Kamakura

My last weekend in Japan was spent hiking the trails around Kamakura - getting more Goshuin for my book and visting "Great Buddha". Beautiful day, I picked up some pretty cool gifts for friends too.

I got up early to head out before the crowds, alas.. I wasn't early enough but I still had a great time and saw four temples and shrines, including the most famous - Kamakura "Daibutsu" or "Great Buddha".

Sign posted on the hiking path.


I like signs...


Wow, I remember seeing this in that old film "around the world in 80 days" but, I never saw it up close in person until now. It's amazing.


Just to prove I was really there...no, i didn't get the Great Buddha pics from google or wikipedia.


I also found out that the "God of Happiness" was waiting to see me....now that was a facinating conversation.

Traditions to visiting the Buddist Temple's & Shrines

Almost every temple & shrine in Japan has what they call "goshuin" ごしゅいん。Each Temple has it's own goshuin (red-seal stamp and caligraphy kanji) and they are unique drawings of the Kanji character that represents what the temple is famous for or what they are know for. Each of these pieces are unique and hand-written with several red-seals that represent the symbol of the shrine. It is quite fasinating and beautiful....and great collections of Art, History and Buddhist traditions in Japan.



Making the goshuin. Photo of making the caligraphy kanji and seal. They sell special books for them, you can purchase at the temple and start collecting.



Variations on goshuin seen below.


My friend Midori told me about this and now I'm a collector.。。。