Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura is a popular Shinto shrine that dates back to the 11th century.
Komachi Dori, leading to Hachimangu Shrine, is a bustling street lined with shops and restaurants.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The shrine was originally founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi, but it was later moved to its current location by Minamoto Yoritomo in 1191. It covers an area of approximately 13,000 square meters and is dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and the patron deity of the Minamoto clan. Over the years, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, becoming the iconic landmark it is today.
Visitors to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu can take a leisurely stroll from Kamakura station east exit along Wakamiya Oji, the tree-lined avenue which leads to the shrine’s main buildings. The cherry blossoms in spring and maple trees in autumn create a picturesque approach to the shrine.
Along the way there is a Kamakura-bori Museum and stores which showcase Kamakura-style woodcarvings by local craftsmen.
On the day we visited the shrine, we saw a traditional Shinto wedding with the bride and groom dressed in traditional Japanese wedding attire.
Komachi Dori
Komachi Dori is a bustling street lined with shops and restaurants selling souvenirs, traditional crafts and local delicacies. Look for the red Torii gate to the left after you come out of Kamakura station east exit. The gate marks the entrance to Komachi Dori. The shopping street, parallel to Wakamiya Oji Avenue, runs for about 350 meters and leads eventually to the shrine. It’s usually very crowded with tourists, especially on weekends, but during the daytime it is a pedestrian street so you can walk around safely.
The local delicacy is shirasu (little white fish) that are caught locally in Sagami Bay. The restaurants get creative and you cay try shirasu over rice, noodles, pizza, etc. There are also many stores that sell sweets and snacks.
Access
If you’re coming on the Enoden train, Kamakura is the terminal station.
If coming directly from Tokyo station, take the JR Tokaido line and transfer to JR Yokosuka line at Ofuna station (about an hour) or from Yokohama station on the JR Yokosuka line (about 30 minutes).
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