Summary
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮) stands at the heart of Kamakura and is dedicated to Hachiman kami (八幡神) — the guardian deity of warriors and the nation. Founded in 1063, it has been the spiritual center of samurai culture since the Kamakura period.
Key Facts
- Province: Sagami (historical province)
- Enshrined Deities: Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, and Himegami
- Founded / Legend: Established in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi at Yuigahama; moved to the present site by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1180.
- Main Feature: Grand stairway, vivid vermilion buildings, and its role as the spiritual center of the Kamakura shogunate.
- Architecture: Gongen-zukuri main sanctuary rebuilt in 1828, with large stone stairway and vermilion structures.
Ichinomiya Status in Sagami (Quick Note)
In the old system, Samukawa Shrine (寒川神社) was the official Ichinomiya of Sagami Province. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when Kamakura became the political center of Japan, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu also came to be regarded as an Ichinomiya of Sagami due to its strong connection with the shogunate.
Today, both shrines are respected as Ichinomiya in their own historical contexts, and both participate in the Association of Ichinomiya Shrines.
History in Brief
Founded by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1063 and moved to its current site by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1180, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu became the spiritual and political center of the Kamakura shogunate. The grand stairway and vivid red honden (本殿, main sanctuary) symbolize the city’s heritage. The great ginkgo beside the stairway, once linked to the story of Minamoto no Sanetomo, fell in 2010. New shoots now grow beside it, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
Enshrined Deities
The Main Shrine (Jogu) enshrines Emperor Ojin, Himegami, and Empress Jingu, who are worshiped together as Hachiman kami — the guardian deity of the samurai and the nation. They are believed to bring protection from misfortune and success in life.
The Wakamiya (Gegu) also enshrines related imperial deities, including Emperor Nintoku and Emperor Richu.
Etiquette
Please keep these simple manners in mind when visiting the shrine.
- Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (手水舎).
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei).
- Keep quiet around the honden (本殿, main sanctuary).
- Please refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking within the shrine grounds.
- Aerial drones are strictly prohibited.
- Please be mindful when taking photos, as some areas may be sacred.
Visitor Tips
- The grand stairway leading to the Main Shrine (Jogu) is one of the iconic views of Kamakura.
- Those who prefer to avoid the long steps may offer prayers at Wakamiya (Gegu).
- The view from the upper terrace offers a wide outlook over Kamakura.
- Photography is not allowed on the upper sanctuary platform.
- Hata-age Benzaiten Shrine (旗上弁財天社) — a small island shrine for success and good fortune, very popular among visitors.
- Taiko Bridge (太鼓橋) — a historic arched bridge near the entrance, though crossing is not permitted.
Omamori (Amulets)
Common omamori (お守り) for travel safety, protection, and good fortune are typically ¥1,000–¥2,000. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.
You can find details on the shrine’s official page: Amulets Page ↗
Festivals
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu hosts many traditional ceremonies throughout the year. The four below are especially famous and attract many visitors.
- Setsubun-sai (節分祭): Early February — bean-throwing and bowstring purification rituals to drive away evil spirits before spring.
- Kamakura Festival (鎌倉まつり): Mid-April — a major spring event featuring traditional dances, parades, and a yabusame (archery on horseback) performance.
- Bonbori Matsuri (ぼんぼり祭): Early August — lanterns painted by artists and writers light up the shrine approach, creating a magical summer atmosphere.
- Reitaisai (例大祭): September 14–16 — the shrine’s grand annual festival, with a mikoshi procession (Shinkosai) and dynamic yabusame on the final day.
How to Visit & Access
Located in the heart of Kamakura, surrounded by historic streets and nature.
From JR Kamakura Station (East Exit), walk about 10–15 minutes along Wakamiya Oji Avenue lined with torii gates and trees. Also accessible via the Enoden Line (Enoshima Electric Railway) — get off at Kamakura Station.
- Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Google Maps) ↗
- Nearest Station: JR Kamakura Station (East Exit). Also accessible via the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) — 10–15 min walk.
- Hours: Gate opens 6:00–20:00
- Official Site: Official Site (English) ↗
- Official Instagram: @tsurugaoka_official ↗
Travel times are approximate and may vary by schedule. Hours may vary by season and events.
Nearby
- Kencho-ji — the oldest Zen temple in Kamakura, about 12 minutes on foot.
- Engaku-ji — a major Zen temple near Kita-Kamakura Station (1 stop from Kamakura).
- Hokoku-ji (Bamboo Temple) — famous for its bamboo garden and tea corner; accessible by bus from Hachimangu.
- Zeniarai Benten (Ugafuku Shrine) — a cave shrine known for “money-washing” prayers; about 25–30 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station.
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