National Foundation Day

Yesterday was Japan's National Foundation Day. The day Japan was founded. I asked one of my student's how old Japan is and she said Edo Period. The fact that she couldn't name a date makes me think it's pretty darn old.

So Gizelle, Mike and I decided to head to Kamakura, a nearby must-see area of Japan, to check out the festivities there, which were few in the way of parades and festivals, but we still had a great time. Japan doesn't quite celebrate holidays like Americans. Where are the fireworks and beer stands?? Oh well, everything can't be great, right?

So we visited several stops along the scenic Enoden train line. We stopped in Kamakura and saw the city, stopped in Hase and saw the Hasedera Temple and the Kotokuin Temple (aka Big Buddha) and lastly in Enoshima and saw the Ryukoji Temple. The Enoden Line train line is a great trip because it runs right along the southern coast, right along the ocean/bay.

Here we are in Kamakura. Glenn and I are definitely going to have to go back here in the spring. All the trees behind us are cherry blossoms and will be blooming bright pink in a few more weeks.Here is the group of us at the big buddha. It's about 40 ft tall in case you were wondering.

Here I am being a grown-up at the big buddha. Also, I look somewhat pregnant I realize in this picture, but it's just the wind/coat, I promise.
The Ryukoji temple was pretty neat because it had lots of stairs and hiking trails behind the temple that went up a hill where you could overlook the city and see the ocean. I'm giving the peace sign because for whatever reason, the Japanese do this in every picture they take. It sounds stereotypical, but it's so true!Here are a few more of my favorites from our busy day!