I started this post nearly a year ago and never finished. Nonetheless, I really wanted to share the trip and pictures with you. So here goes:

Daibutsu with lotus pods in the foreground

 

 

 

 

Genevieve: Over the holidays, we decided to make our way out of the big city to Kamakura. Kamakura lies about an hour south of Tokyo by the sea of Japan. Kamakura is perhaps best known for the Daibutsu (or big Buddha) which is nestled in the hills overlooking the distant ocean. It’s the second largest Buddha in Japan, at over 13.35 meters tall and 121 tons.  Originally, it was housed inside a temple but a tidal wave swept it away in 1498.

Although I’ve visited the Buddha many times, this was the first time I had gone inside the Buddha. It was more for Kenji’s benefit than for either of us. As Walter has mentioned in previous posts, Kenji is very fond of temples and shrines, and really likes Buddha. Walter referred to the other gods and figures as “Buddha’s other brother” or “Buddha’s cousin,” to help entertain and interest Kenji (if you’re familiar with Dr Seuss books then you will find this funnier). Anyway, we had a really nice time seeing the Buddha, even though it was freezing cold outside.

Kenji was almost as big as the Buddha. Well, not really.

 

Kenji and me inside the Buddha

 

Walter and Kenji cleansing themselves before visiting the Buddha

 

Walter and Kenji at the big Buddha

 

An expression I'm very familiar with.

 

All this hanging out with Buddha can be tiring for a 2 yr old