Kamakura is the Home of the Samurai. Minamoto no Yoritomo made the first Samurai government for Japan and for Kamakura. It was to institutionalize ethics and codes of practice that go hand in hand with Zen Buddhism. Minamoto no Yoritomo introduced many aspects to the Kamakura and Japanese life. Including but not limited to Zen Buddhism from China. Today it is an important aspect to Japanese culture, still. Taking codes and practices from Zen Buddhism such as simplicity, sturdiness, and religious and spiritual practices. It was hard to take Chinese practices, such as Buddhism, yet still create a unique culture. They took Samurai practices and blended it with Buddhist practices to create a truly unique and different culture, even though Japan is often thought to be very similar to Chinese culture. In fact, they are truly different. Kamakura is the start of the Samurai influence, the beginning of a governmental structure that lives on in Japan in many aspects of their daily life, government, and culture. Zen Buddhism and Samurai influences are intertwined in Japanese cultures. The starting point for a nation-wide rule began with the Samurai influence of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The components to this city are comprised of 11 shinto shrines and Buddhist Temples and 10 sites for Buddhist Temples and Samurai residences from the early start of Japan. One place we are visiting on our trip is called Daibutsu. It is the Great Buddha statue that was built for the protection of the Kamakura Shogunate and their people. It is a bronze statue that stands 11.5 meters tall that is representative of the Buddha Amida. Supposed to show power of samurai and samurai culture. There are many Buddhist Temples that are reminiscent of the Hojo clan. Examples such as the Shomoji temple that is meant to protect the Northeast and houses the library. The Tokomyoji temple is central for study and details how to build temples and all construction plans. Kakuonji temple is also central for studying Buddhism and is another good location for practice. Gokuakuji Temple is mainly for transportation and defense, salvation for the weak and poor, and was meant to collect tax. Hase-Dera, another visitation we are making on our day trip to Kamakura, is also called Hase-kannon. It is one of the great Buddhist statues situated in kamakura, Japan and is famous for housing a wooden statue of kannon. The temple is the fourth of the 33 stations of the Bando Sanjusankasho pilgrimage circuit dedicated to a goddess. The temple originally belonged to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, but eventually became an independent temple. It is a statue made of wood and covered in gold.
I am very excited for our day trip to Kamakura, Japan. Starting with a train ride out to the city, we will begin our day trip at the Hasedera Temple to visit the gold and wooden statue. Then we will go to Daibutsu to visit the Great Buddha Statue and the many temples and shrines in that surrounding area. And then a noodle lunch (one of my favorite Asian meals). As a representative for the Sister Cities of Nashville Youth Advisory Board, I have a personal attachment to the Mayor's Office visit. Since Kamakura, Japan is the most recent added city to the Sister Cities of Nashville program. With an exchange of certificates and a meeting with Takashi Matsuo, the mayor of an important and beautiful city, will be an exciting day for all of us. The Girl's School we are visiting will also be an exciting adventure as we will find the similarities and differences between all girl's schools across the world.
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