Legend has it that washing your money in the spring at this shrine will make it double. That legend was certainly the catalyst for our desire to pay a visit to Zeniarai benten. The Shrine is actually the most popular spot in Kamakura next to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine according to the locals, which is not surprising considering its significance.

The Shrine fully named as Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine was founded in 1185 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura government, who ordered the shrine’s construction after a god appeared in his dream and recommended him to build the shrine in order to bring peace to the country. Because the dream occurred on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake of the year of the snake, the shrine was later also dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes. Further, Zeniarai literally means “coin washing” resulting to its popularly known name as Zeniarai Benten Shrine – more at japan-guide

Accordingly, this shrine has also manage to survive in keeping both its connections of Buddhism and Shinto as during the Meiji restoration many were stripped away of its Buddhist connection in order to separate both religion. Im not sure whether the money I washed doubled heck I wanted to put in my whole wallet at first but in any case a brief visit is deemed enjoyable as it is something out of the ordinary.
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Zeniarai Benten Shrine is located about a 25-30 minute walk northwest of Kamakura Station. There is no bus station or other famous attraction nearby. However, the shrine is located along the Daibutsu hiking trail which connects Kita-Kamakura with the Great Buddha. The opening hours are from 8:00 to 17:00 with no closing days. If you want to see more places Ive visited in Japan head over here.

Kamakura is a place surrounded by wooded hills which makes it ideal for Hiking trails. There are several hiking trails which leads through the woods along the hills and that connects to various shrines and temples. They are a great alternative to travel between Kamakura’s sights and can provide relief from the ever growing crowds.

After our visit of the Great Buddha we decided to head through the Daibutsu hiking course which starts a few hundred meters down the road. The trail has several offshoots that lead to various small shrines and temples. One of those particular shrines we were heading to is the Zeniarai Benten Shrine where visitors wash there money.

Of course a big recommendation would be to have the proper shoes and packed water as the hike can get rough at some points with steep sections. If it has rained recently, the trail could be muddy and slippery which then I would suggest not to contemplate. Further, I guess the trails are only for those fit and dont suffer from any medical problems because if something were to happen, It would be very difficult to get help or for help to actually arrive fast since the trails are deep in the wooded hills. However, I would definitely recommend it to those who can, along the trail you get to experience the beautiful nature, the green forest with its autumn colors as well as a nice view of Kamakura. Take your time and just stroll while you are accompanied by elderly hikers who goes through those path every so often. If you want to see more places Ive visited in Japan head over here.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura really captures the heart of Japan. It’s truly awe-inspiring and is obviously the area’s main attraction. The Buddha is worth seeing for it’s sheer size alone. It is beautiful sight with the back drop of the the green hills behind it, a great photo session worthy as a postcard!

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) with a height of 13.35 meters is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Cast in 1252, it was originally located inside the large Kotokuin temple hall. However, the temple buildings were destroyed multiple times by typhoons and a tidal wave in the 14th and 15th centuries but fortunately the Buddha manage to survive. So, since 1495, the Buddha has been standing in the open air – more at japan-guide

This Buddha was constructed around 1252 which makes the workmanship extraordinary. In addition, one can go inside the Buddha for 20Yen and see how it was constructed. There are hundreds of gift stores with great souvenirs like yukata, Japanese wind chimes, Japanese fans, tapestries, statues of the great buddha and adorable keepsakes.

Although It may not be the largest Buddha in Japan (surpassed only by the statue in Nara’s Todaiji Temple). It certainly remains one of the most beloved and striking images of Buddha. No trip to Kamakura would be complete without a visit to The Giant Buddha.
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The Great Buddha is located a 5-10 minute walk from Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura along the Enoden railway line. Some nice Buddha snacks before we start our visit! Have any been to Kamakura and visited the the Great Buddha? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. If you want to see more places Ive visited in Japan head over here.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura’s most important shrine. The view from a distance as you make your way past the torri gate marking the entrance of the shrine is astonishing, especially gazing up the tall stairs leading to it. Make sure to Look out for the large, old ginkgo tree to the left when climbing the stairs. It apparently has a macabre historical significance that you can read about in one of the leaflets. Once on top youll see the main hall (Hongu or Jogu) which beautifully stands on a terrace at the top of the wide stairway.

