If you want luxury……. Royal Cliff Hotel Royal Cliff Hotel Pattaya is a wonderful property on Pratumnak Hill overlooking the bay, in 1980 on my first trip to Thailand this is where I stayed. Pool under repair This was 2013 … Continue reading
Great Buddha Kamakura
October 21, 2015 by David Herd
Great Buddha Kamakura
Great Buddha Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara’s Todai-ji Temple. The weight is approximately 93 tonnes.
Kayo and Hamish
My friends taking selfies with the Great Buddha Kamakura.
Kotokuin Temple entrance
This was the third temple & shrine we visited today after getting the train from Tokyo to Kamakura, a journey that took a little over and hour.
I almost needed this guy
After all the walking I almost needed this guy. 🙂
Great Buddha Kamakura, old bridge
The old bridge surrounded by beautiful Japanese trees. This stone arched bridge in the old days used to be reserved
only for the Shogun’s use (others used the flat bridges). This sort of bridge is usually called a Taiko Bashi (drum bridge), since the reflection in the water makes it look like a drum.
Japanese tradition
The Chozuya (purification pavilion). Visitors wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering the shrine.
Washing hands and mouth
We did wonder whether or not this may be a way to pass on germs to each other.
Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. It consists of the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Of the main branches of Buddhism, it is the Mahayana or “Greater Vehicle” Buddhism which found its way to Japan.
Donations from Japanese business.
I have seen these displays at other temples and parks, they acknowledge support from various businesses.
Oh no, more stairs 🙂
After all the walking today I was not thrilled climbing the stairs to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
This shrine was originally founded in 1063 and Burnt down in 1191, it was reconstructed as the shrine which we see today.
In March 2010, after standing next to the steps since just after the Shrine was established, the 1000-year-old Assassin Gingko was uprooted and fell in a storm. Part of the trunk and the stump itself were replanted, and are now growing new leaves, so it looks the fine old tree has survived.
Shrine at the top of the stairs
I was happily taking photos around the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine until a guard told me it was forbidden, luckily by then I had enough for this post.
Not sure of the significance
I never did find out the significance of all these labels. I can only guess they indicate support from various businesses and individuals.
Kotokuin Temple
In the peaceful grounds behind the Great Buddha Kamakura.
Down we go
We took the back stairs down to ground level.
Great Buddha Kamakura, happy shopkeepers
As soon as you raise your camera you are sure to get a smile.
Walking to Hase station
The Great Buddha Kamakura is located a 5-10 minute walk from Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura along the Enoden railway line. The Enoden is a streetcar-like train that connects Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa. It is well worth taking the trip to Enoshima, the venue for the 2020 Olympics yachting.
Hase station
About a 30 minute train ride to Fujisawa.
Two Buddhas at Kamakura
Thanks for visiting my Great Buddha Kamakura post, in case you missed it take a look at Engaku-ji and also Kencho-ji.
A week before the above photo was taken I broke a front tooth eating a ham sandwich in Seoul Korea, I had to wait until I returned to Thailand to have it replaced. Most of the photos showing it I photo shopped but in this case I thought I would leave it as it was.
The Villa Sacra gets very good reviews on Agoda, use this link for an excellent rate.
Here are some more posts to check out
Holiday Inn
Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.
The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.
Sabai Wing North Pattaya
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.
Pattaya Hilton
This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.
Fukuoka – Hiroshima – Sapporo – Sendai
Tokyo – Kagoshima – Kanazawa – Nagoya
Nagasaki – Yokohama – Kyoto – Kamakura
Counter only started June 16 2020.
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