Today we took advantage or our day off and went as a family to Kamakura. This was our first trip back since that crazy trip last year in unbearable heat, humidity and pouring rain. What a difference! The cherry blossoms have definitely peaked and it doesn't look like they'll be around much longer. We could really see the difference just since our little expedition on Friday. We got an early start hoping to beat the crowds and had plenty of wonderful sites all to ourselves. Unlike Friday when it was all Japanese tourists, today the Europeans and Australians were out and about.
We went first to the Great Buddha, one of my favorite landmarks. GORGEOUS!
My husband noticed this roof tile.
From here, we walked back down the street to the Hasedera Temple. This has got to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful places, especially when not very crowded.
When I think of the cherry blossoms, I think of these above. The light pink creating clouds of blossoms. However, there are many varieties and quite the range of colors.
After a quick lunch at the golden arches--have to keep the kids happy--we headed down the Dankazura, the main street in Kamakura, to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
The ponds and streets are becoming quite littered in blossom snow.
I like to play with my pictures in Photoshop, and had fun with this one using a plug-in.
I love these blossoms and I love Japan. I had a penfriend in Miura Gun (Kanagawa) when I was younger - I got to know her in England during a language study travel .... unfortunately I lost side of her after she moved to America. Letters to Japan came back unknown and I didn´t know the new adress... I´m really sad about it, but that´s the life and I didn´t know where I should search
Posted by: bentonflocke | April 07, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Beautiful blossom shots! I am looking forward to our trees blossoming, but we are way behind you it seems! GREAT shots!
And I love the story of the Japanese women and their chopsticks! So funny!
CU
hugs
kerri
Posted by: KayJay | April 08, 2009 at 06:23 AM