An excursion to Kamakura is planned.
Kamakura is a coastal town located about 25 miles south-west of Tokyo. The town was the headquarter of Kamakura government which ruled Japan from 1192 to 1333. It was the first government by samurai warriors, led by the first Shogun. Visitors can enjoy numerous temples, shrines and historic monuments from that time.
On the way to Kamakura, you will see one of Japan's main industrial districts along the expressway.
The excursion bus will depart from the hotel at 8:30 and return to the hotel at 17:30.
The Great Buddha:
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddaha, located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. The statue was cast in 1252. With the height of 37 feet tall, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan (the largest one is the located in the Todaiji Temple in Nara). Assigned as a national treasure. From the backside, there is an entrance to get inside the statue to see how it was built. Prior to the visit, purify yourself with holy water. Sitting on cross-legged, the compassionate Buddha serenely smiles down its audience. The relaxed posture is described with curved lines. The number of coiled hair of the Buddha is 656.
Hase Kannon Temple:
The Hase Kannon temple is the home of the Hase Kannon, Japan’s largest wooden sculpture, standing about 27.5 feet in height. It is an eleven-faced Kannon. The faces, each wearing a different expression, represent the bodhisattva’s different aspects: three each face forward, right, and left, one is at the rear of the head, and one above the crown. All together, they symbolize Kannon’s hearing prayers and saving all living creatures. There is a rotating cylinder popular among visitors. 1 rotation of it is said to give you a same merit of good fortune as reciting a long whole sutra. Visitors to Hase Kannon temple enjoy a great view of the coastal city of Kamakura from the terrace next to the temple’s main buildings.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu:
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important Shinto shrine in Kamakura. Founded in 1180 by Yoritomo Minamoto who later became the first Shogun in Japan, it has since been the cultural center of Kamakura. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. You can find red Torii gates at the entrance. Torii gates symbolize the separation between the mundane, everyday world and the sacred world of the Shinto shrine. In the precinct, there are ponds, a ritual dance stage, and, above the flight of steps, the Main Hall. Komachi-Dori Avenue is a shopping street near the shrine. This avenue is full of small coffee shops, restaurants and shops where you can find souvenirs such as wood carvings, paper folkcrafts, sweets and foods.
Kencho-ji Temple:
Kenchoji is the most important temple in Kamakura. It was completed in 1253. The key structures are the Ceremonial Gate, Sanmon Gate and Main Hall, located in an alignment, and they are surrounded by 10 pagodas. The huge structure is held together by wood wedges, yet having a light and delicate appearance. There is a bronze bell near the Sanmon Gate, which was cast in 1255. It is one of the most revered treasures of the temple. The temple owns excellent classical pieces of pictures and brush paintings. You will find novitiates being trained or visitors taking sessions in Zazen (Zen) meditation.
