I think this was the longest day of my life: a half-day of activities in Japan, a trans-Pacific flight, and a friend’s birthday party. When I felt tired the next day, I wasn’t sure if it was jet lag or a hangover. I think mostly jet lag.
Kita-Kamakura-Daibutsu Hike
But, starting at the beginning. I woke up in my Yokohama hotel having decided to go to Kamakura. I’ve been there several times, but it’s been years. I decided to do something a little different, so I took the JR Yokosuka line from Yokohama station to Kita-Kamakura for the Kita-Kamakura Station– Daibutsu trail. I used the AllTrails app from the train station to the trailhead, which was easy. There was a lot of traffic on the road due to school and rush hour. While the sidewalk was narrow, I felt reasonably safe.
The trail was exceptionally well-signed and I passed a few other temples along the way. I arrived at the Daibutsu a little on the sweaty side, but that was more due to the weather than the trail difficulty.
At the Daibutsu, there were groups of school children taking their class photos. The male photographer was doing a pretty good job of directing the kids into the proper places, albeit with a lot of yelling which was kind of funny.
Photo Experience
I looked around the Buddha from multiple angles and then decided I wanted a non-selfie. I asked a boy to take the picture (in Japanese). At first, he was a little confused thinking I wanted his picture, but of course I didn’t. Then, he lifted up the camera to take a random photo without the Buddha, but I pointed to it and he figured it out. For the next minute or so, he and two of his friends were looking very intently at the screen and giving me directions on where to move, mostly by pointing fingers to the left or right. When I got my phone back, I was expecting many photos. Instead, I got-
How cute is that? So old-school to get one photo, like it was a film camera. When I told SMS this story he was like, “Of course. You only need one.” I’ll be honest, I normally will take a few but I’ve had photos taken where people have take 1-2 dozen, which is too many I think.
Here’s a collection of photos of me from 2026, 2014, and 2013 (I think? It might be from 2006?)
Walking in Kamakura
After the Daibutsu, I walked down the street to the Hase-dera which, apart from the nostalgia value of so many trips to the big Buddha, is actually my favorite Kamakura temple. I love the gardens, the small cave you can walk through, the Jizo statues (so cute, although sad significance), and the views from the top. I also like the Buddha inside the main temple but the other factors are the big draw for me.
Next, I bought an ice cream cone, took the Enoden line train which goes right up against people’s backyards/fences, and walked down the Komachi-Dori. My favorite soba shop wasn’t open yet, but I bought a croquette and some dried fruit. Even at 10a, the street was very crowded. Kamakura has always attracted tourists, but this was my most vivid experience with how much tourism has increased in Japan since I lived there.
Flight Back to the US
I took the train back to Kamakura, did a little rushed food shopping, ate sushi for lunch, picked up my suitcase, and went to the airport.
I enjoyed the Centurian Lounge for a very brief stint and then headed to my plane.
Birthday Party!
The flight was fine. When I landed, Customs was a breeze and SMS picked me up. I took a shower and changed because we were heading out to our friend’s birthday party!
The party was in San Jose at another friend’s house. We had delicious appetizers, sushi for the main, champagne, and birthday cake. It was such a fun time. Afterwards, we went home and I collapsed into bed. Oyasuminasai!
Caroline,
loved your photos. I remember seeing some of the areas while we were visiting you and Mark in Japan.
I was exhausted after reading your time spent in Japan and all the areas you visited, then your flight home and after all that a party.
I can easily see why you were so tired.
Thanks for sharing 💖