With the guide of my host sister, Mariko, and one of her friends, Haruni, we set off early in the morning and found ourselves walking to a shopping town where food stalls and souvenirs shops were available at every corner. Not forgetting to introduce the representative wagashi specially made in Kamakura such as Daifuku（大福）, macha rollcakes, senbei dip in shoyu（煎餅）, usaman（うさまん）and many more. Along the way, there were Japanese cafes that allow the tourists to rest and sip a cup of green tea and a bite of wagashi（和菓子） before continuing their sightseeing to the famous Hachiman-Gu（八幡宮）. The entrance of Hachiman-Gu was a characteristic typical shrine red entrance, with an arched bridge nearby.
During November, it was the 7-5-3 children season, where children of the age of 7, 5, and 3 would dress up in their traditional wear Kimono and go to the temple to pray for healthy growth.
Therefore, while we were appreciating the gifts of nature and reveling in a cooling yet comfortable weather, we could see many children running around in adorable outfits. What a wonderful day!
After visiting Hachiman-Gu, we rode on a bus and headed for the place where the Amida Buddha statue stood! It was the Daibutsu (大仏), one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world. Sightseeing around the area was very pleasant as the trees in autumn were changing into lovely red colors and the air was fresh to be inhaled in.
I felt amazed by the structures of the shrine and how Japanese people are clinging to their believes. All the historical shrines were well kept and preserved, their rich cultures were passed from one generations to another, even until the present moment people from all around the world still get to chance to admire their ever-lasting cultures, those were indeed eye openers for a foreigner like me. I'm sure that all the beautiful images that I saw through my naked eyes would not fade away from my memories.
Mouthwatering cakes and wagashi displayed nicely on the shelf.
Daifuku
The entrance of Hachiman-Gu.
Cute Japanese girl dressing in kimono posting in front of the arched bridge
Paradise-like
All of them were osake (liquors) as offerings to the Gods!
Lovely cartoon masks were up for grabs too!
If you ever watch Spirited Away before, these were the transportation for the Gods
There's always a long long staircase before the official entrance of the shrine.
These ladies were known as Miko san (巫女）, witches in English.
Welcome to Daibutsu!!
The magnificent statue of Daibutsu!
The back of Daibutsu.
Breath taking view.
Another temple at Kamakura.
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