Pdevine’s Weblog

Kamamura

After we dumped our bags, five of us were off to Kamamura, which was the capitol of Japan for a period of 1000 years or so back in the 1300’s.  It took two subway rides and a train ride to reach this city of 150,000 about an hour away from Tokyo, but still seemingly connected to its urban sprawl.  The trip was well worth it as we were on the adventure path once again.  First was a Buddhist shrine to the lost children – very powerful as row upon row of tiny Buddha’s appeared which we learned were placed primarily by mothers who mourned the children who have died.  Very powerful….haunting.

A well kept and beautiful series of gardens surrounded the shrines and set the tone for the visit, which was topped off by finding a series of caves and stooped underground passageways that took us to wonderful ways to honor and pray for others. 

Cave Entrance

Please note that the smaller Buddha had a bit of trouble getting into the proper position…..and he’s nowhere near as old as the other fellow. 

And then our adventure took us into the woods as dusk fell of course and we attempted to follow a path up and along the ridge overlooking the city.  While we didn’t encounter the usual giant spiders, the 2 kilometer trail did end at a steep single lane road that wound down the hill….and about half-way down the hill was another cave, this time which led to isolated grotto empty of people with steep-walled cliffs all around – another shrine, complete with 50 Torri gates and numerous places of worship – this time the focus was on money, here you are supposed to wash and dry your money and pray in the hope that these efforts will lead you to financial success.  The shrine was only dimly lit when we arrived, and deserted except for us, causing all to whisper as we marveled at the ancient beauty and mystique. 

I have to admit that I didn’t wash any money here, but I did do my laundry once we returned to the fancy hotel New Otani for three final nights of luxury – which perhaps did more for my wallet than buying amulets and fortunes at the shrine.

 Tomorrow it’s off to one of Tokyo’s special education schools in the morning, followed by a seminar on Education and Society.  My hard drive is getting very full, so it’s a sure sign that it’s time to head home soon.

Rainbow Bridge - Tokyo