Teruji Hagiwara (Japan Artists Association member)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

This temple was founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi as a branch of Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto. It was originally located in Tsurugaoka near the Yuigahama coast, but was moved to the present location in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo to make it the core of the planned city of Kamakura. After being destroyed by a fire in 1191, the temple was rebuilt with the present layout. The view from Hongu, the main building of the temple, of the Kamakura city along the Wakamiya Oji street is magnificent.

Takesi Yokoi (Mokuhan urara Kai)

Tourist attractions include Homotsuden, or a treasure house, big ginkgo leaves, Sugaraba haiku-inscribed monument, Minamoto Sanetomo tanka-inscribed monument, the Kamakura Kokuhokan museum, and a prefectural art museum.

Seasonal flowers: <spring> tree peony, wisteria, peony <summer> lotus <winter> winter tree peony

Annual events: Chona Hajime Ceremony (January 4), Joma Ceremony (January 5), Setsubun Festival (February 3), Kamakura Festival (Shizuka-no-mai on the second Sunday of April, and Yabusame on the third Sunday of April), Shobu Festival (May 5), Nakoshi Festival (August 7), Risshu Festival (August 8), Sanetomo Festival (August 9), Bonbori Festival (August 7-9), Reitaisai, of Annual Grand Festival (November 15), Yabusame Ceremony (September 16), Gochinza Memorial Festival (December 16).

Time required: 30 minutes to two hours

TEL  (0467) 22-0315