple the most, I believe. I liked the combination/contrast between green and pale blue in there; plus, I couldn't take my eyes off the location which steep cliffs and cuts（mountains） covered with mosses look over and surround. That was absolutely majestic enough to let me connect with something great.

After Ajisaidera, we headed to another facility famous for hydrangeas in the area（closed to Kita-Kamakura station）. That was a kind of gallery focusing on exhibits regarding hydrangeas, and its building was made of wood, creaking aloud when someone walked through the second floor, which I appreciated.

On our way to Kamakura station, we swung by Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, where some household was just having a wedding in the Shinto style, strolled Komachi-dori, a long shopping street, popping in boutiques for souvenirs and took a break at a cafe; mom ordered parfait with crème caramel on top.

Originally, we were due to visit Hase-dera temple for its flowers, as well, but I had to give up on that right before the entrance, because it claimed that there was over 80-minute wait even for entry at the moment. So, I opted for another spot, which was Great Buddha（aka: Kamakura Daibutsu）. This historic site is so typical of educational travel destinations for school trips here in Japan that almost all the people who have grown up in Japan, except me, must have experienced the spot. As I wouldn't go to school, this was my first time to visit and see the Daibutsu in person. He looked not that bigger than I expected; therefore, I felt a sense of closeness to him and found him charming indeed. I could gaze at him all day long.