Kamakura

I took a spontaneous daytrip here, on Rachel's reccomendation, knowing nothing about it other than there was a "big buddha". It was about an hours ride out on the train, and on arrival I picked up a map at the tourist information and realised that there was at least a full day of sight seeing. I, however, only had about 3 hours so the woman at Tourist Informatiomn circled three of the thirty odd attractions shown on the map and set me on my way.

My first stop was the Kosokuji/Hase-dera Temple, a buddhist temple compound spread over 2 levels. There are several halls, containing statues of various bodhisattvas, From the top there is a viewing platform looking over Yuigahama Beach, and on the steps back down you pass by rows of little stone statues, some wearing knitted caps or scarves. Their purpose is to comfort the souls of unborn children. Back at the far end of the lower level there is a cave, containing images carved out of rock, and hunreds of small wooden carvings.

Next stop was the big buddha - at 13.45m tall the second biggest in Japan! Didn't have time to fit in any more temples but was sure to make it to the beach - not quite Thailand but the only beach I've come across in Japan. Overal a nice day out, a bit of a tourist trap but a worthwhile day trip from Tokyo and I'd definitley go back and explore a bit more.