Kamakura Revisited

We revisited Kamakura a few weeks ago. We started out a bit late, so this time we took the most direct route and arrived at Kita-Kamakura in about 15 minutes. It is only 2 train stops from our apartment. Kita-Kamakura (North Kamakura) is the place where most of the extravagant Zen Temples are located. We chose two locations to see on that day, with one of them being the largest and most important Zen Temple in Kamakura, and the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan, Kencho-ji Temple.

Once through the temple's main gates, one notices a feeling of stillness and tranquility that set in. It may just be the simple fact that the walk to the temple is along a very busy road that allows little pedestrian space and is crammed next to the main road with cars and trucks flying by only a few feet from where we walk. However once you enter the temple grounds and walk away from the enterance, the sound of the traffic dies out and the images of the congested street are replaced by the tranquil magnificance of the Buddist Halls and accompanying gardens.

The above picture is of the front rock garden in the court yard of the Main Hall (Hojo) I hope the meticulous appearence of the court yard captures the tranquility of the temple grounds.