New places in Kamakura

 

During our time at Camp Zama Kimball and I have attended a group called the ZECC (Zama English Conversation and Culture). This group was started to give local Japanese people a chance to interact with Americans living on Camp Zama. 

Through this group I met a fun lady named Yasuko. She invited me to go on a tour of Kamakura with her. We met after church this Sunday at Yamato Station and rode the train to Kamakura Station. Once we exited the station we got in a line I didn't recognize. I saw a "takashi" (taxi) pull up and the people right in front of us got in. Ah, I hadn't realized the plan was to take a taxi. New experience for me. (not being very good a Japanese, I have never even considered taking a taxi)

I had heard that all taxi doors in Japan are automatic open and close. I watched as the group in front of us got into their taxi and it was true. We waited just a minute or two before the next taxi arrived for us, and sure enough, it also had automatically opening doors. Both taxis that I saw had the same perfectly white seat covers, and the drivers were wearing white gloves and white shirts with black vests and ties. 

Of course, Yasuko was able to speak to the driver and tell him where we were going. Based on what I observed, the fare was a standard amount (1500 yen) and was not based on a meter. Interesting! 

We arrived at Inariyama Jomyoji Temple after about a 10 min ride. The temple is out of the way and Yasuko told me it is not on the tourist route so it's never crowded. The grounds were lovely, but we didn't walk around them too much. Instead we headed up the hill (walking) to a western style restaurant that Yasuko said is her favorite place in Kamakura. The menu was very small (just three choices) and we got the "set" the waiter recommended. It was what dad would call "girl food" but I loved it! Tasted delicious. 

At present the garden and grounds are still not in bloom (just a few buds are starting to pop out), but it was warm and cozy inside and such a nice atmosphere. I loved the place and the food and I really want to go back again sometime when the garden is in bloom and we could eat outside on the patio. 

After lunch we walked to Hokokuji Temple. The main attraction at this site is the bamboo forest. Its very pretty. Again, off the beaten path so not too crowded. I wish we could have spent more time here, but it was getting late and Yasuko had one more place she wanted to take me so we quickly walked through the forest and then we were off. 

Our last stop was to Kakuonji Temple. Yasuko told me this was her favorite one of the three. Unfortunately, we arrived just as it was closing. She told me there are some very interesting statues on the grounds here. I was sad we couldn't see them, but I guess I will have to go back sometime. This place was also very much off the beaten path. 

On our walk back to the train station, Yasuka took us through Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. She told me this was the most visited temple in Kamakura. It looked crowded, but all the people were headed out and not in. I think it must have also been closing. Next time! But we took some pictures and then walked up Komachi dori, the shopping street that leads to the station. I really enjoyed seeing this street and I would like to have more time to browse through the shops.

Looks like I need another trip to Kamakura!