Kamakura with Haruko

Our last day with Haruko started the best way possible - with a FLAT WHITE coffee from the Byron Bay Cafe, only 2 minutes walk from our hotel. The BEST coffee, and tasting just like home. The only place in Japan we have been able to order a flat white - that tastes SO GOOD!

With careful planning and a delayed flight Haruko was able to join us for our day trip to Kamakura - about 50 minutes on the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station. Kamakura is a coastal town and a popular tourist destination, sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan (but much smaller and quieter than Kyoto). It was the political centre of Japan many centuries ago when its many beautiful shrines and temples were established.

We got off the train at Kita-Kamakura (on the outskirts of the main township) so we could visit Engakuji Temple - the first stop on our plan for the day ....

 This temple was founded in 1282 and is one of the leading Zen (Buddhist) temples in E. Japan. We loved the calm peaceful setting of this temple, and its setting in the surrounding forest.

Excuse all the pictures of Rob and me- but Haruko takes a great picture and it is such a novelty to have all these nice pictures of us together, travelling Japan!

 This is what a 700 year old tree looks like - planted when the temple was established.

 The temple complex is very drawing worthy......

 and more of Rob and me ...... Haruko made us look good today ......

 This beautiful temple bell is also 700 years old ...... 

I watched closely as this lovely man completed the "temple stamp" for a visitor - in their special temple book.

A short 10 minute walk and we reached the Kenchoji Temple. The Kenchoji Temple is Kamakura's oldest and most important Zen temple - founded in 1253. the temple complex today is very extensive.

There was another 700 year old tree at the entrance to this temple.

 The garden behind the temple's main Hojo (hall) is rather beautiful. It was designed by a Zen master.

 This temple looks a picture in Spring when the cherry blossoms are out. The trees lost their leaves early this Autumn because of the recent tornado. Fierce, salt laden winds did a lot of damage - hope they'll recover over winter.......

Next stop was the spectacular Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Haruko tested us both on our shrine visit preparation. Rob passed with flying colours ........

 It's the season for the blessing of the 3, 5 and 7 year old children. They are all so photogenic! (BTW We always gain parental permission for these shots)

 This little girl thought I was OK; she gave me a pebble! Haruko said that as she gave it to me she said "you can use this!"

 She was pleased when I put the pebble in my bag - for later!

 After a morning of temple viewing we strolled down the busy retail laneway leading from the shrine to Kamakura Railway Station - looking for some appealing, late lunch spots.

 Haruko thought we'd like this cafe - a favourite haunt of John (Lennon) and Yoko during their regular stays in Kamakura back in the seventies. Rumour has it that John and Yoko loved the fluffy pancakes here. Unfortunately today Iwata was closed!

 With our time together rapidly coming to a close we had a simple lunch of locally made sausage (German style) and then really splurged with matcha tea gelato dessert - the best quality we've experienced ever! We ordered Level Max (there were 6 levels) of matcha flavour and it was intense and oh so creamy!

This girl had flight to catch - so in the end it was a rushed goodbye - but just as well as we felt so sad that our time together was over - for now! Haruko (and her friends and family) has made this trip a unique and wonderful experience for us - and one we will never forget. Thank you Haruko Sunny.

We followed Haruko back to Tokyo an hour or so later and ended off the day with some shopping at Tokyo Station and a glass of plum wine raised to dear Haruko back in our hotel room at Hamamatsucho.