1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan

Today we had time off from our work at FISC Yokosuka and took a day trip to Kamakura.  Kamakura is the former Samauri capital of Japan and is the home of many cultural attractions.  Today we visited the Hase-dera Temple, the Garden of Jizo, and the Great Buddha.

The Great Buddha here is the second largest Buddha in Japan, which was built in 1252.  Legend has it that in the year 1495, a great tsunami rolled in and washed everything away leaving only the Great Buddha standing.

The Garden of Jizo was named for the Patron Saint of the Departed Children.  I was told during my visit that the small idols lined up in the garden represented the souls of children lost to miscarriage, abortion or other premature death.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura	1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan Praying at Hase-dera	1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan The Garden of Jizo, honoring departed children
1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan The Great Buddha Idol at Hase-dera	1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan Bart at the Great Buddha Idol	1992 - Hase-dera Temple, Kamakura, Japan Bart and group at the Great Buddha Idol