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.

how to get there The 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.

This is the most important shrine in Kamakura. A very nice, interesting place to visit anytime, but most particularly at two times I know off:

after New Year's Eve, during the 5 days pray-for-good-luck that the Japanese follow. They have acrobatic shows on some of those days.

During september, for the Yabusame, the traditional Horseback Archery contest/ceremony. Officialy, this ceremony also occurs in April.

I have been there at both times, and it is definitively worth the trip. Though one needs to go there early for the Yabusame, as it is a well-visited event, and finding a good spot to take pictures can become quite difficult.

Biggest shrine in Kamakura with beautiful garden. Can be crowded.
It's nice, but there are better sites in Kamakura.

Go and visit it. It's really a great piece of temple!

peaceful place, beautiful gardens