5 June 2010

Every time we pass through Ofuna station Emily is desperate to catch a glimpse of the 'white lady' (Kannon-sama, Goddess of Mercy) so I suggested to Nick that we actually make a point of going to see the statue.

It is only a couple of minutes from the station, in very attractive grounds on a little hill covered in bamboo and trees. There are some nice herb beds and an attractive lawned area directly in front of the statue. I was surprised to learn that the 25 metre statue was only completed in 1960, which would explain why it is in such pristine condition, though I gather that it is painted regularly. Emily seemed nervous about going inside when we found an entrance round the back. It has a small chamber which apparently contains stones from ground zero at both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

After hanging out there a while we carried on down the line one stop to Kita Kamakura. This area was capital of Japan about 800 years ago for a century or two and boasts many amazing temples and the Daibutsu. We stopped for cold soba (buckwheat) noodles with sansai (wild vegetables) at a small establishment just outside the station that was run by a few of the ubiquitous old ladies. Emily did quite well capturing noodles with her chopsticks but then she managed to upset my bowl just before I had finished and I ended up with a lap full of the broth (thankfully cold). It was so hot that my shorts soon dried off though.

Over the rail tracks was the Engakuji temple complex and we spent a good hour or more wandering round in its pleasant woody setting. The hydrangeas are now in season and I particularly like the lace-cap varieties.

Up a series of steps we viewed Ogane, a huge bell dating back to about 13oo.

Emily was really tired by now and getting grouchy, but we managed to keep her awake and she explored the grounds, collecting many nature samples along the way.