Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

The 61 large stone steps are a symbol of the Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine. When you climb them, you'll realize that they're surprisingly steep, so take your time and don't rush. At the top of the steps, you'll find the main shrine, which was rebuilt during the Edo period by the Tokugawa shogunate. It enshrines Emperor Ojin, Hime no Kami, and Empress Jingu. The main shrine is a very valuable building, designated as an important cultural property of the country. The beautiful vermilion-colored shrine has a solemn and wonderful atmosphere.

Have you ever gotten amulets or charms at a shrine? At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you'll often see people carrying "hama-yumi" arrows. Especially during the New Year's visit, there are people who come to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine seeking these arrows. It's said that this tradition is based on the national treasure "Kuro Urushi Ya" that was given to Minamoto no Yoritomo when he established the shrine after bringing it from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto. The "Kuro Urushi Ya" is now kept in the Kamakura Treasure Hall.

Kamakura has been attracting renewed attention thanks to the NHK Taiga Drama "Kamakura-dono no 13-nin", but there is also a story from the Kamakura period about a monk named Kugyo who was hiding behind the great ginkgo tree of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine when the third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, Minamoto no Sanetomo, was assassinated. (There is also a theory that this story was created in a later period.) This great ginkgo tree was a symbol of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but unfortunately it fell from its roots in a strong wind in 2010. However, you can still see the transplanted great ginkgo tree, so don't forget to visit and see it!

The Wakamiya Oji is a road that stretches about 2 kilometers from Yuigahama Beach to the Hachimangu Shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It is said that Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, created it in imitation of Kyoto's Suzaku Oji. The town of Kamakura was developed around this Wakamiya Oji. Even today, many shops line the Wakamiya Oji, including the main store of Toyama-ya, famous for its pigeon-shaped sabre cookies. By the way, the "pigeon" in "pigeon sabre" comes from the fact that the character "八" (eight) in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine looks like two pigeons hugging each other.

There are several streets leading from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but the most bustling is Komachi-dori Street. Komachi-dori is lined with many restaurants and souvenir shops, and there are also shops where you can enjoy local specialties such as Shirasu-don, Kamakura croquettes, and Kamakura beer. As it's a staple of Kamakura tourism, why not enjoy it as a set with Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine? However, it's recommended to take the Wakamiya Oji side if you want to avoid the crowds, especially during lunchtime.