There are a lot of People in Japan

Today a friend invited me to join for an excursion outside of Tokyo to Kamakura, the city seat of an early shogunate.  In this town are the famous Kotokuin with it's Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) as well as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine.  Pictures!

Looking down on people since 1252

Buddha's back, well-ventilated

Walking through the "Shopping Street" to get to Tsurugaoka 

(There are a lot of people in Japan I)

The approach to Tsurugaoka 

(There are a lot of people in Japan II)

The remains of a giant ginkgo tree

Leaving Tsurugaoka Hachimangu 

(There are a lot of people in Japan III)

Bridge and wind-blown tree near the entrance

The trains are still being patrolled by station masters with megaphones trying to keep the crowds in order.  I'm not sure what they are saying; probably just, "keep moving."  There are so many people in Japan and yet there are still lines within the crowds, patience on the jammed sidewalks.  If one is going to be swimming in a crowd of thousands, this is a pretty good place to do it.