Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura) FAQs In 2024

What is Tsurugaoka Hachimang? Shrine?

Tsurugaoka Hachimang? is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is the most important shrine in the city and a major cultural and historical landmark, dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of samurai and the Minamoto family.

The best time to visit the shrine is during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom or during the autumn to see the vibrant colors of the fall foliage. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, so visiting during these events can provide a unique experience.

Notable features of the shrine include the Maiden (a stage for dance and music performances), two ponds representing the Minamoto and Taira clans, the Great Ginkgo tree (although it fell in 2010, it remains a symbol of the shrine), and several sub-shrines and museums within the precincts.

Yes, the shrine holds several annual festivals, including the popular Yabusame Festival (horseback archery) every September, and the New Year's Festival which attracts millions of visitors during the first few days of January.

There is no entrance fee to the main precincts of Tsurugaoka Hachimang? Shrine; it is free to the public. However, some special exhibitions or events within the shrine may require a fee.

The shrine was established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, in 1063 and moved to its current location in 1191. It has been a central religious and cultural site in Kamakura since then, reflecting the city's past as the political center of Japan during the Kamakura Period.

The shrine is a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station which is accessible by the JR Yokosuka Line or the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden).

Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the shrine, but certain areas or ceremonies may have restrictions. It's always best to look for signage indicating photography restrictions or ask a shrine official if unsure.

Yes, visitors should show respect by following general shrine etiquette such as purifying hands and mouth at the temizuya (water basin), not walking in the middle of the pathway (as it's considered the path for the gods), and being mindful and respectful during worship and when taking photos.

Visitors can participate in typical Shinto activities such as making offerings, buying omamori (amulets) for good luck, drawing omikuji (fortune-telling slips), and attending seasonal festivals and events hosted at the shrine.

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