Sunday 19th

Early start on the train from Kita Senju to see the ‘Great Buddha’ at Kamakura (the old capital of Japan). It was very busy, with many tourists but we escaped the crowds, walking to a local shrine, climbing a ‘tree root ladder’ path for a spectacular view out over Kamakura bay.

From here we travelled to Kamakura Hasedera Temple.  Beautiful gardens with koi ponds, golden shrines and a bustling market. We stopped for refreshments above another stunning sea view and then, bizarrely, were serenaded by a choir singing English songs (Earth, Wind and Fire – September!).

In the evening, Pietman, Debbie and I returned to the Seibukan dojo. More good training with Yonemoto Sensei working on applications to various Kata, including Seipai, Seiunchin and Saifa. Yonemoto Sensei’s understanding of close quarter control is always impressive. 

To round off the evening, a short walk took us to visit a noodle bar run by a friend of Yonomoto Sensei. Here we continued good conversation over curry noodles and perhaps a beer and Saki! 

(Not tooooo late as another early start planned for tomorrow…..!)