2022-11-30

Kamakura in autumn: Nov. 19, 2022



 



I visited Kamakura, an ancient city in Kanagawa Prefecture, to watch Kagura performance (see another post) and to enjoy the autumn color.

The shogunate government was placed in Kamakura from then late 12 century (1185 or 1192) to 1333. Most shogunate government buildings have already destroyed, but shrines, temples and other historical monuments are preserved.

 


Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine locates in the center of the city. The shrine was worshipped by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate government, and his family. The shrine witnessed many historical events, including the assassination of the 3rd Shogun Minamoto Sanetomo in 1219.

 


It was the season of Shichi-go-san, a ceremony to celebrate the kids at the ages of three, five and seven. I saw some children in traditional Kimono costume. (See also the top and 2nd photo) 

 


Some families visited the shrine through an approach.

 


It is a pond in the shrine.

 


I also visited Kenchoji Temple, one of most famous and prestigious temples in the city. It was built in 1253 and belongs to Rinzai school, one of Zen school. (The Kagura event was held here)

 


Many visitors were enjoyed the scene of beautiful garden.

 


The maple trees have turned red in the garden. (See also the 3rd photo)

 


The temple has many buildings in its land. Some of them stand in the hilly area.

This is a scene taken from a top of a hill.

 


Public broadcaster NHK broadcasts a historical drama titled “Kamakura dono no 13 nin” this year. Kamakura is the place of the drama. This is one of the reasons why many people visit Kamakura this year.

In my case today, I visited Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine in the early morning and found only a few people.

 

 

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