Date & Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025; noon – 4:30 p.m.
Spots: Engakuji Temple, Kenchoji Temple, Kotoku-in Temple (the Great Buddha)
Visitors: A man and his mother from the U.S.A.
Guide: Yosuke Hanaoka, KSGG
Language: English
The visitor, William, who once stayed in Kyoto for a short period as a student, was well-acquainted with the temples and shrines of Japan and an enthusiastic watcher of Japanese TV dramas and movies on Netflix. He even requested a visit to Engakuji Temple because he wanted to pay respect to the gravesite of a famous Japanese movie director.
On this occasion, he brought his mother with him, who had never been to Japan before. The mother and son met the KSGG guide at Kitakamakura Station, and the three of them headed for Engakuji. Enjoying the serene atmosphere of the precinct of the temple, they looked for the gravesite of Yasujiro Ozu*1, whose movies William was in love with.
The mother and the son went on to Kenchoji Temple. William said he was interested in Buddhism and Zen. He listened attentively to the guide explaining the meanings of the poses and facial expressions of Buddhist statues. The two were enormously impressed by the solemn religious atmosphere of the grand ceiling painting of the dragon at Hatto*2, the hall where the chief priest used to give sermons to monks.
At Engakuji and Kenchoji, William often broke down the explanation of the guide so that his mother could better understand Buddhist ideas or Japanese culture. He also wanted to listen to her impressions. The way the son and the mother talked happily was pleasant to hear.
Then the guide and the visitors strolled through Komachi-dori Street, which was lined up with small souvenir shops, cozy cafés and snack vendors, and got to Kamakura Station. They took Enoden Line to Hase, where they visited Kotoku-in Temple and paid respect to Kamakura Daibutsu (the Great Buddha). The visitors were apparently impressed by the huge bronze statue of Buddha sitting under the blue sky.
Finally, hunger brought the three to a vegan restaurant nearby. They enjoyed a good talk about the day’s tour and the difference between Japanese and American culture.
*1 Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963) was a Japanese movie director and scriptwriter. He was one of the most noted Japanese movie makers of the 20th century. He made 54 movies in his lifetime, including Tokyo Story (Tokyo Monogatari), Late Spring (Banshun), and Early Summer (Bakushu).
*2 Hatto of Kenchoji was originally built in 1275 as a hall for the chief priest to give sermons to young monks. The present Hatto, rebuilt in 1814, is currently used for various ceremonies and exhibitions.