Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the spiritual heart of Kamakura and one of its most popular attractions. The shrine was built by Yoritomo in the 12th century and dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron of the Minamoto family.
Wakamiya Oji, the cherry tree-lined pedestrian path to the shrine, was also constructed by Yoritomo back in the 1190s so that his oldest son's first visit to the family shrine could be accomplished in style with an elaborate procession.
The pedestrian lane stretches from the shrine all the way to Yuigahama Beach, with three massive torii set at intervals along the route to signal the approach to the shrine. On both sides of the pathway are souvenir and antiques shops selling lacquerware, pottery, and folk art.
The shrine is located at the top of 62 steps. A gingko tree to the left of the stairs is thought to be about 1,000 years old and believed to be the site of a vicious act of feudal violence in 1219.
Here, Yoritomo's second son was ambushed and murdered; his head was never found. Then, fearful that he had designs on the shogunate, Yoritomo then banished his brother and ordered him killed. But rather than face capture, the brother committed seppuku. When the brother's mistress gave birth to a boy, the baby was promptly killed.
Such stories of murder and betrayal were common in feudal Japan. But today, the lotus ponds, arched bridge, contented pigeons, and bright sheen of the shrine give little clue to such violent history.
At the top of the stairs, which afford a panoramic view toward the sea, is the vermilion-painted shrine. The shrine itself isn't terribly notable — the grounds are the major attraction here.
As Kamakura's main shrine, Hachimangu is the site of various events and celebrations throughout the year. It receives over 2 million visitors during the New Year holidays, making it one of Japan's most visited shrines, and in in April and September, horseback archery (yabusame) is performed on the pedestrian path to the shrine.
Map
Location and satellite view of the Kotokuin Temple and Great Buddha of Kamakura. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Kamakura from space with our Kamakura Satellite Map.
| Category: | Shinto shrine |
| Location: | 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station, Kamakura, Japan |
| Phone: | 0467/22-0315 |
| Hours: | Always open |
| Cost: | Grounds free; shrine and small museum ¥100 |
- Beth Reiber, Frommer's Tokyo, 8th ed.
- Tsurugoaka Hachimangu - Japan-Guide.com
