Once we were in Kamakura, we did not have to worry about what to see or how to get there. Kunika took good care of us. From Kita-Kamakura station, we walked the short distance to Engaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1282.
The temple maintains the classical Japanese Zen monastic design, and both the Shariden and the Great Bell (Ogane) are designated National Treasures. Engaku-ji is one of the twenty-two historic sites included in Kamakura’s proposal for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
(Source:Wikipedia)
For us poor Canadians, whose visible history spans only a couple of centuries,we were in awe as we wandered around this huge complex. There was no fee when we were there, but an admission fee of 300 Yen was introduced in 2017, as well as admission fees for entrance to some of the buildings.
No more history, just photos.
On the way in….
the architectural details
Posers
Cute kids
Blossoms, berries and butterflies
The details. The 2nd last slide is the Ogane – giant bell
The buildings
Gardener in traditional garbZen Buddhist monk – the wooden sandals are called geta
The greenery
Great. One temple/shrine down, 21 to go. This could take a while…..
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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16 thoughts on “Flashback – Japan 2009 -ENGAKU-JI TEMPLE, Kamakura”
They are exquisite examples of local and national culture. We were lucky enough on this trip to witness 2 Shinto weddings taking place, as well. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
Lovely captures. It is sometimes hard to believe how old some of these temples and shrines are in Japan. There’s so much history. Sounds like you were in your element with your camera in hand.
All these historic temples were within easy walking distance of each other. Hard to believe there was so much history in jut this one place. Yes, my camera and I were happy. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
I had a friend from the Philippines when I was a child, and she had a few pairs of geta sandals. She let me wear them, and I thought they were such fun. Lovely photos!
They would be real fun for a child. I think if you got used to wearing them, they would be a bit like walking on high heels. Thanks for reading Ann. Allan
PHOTO DROP 
Wow. Such a beautiful place.
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The temples and shrines in Kamakura are amazing. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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Everything in your pics is so beautiful: places, buildings, people, sculptures and nature❣️❣️❣️
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Japan is a photographer’s dream Luisa. Buildings and nature exist in harmony in the temple and shrine locations. Thanks for reading Luisa. Allan
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Thanks a lot for your nice reply 🙏🙏🙏
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Everything looks so spectacular! I would love to visit Japan one day 🙂
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It is so different to what we see in North America. Hope you can get there one day Angie. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Love the sandals!
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Yes, the wooden getta would be an acquired walking style I think. Thanks for reading Maggie. Allan
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Temples are always interesting to visit in Asia aren’t they Allan and you both looked to have enjoyed yourselves with your friend.
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They are exquisite examples of local and national culture. We were lucky enough on this trip to witness 2 Shinto weddings taking place, as well. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely captures. It is sometimes hard to believe how old some of these temples and shrines are in Japan. There’s so much history. Sounds like you were in your element with your camera in hand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All these historic temples were within easy walking distance of each other. Hard to believe there was so much history in jut this one place. Yes, my camera and I were happy. Thanks for reading Linda. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a friend from the Philippines when I was a child, and she had a few pairs of geta sandals. She let me wear them, and I thought they were such fun. Lovely photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They would be real fun for a child. I think if you got used to wearing them, they would be a bit like walking on high heels. Thanks for reading Ann. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person