Hakodate Hachimangu
函館八幡宮
Hokkaido · Hakodate
Hachiman Maritime Safety
Kokuhei Chusha
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
鶴岡八幡宮
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
10 min walk
Hours
6:00-20:30
Overview
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu stands at the apex of Kamakura's grand boulevard, Wakamiya-oji, embodying the fusion of spiritual authority and political power that defined the Kamakura Shogunate. Founded by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1063 and dramatically expanded by Yoritomo in 1180, the shrine was positioned to anchor an entirely new capital city built around it. The shrine complex includes lotus ponds, a dance stage where the tragic story of the dancer Shizuka Gozen unfolded, and the stairway where the assassination of Shogun Sanetomo took place in 1219. For nearly 700 years it simultaneously functioned as a Buddhist temple under the syncretic name Tsurugaoka Hachiman-ji. Today the shrine is the most visited site in Kamakura, drawing millions of visitors annually and serving as the spiritual center of one of Japan's most popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
1063 [康平6年]
Originally established in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi. In 1180, Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura Shogunate, enlarged the shrine and moved it to its current commanding position at the center of Kamakura's urban plan. The shrine became the spiritual heart of Japan's first samurai government.
📄
Documented
1180 Source: Azuma Kagami
1063📄Documented
Founded by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi after victory in the Former Nine Years' War
1180📄Documented
Yoritomo relocated shrine to current position as centerpiece of Kamakura
2010📄Documented
Ancient ginkgo tree (estimated 1,000 years old) toppled in storm
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of archery, war, and the protector of warriors; also guardian of the Japanese nation and the Imperial house
⛩
secondary Deity
Goddess of water, islands, music, eloquence, and wealth; one of the three Munakata goddesses
⛩
secondary Deity
Semi-legendary empress; deity of safe childbirth, maritime protection, and victory in battle
Blessings
Shrine Network
Hachiman major_branch
Did You Know?
💡
A giant ginkgo tree estimated at 1,000 years old, believed to have hidden the assassin of Shogun Sanetomo, fell in a storm in 2010. A shoot from the stump has since regrown.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine's Yabusame (mounted archery) ceremony, held in September, preserves a martial tradition dating back to the Kamakura period.
Source: documented
💡
Until the Meiji separation of Shinto and Buddhism in 1868, the shrine had been a combined Shinto-Buddhist institution for almost 700 years.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.3256, 139.5566
Physical Address
2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
神奈川県鎌倉市雪ノ下2-1-31
Access
Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line)
10 min walk
Hours
6:00-20:30
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Related Shrines
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu stands at the apex of Kamakura's grand boulevard, Wakamiya-oji, embodying the fusion of spiritual authority and political power that defined the Kamakura Shogunate. Founded by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in 1063 and dramatically expanded by Yoritomo in 1180, the shrine was positioned to anchor an entirely new capital city built around it. The shrine complex includes lotus ponds, a dance stage where the tragic story of the dancer Shizuka Gozen unfolded, and the stairway where the assassination of Shogun Sanetomo took place in 1219. For nearly 700 years it simultaneously functioned as a Buddhist temple under the syncretic name Tsurugaoka Hachiman-ji. Today the shrine is the most visited site in Kamakura, drawing millions of visitors annually and serving as the spiritual center of one of Japan's most popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo.
Where is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu located?
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is located in Kamakura, Kanagawa. The full address is: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa.
What deities are enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
The enshrined deities are: Hachiman Okami, Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, Empress Jingu (Okinagatarashihime).
What blessings can you pray for at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is known for: Victory, General Prosperity, Family Safety.
How do I get to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
The nearest station is Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line). It is about a 10-minute walk from the station.