If you happen to be in Kamakura in the summer, especially from mid-July to mid-August, be sure to drop in at Hachimangu Shrine, not to see the shrine, but to see the lotus ponds! There are two ponds near the entrance to the shrine grounds from the street. The pond on the left is the smaller of the two and has only white flowers. I would recommend the pond on the right, which is much larger, has a pretty bridge, and which features mainly pink lotus. Last year, there weren't many lotus to be seen, but this year is much better, although not as it was, say 5-10 years ago. Find a place to sit and relax for 30 minutes or so, or if you are a serious photographer, at least an hour.
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Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing
Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...