I participated in a special tour for guide-interpreters on Kamakura’s Buddhist statues guided by Takakazu Kaneko, who has deep knowledge  not only in Japanese religions but also in world religions including Muslum, and has visited more than 100 countries around the world as a tour guide specifically for remote areas.

After a lecture on the characteristics of Japanese Buddhism, especially Buddhism after the Kamakura period, when samurai acquired power comparing to emperor and aristocrats, we went to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Until now, I had only seen Hachimangu Shrine as a Shinto “shrine,” but I learned that what we can see is different from the perspective of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, Shinto-Buddhist separation, and Haibutsu-kishaku.

Then, at the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures in the shrine, we learned in detail how to view the Kamakura Buddhist statues (photography is prohibited inside the museum, so there are no photos of the statues).

Then, in the afternoon, we went to Hase Temple, famous for its Kannon statue, Avalokitesvara. Originally, the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva represents the mercy of Amida Buddha and is a attendant of the Budha. Due to the temple’s origins, the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattvaa is the the principal image, but also we could learn about the diversity of Buddhist statues, including the 33 incarnations of Kannon Bodhisattva, his subordinate attendants, and the Seven Lucky Gods.

Finally, we ended the tour by looking at the famous Amida Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.

Even Buddhist statues that we think we are familiar with are even more enjoyable when viewed from different angles. The tour was also very meaningful, as the guide-interpreters who joined us had a high level of knowledge.

After participating in this tour, I have gained even more confidence in guiding people on Japanese religious places including Kamakura’s shrines, temples, and Buddhist statues.

Most of the photos were taken during a preliminary inspection before joining the tour.