On Saturday I slept in, and took a day trip to Kamakura!

^This guy was everywhere.

Kamakura was the political center of Japan until Kyoto was established by the Muromachi or Ashikaga government.

The first stop was Jōmyō-ji

Temple Neko, living the good life…

Kisen-an tea house and the Zen garden

Where one could enjoy the Japanese Bush Warbler’s song

//player.vimeo.com/video/94282634

I then slipped into Hōkoku-ji right before they closed

Their lovely grove of about 2000 mōsō bamboo, and their Chashitsu to the right

Peace and quiet… exactly what I needed.

Momiji

The temple closed, and we were told to let ourselves out.

#trust


Sunday = American style BBQ and karaoke with Karen, Aaron, Joe and others! The venue provided all the chicken, beef, veggies, and even a beer can chicken kit! The bbq wrapped up with Yakisoba on the grill.

…annnnd I made one run to Harajuku before I left for the airport on Monday