TSURUGAOKA HACHIMANGU SHRINE

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴 岡 八 幡 宮, Tsurugaoka Hachimangū) is the most important shrine in Kamakura. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063 and expanded and moved to its current location in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government.

The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient emperor Ojin identified with Hachiman, Hime-gami and Empress Jingu are enshrined in the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

The shrine is reached via a long, wide avenue leading from the Kamakura waterfront through the entire city centre, with several torii along the way. The main hall (Hongu or Jogu) is located on a terrace at the top of a wide flight of steps. The main hall includes a small shrine museum, displaying various treasures belonging to the shrine, such as swords, masks and documents.

To the left of the staircase, there was until 2010 a large ginkgo tree, which preceded the shrine. Every autumn, the tree turned golden, but did not survive a winter storm in March 2010. At the base of the staircase is the Maiden, a stage for dance and music performances. Other structures in the shrine grounds include the Wakamiya Shrine, a secondary shrine to the right of the staircase and various auxiliary buildings.

Next to the main avenue leading to the shrine are two ponds. One pond represents the Minamoto clan and has three islands, while the other represents the Taira clan, the rivals of Minamoto, and has four islands, as the number four can be pronounced as 'death' in Japanese. A garden, known for its peonies, surrounds the Minamoto pond midway. It is open seasonally in spring and winter and admission costs 500 yen.

Various events take place at the shrine throughout the year. During the New Year holiday, it records over two million visitors, making it one of the country's most famous shrines for Hatsumode (the first visit of the year to a shrine). In mid-April and mid-September, horseback archery (yabusame) is performed along the shrine's main avenue.