These pictures were taken on a 2002 trip from Yamanashi prefecture (a mountainous rural area on the North side of Mt. Fuji) to Enoshima and Kamakura, which are on the coast south of Tokyo. Enoshima is the name of a small island (connected to the mainland by a spit) and the nearby town known for its large number of historical temples, as well as a natural sea cave created by earthquakes. Kamakura is a town in the same area (slightly inland) that is famous in Japan for its dozens of ancient Shinto shrines and Bhuddist temples, many dating back over 500 years. Founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, it was the capital during the Kamakura period (roughly 1200-1330), and is on par with Kyoto in its number of ancient buildings. The opening episode of Vision of Escaflowne takes place in Kamakura, as well.
Kamakura and Enoshima
Fall color near Akemi's house
The express train arrives
On the train
A dragon cave on Enoshima
Closeup of the guardian dragon
The world's coolest sink
An attractive bridge on Enoshima
The Triforce of Power!
(or Kamakura's symbol)
The Great Buddha in Kamakura
Large Buddha statue in a temple
A pristine monastery garden
A huge wooden temple gate--no nails!
A dragon on a temple ceiling
The cave to enter Benten's Shrine
Within the shrine
Tengu statues guarding a hill
The path leading to Sasukeinari Shrine
Another view (recognize this from Escaflowne?)
Miko in a crowd
Miko shopkepers
The Grave of Minamoto no Yoritomo
A pond at a temple
With a well-dressed statue
An Okonomiyaki restaurant near the hotel