The Pilgrims got up very early to a typhoon making its way along the coast of Japan. We had seen the beginning of the storms effect on day 3 but we would see the full effect this day. It did not stop any of the pilgrims though. They put on rain coats and brought their umbrellas.
As a group we would visit many Temples in the Kamakura area. We also would have time to do exploring and shopping on our own.
We started the morning with service in Rev. Faulconers room at the hotel followed by breakfast. Then we were out and on our way to our first stop that day. We would walk and use the train to get around Kamakura.
Meeting friends on the train.
Ryuko Ji
This is the sight of the Tatsunokuchi or Dragons mouth, execution grounds. In the Kamakura time period the Tatsunokuchi area would have been used to execute prisoners and enemies of the Shogun government. It is here that Nichiren Shonin was taken and almost beheaded.
Buying tickets to our next destination. Below you see little bird statuettes that someone has knitted sweaters for. They are on a fence just outside the station.
Shijozan Shugen Ji
We would get off at the Hase trolly stop. This is one of the most stopped at spots for tourists and pilgrims in Kamakura. At this stop one can visit the Daibutsu and Hasa Dera. Both of these Temple complexes have great historical value to the Kamakura era of Japan but there is also a couple very important Temples to the Nichiren Lineage of Buddhism located here. Shijozan Shugen Ji and Kosoku Ji which we would visit on that blustery day. Even in the rain we ran into several Nichiren pilgrim groups.
The next Temple and last on our stops as a group that day was Kosoku Ji.
Kosoku Ji
After Kosoku Ji and being a little on the wet side several members went back to the hotel. A couple of people though ventured off to visit other historical locations in Kamakura.
Waiting at the gate to Kosoku Ji after are visit.
A small group at a local restaurant getting some warm noodles to chase off the chill from the rain.
Trying to decide wether to venture back out into the stormy afternoon. Ryusho's umbrella catches a breeze.
The storm would pass in the night and the weather would improve for the rest of the time we were in Japan.
The next day would be very nice with the storm past us now.