The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine – more at japan-guide

There were many worshipers chanting, led by priests calling for the ancient spirits and a blessings. We were also part of a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony taking place there and it was quite a nice cultural experience. However no pictures are allowed, the main area was covered by a sort of sheet of strings which makes it hard to see. Next to the hall you have a small museum, which displays various treasures owned by the shrine, such as swords, masks and documents. Youll have to pay admission fee though.

Anyway, the walk around the temple area, the bridge, the washing area, the wishing area was all so rich and beautiful which helps make the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu one of the main tourist locations in Kamakura.
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The shrine can be reached by foot from the Kamakura station by 10-15 mins via either the busy Komachi-dori shopping street, or along the Dankazura, a pedestrian path in the center of Wakamiya Oji Street. Admission fee is free and the place is open from 5:00 to 20:30 with no closing days. The museum next to the shrine on top of the stairway has an admission fee of 200Yen. The big torri gate which marks the entrance to the shrine Have any of you been to Kamakura and visited this shrine? Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. The main hall on the terrace after the stairways If you want to see more places Ive visited in Japan head over here.

Meet Jiro Ono a humble 85 year-old sushi master considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef, and owner of a 3 star Michelin 10-seat restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station. His life is somewhat of a tale and has been a subject of a documentary film called “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” created by David Gelb which just recently hit the theaters.

The movie follows the life of Jiro, who is continuously mastering to this day the art of making sushi, striving for perfection, working tirelessly from sunrise to well beyond sunset. Followed by his elder son Yoshikazu who struggles with living up to the legacy of his father. Jiro also discusses the importance of keeping the fish sustainable. He speaks out against overfishing, and is very selective of the fish he uses. By doing so, he is only using what he needs and keeping the highest quality product. Its the inferior quality sushi that spams the market causing overfishing.

It would be a dream come true like many others to be able to have that privilege to eat Jiro creations before he goes. However, although I do not envy his son, I think his story and struggles are equally compelling and I hope he embraces his fathers teachings and becomes a master himself, who will be very proud if he does so. Watching Jiro work with the decades of experience on his side is like watching a master painter adding strokes to a masterpiece.

The Japanese sure love their games theres no denying it, we couldnt help ourselves spending a couple of hours at the SEGA arcade in Akihabara for the sheer enjoyment and experience. The place is packed with a whole variety of games with basically 5 levels if im correct to choose from. I remember the first time I discovered this place back in 2008, it wasn’t something to be proud of in some way, seeing myself lose countless of times against my salary men opponents and even school kids. I made sure this time I would be a slightly stronger opponent and especially trained beforehand at Tekken while my friend Wibi had a go at Blazeblue and sister at the Claw crane.

A round of SEGA games is definitely recommended if your in Akihabara or anywhere in Japan, It is a place where you can interact and play along with fellow Japanese who surely would love to have a round with you, I really mean it! They will make sure to test you out as well as themselves. How many times I was joined by new opponents, sometimes the round was fast but at some stage It got pretty intense, I was on a winning streak of 6! It was so hilarious seeing their reactions with others wanting to have a go, In the end I lost to a salarymen who was simply to good to be true but the whole thing was surely enjoyable. I managed to get some pictures during the calm period before school and working hours were finished. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Obviously, Le Mont Saint Michel is a must-see for anyone in or near Normandy, France. The approach, as the abbey looms ever larger across the fields, is exhilarating. Just the thought of how basic manpower managed to create this masterpiece on a 250 ft. high island of granite before the age of technology is truly impressive. Le Mont-Saint-Michel is the closest you will ever get to living in medieval times, that is why I am happy to add this beautiful monument in Project Holo’s catalog and share this beauty for those who might not know it.

Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides between Normandy and Brittany stand the ‘Wonder of the West’, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey is a technical and artistic tour de force, having had to adapt to the problems posed by this unique natural site – more at wikipedia

I was first introduced to Mont-Saint-Michel several years ago from the “Making Of” featurettes on the Extended Edition of Lord of the Rings, where it is said to be the inspiration for Minas Tirith, ever since I saw that special….I just had to go! The Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, Im suprised it hasnt been considered as a Wonder of the world. Anyway I couldnt be more privileged to get this opportunity, A big thank you to our good friends of my fathers who I will talk to you about in the future posts to come!

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Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky tidal island and a commune in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one kilometre (just over half a mile) off the country’s north-western coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. If you want to learn more about Project Holo itself you can head over here also to check out more adventures of Holo why not visit its catalog here

Spotted the famous Himiko Cruise Ship while walking around in the artificial island of Odaiba. The futureristic kinda looking cruise was designed by the renowned Leiji Matsumoto who is also well known in the Anime industry which he brought us titles such as Herlock, Galaxy Express 999, and most recently Ozuma.

Himiko runs from Asakusa to Odaiba Seaside Park, to Toyosu and then back to Asakusa where passengers can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view the old Edo and modern Tokyo. Ive always wanted to go on it but unfortunately It has already left and the next one would be coming the next hour or so. I guess Ill try and go on it on my next trip, the timetable can be seen here.

Interestingly Himiko is named after Queen Himiko who was the first recognized independent lady in Japanese history.

A video giving you a better picture since I couldnt go on it and make this post a bit more interesting.

Talk about fandom, I realised after a few days in Tokyo that ive actually been seeing a lot of adverts featuring singer Tomomi Itano from the famous idol group AKB48. She’s everywhere! On billboards, flyers, convenient stores and the list goes on.

To tell you the truth Im not really that big of a fan of AKB48 nor towards her, but don’t get me wrong I like the music! Anyway the more I kept on seeing her the more she grew in me, she sure is attractive! She gives out that charm that makes her a likable person. Her most recent coverage was for emobile where she appeared as the cover girl and on the promotional video too.

I love what she is wearing with her evil wings that moves and horns, what a cutie! ^^ Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

This post we see Project Holo travel to the north west of France where I was to visit from acquaintance of my father. While on the road we came across something rather intriguing in the middle of nowhere. In the surroundings of the woods and a beautiful lake lies a stunning medieval Chateau (castle), I couldnt help myself relate it to a Disneyland or Age of Empire setting and decided to do a quick stop to add it into the catalog.

The Chateau de la Bretesche was built in early 14th century. Its name derives from the latin Bretechia which characterises a defence tower overlooking the castles main entrance. The Castle was besieged in the 16th century by the duke of Mercoeur during the French War of Religion and was substantially destroyed during the French Revolution. The castle was later reconstructed in the 19th century by Jacques Perron. In 1926 the castle was listed as one of the historical monuments and then in 1943 the surrounding area of the castle was also added. The castle was sold to a real estate company in 1965 which transformed the site into a hotel-restaurant along with the addition of the golf course.

There wasnt much information apart from french so took me a while to translate. Anyway I hope It was helpful, This Chateau is beautiful and I was glad to have had to chance to encounter it. Today’s feature is rather small compared to the rest. Its a shame we were in a hurry and didnt have the chance to take more pictures with Holo, but the main thing is that we managed to get a few to add in the project in any case a picture describes a thousand words.

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The Chateau de la Bretesche is located in the town of Missillac in the french department of Loire-Atlantique which is north west of the country at Bretagne. If you want to check out more adventures of Holo why not visit its catalog here or click on:

• Holo Au Vineyard de Provence
• Holo a Cotignac
• Holo au Port de La Londe

If you want to learn more about Project Holo itself you can head over here.