Date & Time: Monday, April 21, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Spots: Kitakamakura Station, Jochiji Temple, Kamakura Hiking Trail, Kuzuharaoka Shrine, Genjiyama Park (lunch), Zeniaraibenten Ugafukujinja Shrine, Kotoku-in Temple, and Kamakura Station
Visitors: Two mothers of Saint Maur International School in Yokohama
Guides: Yumiko, Chiyoko, and Fumie, KSGG
Language: English
The forecast from a few days before predicted clouds, but it turned out to be clear and sunny. The weather was warm with a fresh breeze, making it a perfect day for hiking. Although there was a slight disruption in the train schedule in the morning, the day’s plan proceeded as scheduled.
All members gathered at Kitakamakura Station and headed to their first destination, Jochiji Temple. The cherry blossom season had ended, but the participants enjoyed viewing various spring flowers such as Azaleas, Fringed Irises, Maples, Japanese Wisterias. On the hiking trail, they walked in a friendly atmosphere, chatting about the names of blooming flowers.
The hiking trail was dry and safe. It was just a twenty-minute walk to Genjiyama Park and Kuzuharaoka Shrine.
Suddenly, Mt. Fuji appeared beyond the condominium construction site behind the shrine. The visitors were overjoyed by this unexpected, breathtaking view. Once the construction is completed, Mt. Fuji will no longer be visible. How lucky they were to witness it!
Everyone took a lunch break with a bento at Genjiyama Park, enjoying friendly conversation. The sweets brought by the visitors were delicious, making for a pleasant and relaxing lunchtime.
After lunch, the next destination was Zeniaraibenten Ugafukujinja Shrine. The visitors experienced zeniarai, a ritual in which money is purified with water while wishing for financial luck. They also enjoyed eating Sanfuku Dango (Three Fortunes Dumpling), which symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and wealth. There is an old shop on the shrine grounds that looks like something out of a Japanese period drama. The shop features a collection of Japanese teapots called kyusu. Looking at these items, the guests seemed to feel closer to the charm of traditional Japan.
2025-7-20