I visit often Kamakura. Not because I live one town over, but because It’s one of my favorite towns in Japan. Kotoku-in, Hasedera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and all the restaurants in the area. I enjoy it all. I’ve even spent the last two New Years at Hasedera Temple, I’ll write more about that experience in the future.
By far, the most engaging sight in Kamakura is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-In. Pictures do it no justice. You need to see it in person. It’s definitely not the largest Buddha statue, but it’s still amazing.
It reminds me of Cristo Redentore in Maratea, Italy. An enormous statue of Jesus Christ perched on top of a hill. You can get close enough to touch the statue’s feet. It’s not as old as the Kamakura Daibutsu, but I would recommend a visit if you find yourself in Southern Italy.
For the past four years (this year being the fourth), Kamakura has hosted a summer illumination event where visitors can visit the temples and shrines in the Hase area at night. While most people see the sights during the day, at night is another experience.
I went with the objective to practice night time videography. The area is pitch black at night. I managed to create a time lapse, capturing the sky as it went from evening blue to total darkness.
I didn’t shoot enough footage to create a featured video for my YouTube channel, but the time lapse is a great little piece to add to Facebook.
More information about the event here: http://www.hasenoakari.jp/en/
Obsidian Perspective 