On day 6 of my first-ever trip to Japan in 2006, I made a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura. I took a train to Kita-Kamakura, and started exploring some of the old temples in the area. The first one was Engakuji, where I was lucky to be able to watch some Kyudo (Japanese archery) practice.

Kyudo (Japanese archery) practice at Engakuji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

The next temple, not too far away, was Kenchoji. I liked its intricately detailed and beautiful wooden architecture.

Detail of the beautiful main gate at Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, Japan. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.
Visitors approaching a side gate at Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura, Japan. © 2026 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

In the afternoon, I walked the “Daibutsu (Big Buddha) Hiking Course” to the Hase area of Kamakura. 2.5 kilometers of surprisingly steep territory - but the efforts were more than rewarded when I arrived at the Buddha statue, and was greeted with this seasonal view.

The Kamakura Daibutsu (Big Buddha) is making a discreet appearance behind cherry blossoms. © 2006 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

All photos shot with Nikon digital SLRs, edited in Adobe Lightroom 5.7 / LR Classic.

写真の撮影場所：鎌倉