Kamakura Hatsumode

Hatsumode is the tradition of visiting a shrine during New Years and we decided that our hatsumode should be in Kamakura (with thousands of other people). Kamakura is a perfect day trip from Tokyo and after our fiasco trip to Kyoto we wanted to stay close to home.

First stop... as always, the BIG BUDDHA.

Getting around Kamakura is very easy. There are lots of buses to be had, but on this trip we decided to take the Enoden line which runs along the coast.

Maybe a little shopping was done. Maybe.

This is Juan's favorite Buddha. He's just too cute. You can find him in the lower gardens at the Hasedera Temple just down the street from the Big Buddha.

After our Buddha viewings we went up to Kamakura station and walked through the heavily crowded streets up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The festival atmosphere was is full swing and we decided to get a quick bite before getting in line for the shrine.
MMMMMMmmmmm. Yaki Soba!!!

As you can clearly see, the line was rather long... but we waited patiently with everyone else. Eventually we got up the stairs, threw our coins and made our prayers know to the Shinto gods.

Then it was time for another snack. Juan hunted down a baked potato and I happened upon a German women selling wieners and hot spiced wine. Win-Win for Mr. and Mrs. Leon.

We tried to make it out to Enoshima island before heading home, but it had gotten too late and too cold. We got as far as the gateway bridge that takes you over to the island before giving up. So the only proof that we went to Enoshima is this ridiculous photo I took of Juan and Melina.

All in all, I think we all had a really fun hatsumode yesterday, but I think we all need a day off. So today we are staying in our PJ's, doing laundry and eating Swedish meatballs for dinner. I hope you can all do the same. Ja ne.