Beginning to write is the hardest part. That beginnings are hard could be said about many things in life. And with my Libra indecisiveness it can sometimes be a real dilemma. I was having some trepidation about braving the Japanese train system all by myself, especially after having witnessed rush hour the previous evening. Thank you to my sweetie for just the nudge I needed. After committing emotionally I had a really lovely day exploring the Kotoku-In temple. Getting there was easier than I had anticipated.
The Shinagawa station was just a block away from my hotel. The people at the information desks were very nice and directed me to the ticket kiosk, which had an “English” tab thankfully. After getting my ticket and directions to the platform (another stop at an info desk) I was on my way. I have to say google translate and google maps were super helpful. The platforms have colored bars spaced about and I had to ask a nice woman where to stand. She was very sweet and had good English of course. It was a 50 minute train ride with about 10 stops and the people watching was fun. Mostly older people, mostly women, with the exception of a cute young couple dressed all in black. Japanese goth perhaps? Probably not.
After getting off at the Kamakura station I decided to walk the 1.7 km to the temple. “Mostly flat” according to google maps and it was. An easy casual walk. Noted some other Caucasians heading in the same direction and sure enough we all made it. 
These guardians greeted us at the gate. Once inside we paid our ticket fee (very cheap, cash only). Glad I went to an ATM the day before. The grounds were of course beautiful and immaculately groomed. Serious yard envy. I loved all the contrasting colors of green and textures. The Great Buddha really was beautiful. 
http://www.kotoku-in.jp/en/characteristic.html
His face had a serenity to it that was relaxing and peaceful. I really felt it. Walking around the bronze was amazing with the perspective and workmanship. And you can even go inside the statue! Super cool. Down the stairs then back up a slight spiral gets inside. That was the opportunity to touch (and I wasn’t the only one, note the student in the picture).
When the belly of the Buddha filled with more people and students I headed out. To find that the tour busses had arrived. Lots more people milling about and photos galore. The 4 glamour boys posing was hysterical. #livingintheageofinstagram. So I wandered around and looked at the special spaces. It seems that heads of state are known to visit and leave a gift, such as tree being planted or a dedicated piece of stonework with a quote or saying of graciousness. I had to laugh at this one who left a portrait of himself. (Again google translation to the rescue, sort of.)
I even tried to peak in the employees only portions, wanting to see how people lived and worked. Not much to see. Nobody around at all. 
So after a snack, buddha shaped cracker and plum soda, I walked back to the station via another route. Kamakura was charming! A lovely town, and adjacent to Japan’s only beach I think. It reminded me a California’s Mill Valley. A downtown business district with busses and public transportation, then residential and a gentrified walking, shopping, dining district. There were lots of signs in English only, so evidently there is an expat community or they are seriously marketing to tourists. Maybe both. I could certainly live there, much more relaxing than big city Tokyo. I leave you with some more pictures of a lovely afternoon.
Students eating lunch on their mats.
Wanderings 