Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most important shrine and the cultural center of Kamakura.  It is one of the most popular shrines in Japan with more than 18 million visitors a year. It was founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, head of the Genji samurai family, upon receiving the divine spirit of Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto. The current shrine which is a typical example of Edo shrine architecture, was moved to its present location in 1180 by his descendant, Minamoto-no-Yoritomo, founder and first shogun the Kamakura government.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is 10-15 minutes walk from the JR Kamakura station (the station is about 55min travel from Tokyo Station, JR Yokosuka line).