Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 4)-The Inamuragasaki Beach

The Inamuragasaki Beach

I put Inamuragasaki Beach in my Kamakura trip for one main reason. It was to capture the beautiful view of Mount Fuji from the Inamuragasaki Park. The day was cloudy when we visited Kamakura and I felt that the chance of seeing the elusive sacred mountain of Japan was pretty low. Nevertheless, we decided to continue with our plan since we have already came so far.

We walked back to the Hase station from the Kotokuin temple and took the Enoden to the Inamuragasaki station which was only two stops away. Not many people alighted at the station when we arrived. In fact, Inamuragasaki gave me a feeling that it was a very slow paced town. Perhaps we did not come at the peak season.

Street Photo by the beach

We heard and followed the sound of the wave which indicated we were not very far from the sea. True enough, after navigating a few streets, the sea was right before us. The first thing that I looked was for the sight of Mount Fuji. It was supposed to situate between Enoshima and the main land. The sight was supposedly breathtaking during a clear day with blue sky and during sunset. But it was not to be. Mount Fuji was nowhere in sight. Though already setting the expectation of not being able to see the Unesco Heritage Sight for this visit, I still could not hide my disappointment.

Black Kite

With the "since we are already here" mentality, we walked towards Inamuragasaki Park- a place where many would gather on a good day to enjoy the beautiful sight of the sacred mountain. Along the way, we could see many Black Kites flying around. I spotted their presence at the Hase-dera temple too. From the internet, I was warned not to eat anything under their razor sharp eyes and claws or risked injuries when they swooped down to rob the food. 

Tsunami Evacuation Route

I would say that the beach was not very impressive. Perhaps I have higher expectation of beaches in Japan than those in Singapore :-P. The signage for the warning of Tsunami have me worried a bit. They noted down the procedure of spotting and evacuating from a Tsunami.I wondered how would I react when there was a Tsunami attack. It was very difficult to imagine what was the mindset of the people residing near the sea here with the genuine potential Tsunami threat everyday.

View from Inamuragasaki Park

The Inamuragasaki Park was a place to admire and capture beautiful photographs of Mount Fuji. It was hidden from sight but we still chose to rest on the many benches around to enjoy the sea breeze. I could only use my imagination how the scene would look like on a good day. I looked into the distance, hoping for the faintest of hope that the sky would suddenly clear up a bit for me to catch a glimpse of the sacred mountain.

Self Photo at Inamuragasaki Park

Plaque indicating Mount Fuji Scenic View Spot

Though not able to accomplish the objective of coming here, I was still glad I have made it to this place. Mount Fuji is well-known for it's shyness. It always take a a mix of luck and timing to witness it's glamor. Perhaps I will have better fortune next time :-) This would be our last stop at Kamakura. My family and I have enjoyed every bit of our time here. Thank you, Kamakura! Good bye, Kamakura!

Mount Fuji missing between Enoshima and Main Land

Day Trip at Kamakura (Part 3)-The Daibutsu, Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

One of the main reasons I came to Kamakura was to see the famous Daibutsu at Kotokuin Temple. In Japan, Daibutsu means "Great Buddha". The 13.35 meter bronze sitting Buddha is the second largest in Japan. For the Japanese, the Daibutsu is considered a legend as it has survived multiple disasters and wars for centuries since it was cast in 1252. The temples that housed the Daibutsu were destroyed thus leaving it in the open.

Front gate of Kotokuin Temple

Picture Map of Kotokuin Temple compound

From Hase-dera temple, it was just a 5 minutes stroll to Kotokuin temple. Visitors would always plan to visit these two temples together since they are in such close distance. It was around 4 pm when I reached the temple but we still could see that it was packed with people. We paid the entrance fee (200 Yen per adult) and proceeded straight into the temple compound.

Family Photo with Daibutsu

Daibutsu#1

Daibutsu with Japanese Children

I could not really explain my feeling when I set eyes on the Great Buddha of Kamakura. I have read all about it's history and see it in the tour guides and internet but nothing beat seeing the real presence itself. It was strange that the temple was supposed to be a ground of tranquility but now overflowed with tourists due to the Daibutsu's influence. I came across an article that there are plans in a certain country to build more larger, higher and imposing Buddha statues. The main reason is to draw in the crowd and generate profits. To me, those are only empty shells and act against the Buddhists' belief. I will certainly not visit them.

Daibutsu & Paulo

Daibutsu & Alison

Daibutsu & Charlotte

The setup of the Kotokuin temple was very simple compared to the rest of the temples I visited. The Daibutsu statue was situated in the center of a large square compound. It was fronted by a small main gate. At the back of the temple lied a small shrine. The whole temple itself was situated in a forest. I could only imagine how serene and peaceful this environment would look after the temple closing hours.

Daibutsu#2

Daibutsu#3

Daibutsu#4

Daibutsu#5

I walked close to the Daibutsu and observed him from close proximity. The expression of the Buddha emitted a sense of kindness and peacefulness. He was seated in a meditation stance, oblivious to the noisy crowd around him. For centuries, he has watched over Kamakura and protected it's people. In return, the believers continued to visit and pay respect to him.

