Kamakura - Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
Our very first trip to the historical city of Kamakura. I've decided to share the day it in two parts because of the large amount of photos I took. Anson being in the Navy, and I a Navy wife, we were required to attend a week long orientation when we first arrived here in Japan. Overall we did get some good information from it, though there were certainly a fair share of boring and useless parts to it. At the end of the week is a day "field trip" to Kamakura. I'm not a fan of touring with big groups. We don't travel with tour buses and like to avoid the large guided tours touristy places offer. So despite the lack of western faces in my photos we were with about 70 or so Navy sailors and some spouses.
First stop outside the Yokosuka Navy base was at the train station. We already have traveled to Tokyo and back via train but for most this was their first time using public transportation.
Once off the train in Kamakura the group split up for lunch. We found a little local restaurant. Here we learned a very important lesson. The thin, flaky things on a dish are in fact dried fish flakes. Very strong fish flakes. Don't order it if you don't like fishy fish!
Back at the station I found this woman with her birds. She was feeding them and fanning them to keep them cool.
Also near the train station where several of these carts where you could hire a guy to pull you around the block.
Below the beginning of the walk to the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine. The path begins wider and slowly narrows as you near. I think we passed under 2 torii gates in all to get here.
The first torii gate and a smiling lion. Blow the last torii gate before the shrine.
Some ladies all dressed up in kimonos. At this point I hadn't seen to many dressed like this.
Below, walking toward the shrine entrance. There was a surprisingly large number of school kids here also on field trips.
Below, just to the side of the shrine is a smaller shrine. Look at how many gates it has to get to it!
Looking back up the path at two Shinto priests with their flowing pants.
Leaving we paused at the gardens.
To be continued! Next, "The Great Buddha" Kotoku-in.