Tag: kamakura
Interlude: Path to Hachimangu Shrine
by otaking on Oct.10, 2009, under Interlude
Path to Hachimangu Shrine, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.
At the very end of the Wakamiya Oji, past the huge red torii, the wide path to the Hachimangu Shrine was flanked by stalls selling different foodstuffs, some recognizable (like beautiful candy apples) and some not so much.
LikeInterlude: Hachimangu Shrine Stairs
by otaking on Sep.23, 2009, under Interlude
The crowds of daytrippers at the Hachimangu Shrine moved on from the stage where the Shinto wedding was taking place to the various side shrines with monks blessing little charms for business, travel, health, marriage, and so on. Temple miko briskly walked around, helping with odd jobs like sweeping the courtyard floor and carrying pots and flowers.
Interlude: Boy in Kimono
by otaking on Sep.05, 2009, under Interlude
As we made our way down the Wakamiya Oji, we saw a lot of daytrippers heading toward the Hachimangu Shrine.
Interlude: Tokyo Railway Station
by otaking on Aug.15, 2009, under Interlude
We made our way around a maze of escalators, colored lines, shops, vending machines, and a bewildering array of train platforms. We plotted our stops the day before, and now, bleary-eyed but excited, we waited for the first train on our way to Kamakura.
Interlude: Wakamiya Oji Torii
by otaking on Jul.30, 2009, under Interlude
Wakamiya Oji Torii, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.
The cherry trees lining the avenue were bare, fall having taken away their last leaves two weeks before. On each side were two parallel streets, open to traffic, each bristling with shop fronts and restaurants. People passed under the great Torii to walk the long gravel path to the Hachimangu shrine, some in casual clothes, others in kimonos.
Interlude: The Great Buddha at Kamakura
by otaking on Jul.24, 2009, under Interlude
Great Buddha, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.
The sun was beginning to set as we arrived at the Daibutsu at Kamakura. We were in a rush because my mother-in-law wanted to catch mass that afternoon. Harassed and irritable, I hurried through the crowds of people, hoping to catch a glimpse of one more temple on the checklist so that the trip wouldn’t be wasted.
Interlude: Cave Entrance to Zenaraibenten Shrine
by otaking on Jul.22, 2009, under Interlude
Cave to Zenaraibenten, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.
The Zenaraibenten shrine in Kamakura is up a steep hill and through this cave. People come to the shrine to wash their money in its waters, for good luck. Old people especially would wash great wads of cash, hoping their wealth would multiply.
Interlude: Hachimangu Wedding
by otaking on Jun.25, 2009, under Interlude
Hachimangu Wedding, originally uploaded by demosthenesofathens.
The two families left their footwear at the foot of the stairs leading up to the shrine stage. All the men were in dark suits, the women in smart, stylish dresses. The offerings were in place, fresh fruits aside from the traditional rice wine and bread. A crowd had gathered around the stage to take pictures of the ceremony.
