basic information

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063, and enlarged and moved to its current site 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 of the samurai in general. The deified spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Empress Jingu and Emperor Chuai are enshrined in the main buildings of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Entrance to the shrine area

Dankazura pedestrian path

The treasure house, which is a museum featuring the valuables owned by the shrine, and a park with ponds are located next to the main buildings.

Various events are held at the shrine throughout the year. During the New Year holidays, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is with over 2 million visitors one of the country's most visited shrines, and in April and September, horseback archery (yabusame) is performed on the lane that leads to the shrine's dance stage and main building.

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how to get there

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine can be reached from Kamakura Station either through the busy Komachi-dori shopping street, or along the Dankazura, a pedestrian path in the center of Wakamiya Oji Street that is lined with several hundreds of cherry trees. The walk from Kamakura Station takes about 10-15 minutes.

How to get to and around Kamakura

hours and fees

Hours:	6:00 to 20:30
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	Free

news and reports

Kamakura Cherry Blossom Report April 8, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Hachimangu Shrine:
Users who have been to Kamakura: 868
Users who have been to Hachimangu Shrine: 334

2nd of 14 most visited sights in Kamakura.
58th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Hachimangu Shrine:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 178 users):	84/100	recommended

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tours and packages

Kamakura Walking Tour Guided day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura.

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