[Date & Time] Monday, June 20, at 10:00~17:00
[Spots] Engakuji Temple, Hokokuji Temple, Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha), and Hasedera Temple
[Visitors] 1 American family (4 people)
[Attendant] 1 KSGG member
[Language] English
I guided an American couple and their two boys from Manila in the Philippines around Kamakura. They came by JR Shonan-Shinjuku-Line and we met at Kita-Kamakura Station. At first we walked around Engakuji Temple with a calm atmosphere. The next spot was Hokokuji Temple, where they enjoyed watching the bamboo grove and the garden. Because it was the season of hydrangea, there were many visitors in spite of it being a weekday. So we had a late lunch and decided to visit Hasedera Temple last. At Kotokuin Temple, the face of the Great Buddha was dignified and merciful and seemed to make a deep impression on them as they gazed at it. The two boys enjoyed watching the inside of the Great Buddha.
The parents had requested us to move quickly from spot to spot as the younger boy would be tired soon. However, contrary to their expectation, the elder boy took care of his younger brother eagerly. The parents were gentle and quiet, and they were a heartwarming family.
I hoped this tour would be a memorable one for them as their family trip during the school holidays.