Kamakura & Yokohama

The 7:05 direct train to Kamakura.
Wasabi Potato Chips, Koala Cookies, Cafe Au Lait.

Met 2 girls from Edogawa High School. They moved so we could sit together. They had a clean, mature look about them and were friendly.

Weather overcast but warm enough.

Got more overcast.

Went to Engakuji. Saw a crane catching fish in the zen pond. Enjoyed tea after climbing 141 steps to the Bell Tower. Walked to Kenchoji and picked up Imo Soft on the way. At Kenchoji, we got to see a Starving Buddha on display. Also, we entered a building and were able to walk around back and admire its garden. From the back of Kenchoji we continued towards the Tengu shrine place. Bought an omamori there and took pictures. Then we walked to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Ate 6 giant takoyaki balls and a fakey frankfurter. Walked Dengokuoushi to Hokokuji. Was given directions by a nice man riding his bike. Hokokuji blew us away.

Walked back to Wakamiyaoji Street and checked out a Kamakurabori shop (too expensive). Then went down Komachidori to Kamakura Station, took the Enoden line to Hase Station and got out. By that time it was raining. Healthily. All the folks getting off the train (at least a hundred) were queueing up to get cheap umbrellas at the only 100円 store immediately outside the station, so we weeded our way through and ran up trhe road, ducking under eaves where we could and keeping our eyes open for umbrellas. Laurie went into an electronics shop where she was given a spare umbrella by the owners. Soon after we found a shop selling umbrellas and picked up a blue, a green and a pink one for 300 yen a pop. They were small. Next, we made our way to Kotokuin to see the Buddha. Waited with Laurie under the 山門 while Kerri & Brandon went in. Then we made our way back to Hase Station, picking up some more imo soft on the way. And croquette. By then the rain was slower and had nearly stopped.

From Hase we went to Kamakura station and then to Ofuna where we transfered to another line. From there we continued on to Ishikawacho Station which is just on the edge of Yokohama Chinatown. We walked around. Nearly ate at a restaurant but left because of the cigarette smoke and the long wait for someone to come take our order. Instea, we bought 豚まん (Laurie and I traded curry for chashu) and ate it at Starbucks. From there, we walked through Yamashita Park and headed towards the Ferris Wheel. Laurie treated everyone to a ride. It takes 15 minutes to go around once. On the ride, we got a peep in the windows of X Hotel. After this we walked to Sakuragicho Station and took the train to Yokohama, where we waited for the 19:22 direct to Kazusa Ichinomiya.