![Engakuji One of the zen gardens leading to the main shrine where a tooth of Buddha is held.](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.kamakura-150x150.jpg)
![Hydrangea Kamakura is famous for its hydrangeas.](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.hydrangea1-150x150.jpg)
![Sky View at Hasedera](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.beachview-150x150.jpg)
![Tsurugaoka Hachimangu first time seeing a shrine under massive construction](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.temple-150x150.jpg)
![Pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu a tranquil spot away from the crowds](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.pond_-150x150.jpg)
![大仏 (Great Buddha) The Great Buddha in Kamakura is the second largest in Japan](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.buddhafront-150x150.jpg)
![大仏 a side view](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.buddhaside-150x150.jpg)
![Red Lobster a surprising familiar sight](http://blogs.iesabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dinh.tokyo_.redlobster-150x150.jpg)
Kamakura was the last IES Abroad sponsored trip of the semester, and it was a really great trip to end with. I wish I had visited the area sooner! Kamakura is famous for its hydrangeas (which are everywhere) and we were fortunate to have been there during the rainy season– when the flowers are at their best! If you enjoy being in more natural settings, Kamakura is the place for you!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blogger_profile/public/2022-07/09/Dinh.jpg?itok=XssBOyXu)
Diana Dinh
<p><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(237, 237, 237);">Hi! My name is Diana Dinh, and I am a Psychology major and Sociology and Art double minor at Austin College. I am interested in fashion, food, art, and sleeping. This will be my first time traveling alone, but I am excited to experience Japan as a complete foreigner!</span></p>