Small shrine at temple back

The crowd dwindled when the closing hours of the temple approached. We continued to hang around, admiring the Buddha and at the same time, rested our legs after a day of continuous walking. When it was time to go, I took one hard look at the Daibutsu again. Perhaps I would be back someday to visit him again.  

Daibutsu from afar

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Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

This blog is the continuation from my previous "Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)" article. Here goes part 2!

1. Little India

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple

Scent of spices and flowers greet you when you visit the Little India of Singapore. This is where the Tamil community gather to buy their daily groceries, offer prayers at a local Indian temple, feast at their favorite restaurants etc. Immerse yourself into the local culture. You will be able to witness the preserved colonial buildings along the streets. Take a free tour at one or more of the Indian temples.  Be fascinated by the awesome Gopuram which raise above the entrance of every temple. The famous temples there are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Remember to remove your shoes before stepping into the religious grounds. Pamper yourself with the Indian delicacy -Curry Fish Head at one of the Indian restaurants. One of my favorites is Muthu's Curry.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Litte India station.
Further info: Here


2. Singapore Botanical Gardens

Swan Lake

I always find it amazing that for a little country like Singapore, we have abundance of gardens. I have already mentioned Gardens by the Bay.  The other one on your radar shall be the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is more than 150 years old and currently an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens houses more than 10000 types plants and is a favorite weekend outing ground  for families to bring their kids to. Many of them love to hang around the ECO and Swan Lake to admire the beautiful Swans and Mandarin Ducks. For a small price (SGD$5), you can choose to visit the National Orchid Garden to admire Singapore National Flowers in beautiful setup.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Botanical Gardens station
Further info: Here

3. Chinatown

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Although now much commercialized, your trip will not be accomplished without paying a visit to the Chinatown. The interesting old colonial buildings will surely attract your attention once you step into the area. Be sure to visit Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Tourists will also not miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The 4th story air-conditioned temple has a lot to offer even if you are not into Buddhism. Take your lunch or dinner at the Chinatown Food Center or nearby Maxwell Hawker Center. You will have a taste of local authentic delicacies at very affordable pricing.  

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Chinatown station.
Further info: Here

4. Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Singapore's largest and most important mosque-The Sultan Mosque is situated at Kampong Glam. The Malay Heritage Center (SGD$4) is also nearby. A tour here will let you have a deeper understand of the local Malay Muslim culture and history. As in Little India and Chinatown, there are also many preserved colonial architectures here. Eat at one of the local Muslim restaurants. Order local favorites like Mee Goreng, Roti Prata, Murtabak, Briyani etc and wash them down with Teh Tarik. One of the most popular outlets there is Zam Zam restaurant.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bugis station. Follow directional sign and walk 15 mins to Kampong Glam.
Further info: Here

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1) 

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Family Bonding Tour at Taiwan Formosa

Sun Moon Lake

Just back from a 10 days tour in Taiwan. We traveled in a group of five-My parents, wife, daughter and myself. Before the trip, I joked with my friends that I relished the challenge of planning the trip for the different age groups for the tour. My trip plan was mostly focused on the western bank of Taiwan with the exception of Jiufen which is located at the Northeastern end of the island. With the help of the various transport systems-the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport), HSR (High Speed Rail), trains, public bus services and taxis, we visited the various attractions at Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaoshiung.

Yeliu Harbour

Yeliu Geo Park

Jiufen

The highlights of the trip must be having family tea (Yumchai) at a tea inn at the top of Jiufen, taking a tour round the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery, witnessed a religious ceremony at Lotus Lake, taking an early morning stroll at Sun Moon Lake and enjoying the sunset at Tamsui. I will share those experiences in  my later blogs. The most important thing about this tour is of course the family bonding we got to enjoy. My parents (especially my dad!) surprised me with their sporting attitude to try anything I recommended (and not recommended!). They tried almost all the challenging rides at the Eda Theme Park after the disappointment of not allowing to try them at Leofoo Village Theme Park due to age restriction. I gave them a big thumb up for these!

CSK Memorial Hall and Taipei 101 Tower

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Tamsui

Family Photo at Yeliu Geo Park

I hastily went through my photo stocks and handpicked some Taiwan photos that I like to share with all of you first. Hope you will enjoy them. More of Taiwan ventures in my later blogs. Cheers!

For those interested, the following were my itineraries for my 10 days trip at Taiwan:

Day 1: Arrived at Taipei
Day 2: Yehliu
Day 3: Leofoo Village Theme Park-Shilin Night Market
Day 4: Jiufen-Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall-Tapei 101
Day 5: Kaohsiung-Liuhe Night Market
Day 6: Fo Guang Shan-Dragon Tiger Pagoda
Day 7: Eda Theme Park
Day 8: Taichung-Sun Moon Lake
Day 9: Taipei-Tamshui
Day 10: Departed to Singapore

Related Posts: Early Morning Walk at Sun Moon Lake , Taiwan Travel Tips

Dragon and Tiger Pagoda

Formosa Boulevard MRT

Eda Theme Park

Fo Guang Shan Monastery 

 

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