KAMAKURA. 
293 
From this position the scenery is very fine. The 
undulating hills, between which we get glimpses of 
the open country beyond, where the rice-fields, sur- 
rounded with trim hedges, and the wheat-fields of 
brightest green carpet the uplands, and the clear 
blue waters of the bay stretching before us complete 
the charming picture. 
In all seasons of the year verdure and beauty of 
no common character clothe the hills, broken into a 
hundred winding vales for many miles around. After 
seven miles’ walking through pleasant fields with 
trimly kept hedges, passing cheerful country-houses, 
we reach Kamakura, which lies in a valley inclosed 
by hills. Almost every spot of ground in and around 
here is classic to the Japanese, the great bulk of 
the vast store of Japanese histories and historical 
romance having their chief scenes laid in or near 
Kamakura. However, very little now remains of 
its whilom greatness. The chief place of interest 
to visitors is the Shinto temple of Hachiman. This 
temple stands on a plateau reached by sixty steps. 
In the courtyard inclosing the buildings are com- 
partments in which are displayed some very valuable 
and interesting relics. About a mile from here is 
the village of Hasemura, near which stands the 
famous bronze figure of Buddha, called in Japanese 
Dai-butsu; the approach to it is through a very 
beautiful avenue of evergreens. 
The immense casting, although not in one piece, is 
