Kamakura by the Sea

Most people think of the Great Buddha when Kamakura is mentioned but there is so much more to the area than that. For instance, there's Yuigahama beach! About a one kilometer walk from the Kamakura train station is a very nice beach that is popular with surfers and windsurfers.

If one visits here in the winter during the work week the place is almost deserted.

One thing that surprised me was how many fisherman operate from this beach.

This guy was very protective of his fishing nets.

At the far end of the beach there is a well maintained promenade for leisurely walking or jogging.

There are a few breakwaters in place to help stop the waves from splashing on the walkway.

By continuing along the promenade I arrived at a Inamuragasaki park which has a scenic view of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji.

The park is in the foreground and that's route 134 running along the coast.

As the wind picked up the seas were getting quite choppy.

This fellow was getting his girl friend to pose for a picture. One good sized wave and it might be the last time for that.

Of course there are the more traditional sights in Kamakura; like this tori gate.

Then there is one of my favorite sights. Girls in colorful kimonos.

Plum blossoms are starting to bloom.

Walking around the grounds surrounding the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine I noticed this sign. Good info for the English language readers.

Paper prayers on a wire.

A self purification station.

Shrine maidens going about their business.

The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine on the hill. A lot of history; just google it if interested.

A lot of foreign tourists here today as well as domestic sightseers.

More plum blossoms.

For 500 yen one can walk through the Botan (Peony) flower garden and in my opinion it's well worth the price of admission.

The botan flowers are protected from the harsh sun.

If one is feeling exhausted from looking at all the beautiful flowers there are plenty of benches to sit on and take a break,

A traditional bamboo and paper umbrella.

Handmade craftsmanship at its finest.

That was it for my Kamakura adventure. And, now some bonus pictures from... Yokohama!

The Royal Wing cruise ship pulling away from Osanbashi pier.

She's the queen and he thinks he's going to be the King.

The view of Minatomirai from Osanbashi pier.

There's always some kind of flowers blooming in Yamashita park.

A young couple having a professional photo shoot. Heck, they can have my picture for free.

Looks like a little blue Michelin man.

Ice skating makes her happy.

All she needs is a hockey stick and she'll be ready for the female Olympic team.

Coffee break time. This guy is a real chick magnet. All the ladies were hanging on his every word.

My cuppa coffee!

Thanks for stopping by!
Mike