There are many things you can see in Kamakura. Last Spring, I went there with my friends on a day trip roadtrip. That time, we haven't really fully explored the big and famous shrine because we were in a hurry.
So for this post, you'll get to see more of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (鶴岡八幡宮), Kamakura's Shinto Shrine.
The big torii (the red Japanese gate) by the road is so noticeable when you're walking around Kamakura. Torii is usually an indication that you're about to enter a sacred place. If you are interested to learn more about it, you can check out Wikipedia.
You'll then notice this arched bridge that is off-limits. I wonder what it symbolizes in Shintoism. And I wonder why it's closed and not to be used by people.
At the side though there's a bridge-looking pathway that people can use.
The last time I went to this shrine, there were so many people because it was a holiday that day and I guess many people thought that the cherry blossoms were at their prettiest at that time. Today's just a random Saturday so there were fewer people which for me is tolerable. I don't like big crowds. 😅
We took a detour to look for a toilet enjoy the nature in the shrine grounds. It may be a sunny day but it's a bit chilly and being surrounded by trees is something I really appreciate.
After the detour, we're back to the main pathway.
After passing through the "lantern" structure which is located side by side, there's an area to purify oneself. Since the pandemic, it has been transformed to free flowing water, and not the traditional "scoop".
Immediately, you'll notice this structure but this is not yet the main shrine.
It is also called Shimohaiden, and stands on the site of the Wakamiya corridor where Shizuka Gozen devoted herself to Yoshitsune and danced with all her heart. In addition to festivals and events at the shrine, many weddings are held here throughout the year.
Source: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Official Website
At the side, you'll notice a display of large sake barrels. Honestly, I don't know the purpose of it but to collect these is really incredible. I can't even read what's written on each one of them. I guess that's the name of the sake? If you have an idea, please let me know.
Beside the stairs to the main shrine, there's this area where you need to go around this big circle. I think this is to attract luck or something related to fortune. There's a fee so we didn't care to understand what it's about.
We're finally going up the main shrine after a long walk from the road. The Great Stone Steps is what it's called. The steps are ridiculously a lot (I didn't count though) so I suggest to take your time or you'll be out of breath.
I was so preoccupied by making it to the top right away that I forgot to look the other way and see the panoramic view of Kamakura from this staircase. I didn't even notice the Great Gingko Tree on the left side of the stairs. It's an old tree and seeing the way there are ropes acting as fence to it, I guess this tree must be a sacred one.
Upon reaching the top, you'll immediately be welcomed by the main shrine called Jogu. At the right side of the main shrine is Wakamiya (Gegu) which I don't have a photo of.
The main shrine building of the shrine enshrines Emperor Ojin, Himegami and Empress Jingu.
Together with the Wakamiya (Gegu), it is designated as a national important cultural property, and various ceremonies are held here throughout the year.
Source: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Official Website
We didn't enter at that time because we're not really practicing their religion but you can guess what's inside. As seen in most Japanese TV shows esp anime, one must drop a coin, bow 2 times, clap 2 times and silently pray to the gods. One of my friends told me the coin should have a hole in it so a 5-yen coin is usually used. I'm not sure if this is legit information. 😅
Even when we were just outside the main shrine, we were able to hear the sound of a big drum. I guess there's a ritual inside?
After praying, people usually flock to the fortune area. There were many kinds of omikuji (or sacred lot in english) and for just 200 yen (or around 1.35 USD), you'll be able to know your fortune. If it's bad luck though, you can tie it.
Aside from the omikuji corner, there's a sales area to buy omamori (or charms) and the likes.
A little further to the back from the left side of the main shrine, we found the Maruyama Inari Shrine. There are many torii that you'll see from where you'll tie your bad luck fortune so you'll notice it if you look around.
It's not really a long staircase going to the inari shrine. You'll be welcomed by these red flag-like cloth containing names (I guess of sponsors or something?) dancing from the breeze.
It's a small shrine and you'll see the foxes on each side guarding it. From what was written on the stone plate near the entrance, this shrine is the oldest on the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu grounds. The diety enshrined here is the god of rice, agriculture and prosperity. You can read more in the image I took below.
After our tour in the main shrine grounds, we went down and discovered a pond with lots of fishes. You'll notice it if you go down on the side of the main shrine.
We continued exploring some areas that are not on the main path and we discovered another shrine with no people. It looks like a nicely designed shrine so I was wondering why there weren't people visiting here.
After a long walk in the shrine grounds, we kinda got tired and saw a rest area. We thought we could have some tea there but it's just an ordinary canteen so we didn't stay long.
There are still more that you can see in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu grounds like an area where you can feed some birds and other shrines. We didn't even go to inside cultural buildings where performances are held. We just don't have much time left because we still needed to go to another place which I'll be sharing next so please look out for it too!
But before we leave the shrine grounds, we ate at a posh restaurant overlooking the lotus area. I got myself the Kamakura Soba with a refreshing yuzu tea. I was so full from breakfast that I didn't finish this soba. Waaa! It's delicious though.
We spent probably more than an hour exploring the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu grounds and we haven't fully covered everything yet. I guess it's your turn to go to see for yourself what you've read here and explore more of the places we skipped. 😉
Thanks for reading!
See you around! じゃあ、またね！
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.
