Engaku-ji

As we got off the train in Kita-Kamakura we saw a small cemetery on the hill.  It was a great place to start.  I knew right away that Kamakura was the perfect place to visit.  The cemetery was old and beautiful.  It was clear it was been kept up by family members of others, many of the statues had incense, tea cups, and flowers.

I'm not sure of the reason for the "bibs."  I would like to find out the significance because I have seen them in several places.  

Then we continued on to our first scheduled stop Engaku-ji Temple.  This is the largest Zen Buddhist Monastery was ranked second in the Go-zan, a ranking system for monasteries.  It was built in 1282.  The complex once had 50 buildings but now has 18.  It was a very large area.  I was surprised how long we spent there.

This is a working monastic center, so you can see monks sweeping, pruning, and doing other tasks around the complex as you walk around.

The "Hall of the Holy Relic of Buddha" is supposed to hold a tooth of Gautama Buddha.

Another national treasure is the Great Bell (Kosho) on top of a hill.  It was cast in 1301 and is 8 feet tall.  Normally, you can enjoy tea at the top for refreshment after the long hike up.  However, we were too early.  I guess the early bird gets the great views with no crowds, but not the tea!