Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. It is counted as one of Kamakura’s five famous spots and is known as one of Japan’s leading power spots.
In addition to the main shrine buildings such as the main shrine and the dance hall, the grounds include the Tsuruoka Imperial Palace, a historic site from the Kamakura period, and Bentendo, one of the three major benten temples in Japan.
Route to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu from central Tokyo via the Metropolitan Expressway and National Route 1.
The specific route is as follows.
From central Tokyo take Shuto Expressway Route 2 towards Yokohama
Take the Metropolitan Expressway Kanagawa Route 1 towards Yokohama Station
Crossing the Yokohama Bay Bridge on the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line
Take National Route 1 towards Kamakura
Turn left at Yuigahama intersection and head towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The highlights of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine can be broadly divided into the following three types.
Main shrine
This is the main shrine building of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. It has been designated as a national treasure and preserves the architectural style of the Kamakura period.
Maiden
This is the place where Kagura and votive dances are performed during the festivals of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The floor of the stage remains as it was when it was built in the Kamakura period.
Tsuruoka Imperial Palace
This is an imperial palace built by Minamoto no Yoritomo. It is a good example of the samurai architecture style of the Kamakura period.
Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine motorcycle parking lot
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine has a parking lot for worshipers only, but motorcycles cannot be parked there, so you will have to park in a nearby paid parking lot.
Kamakura paid parking lot
This is an excellent parking lot located right near Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The fee is a bit high at 500 yen for every two hours, but you can also park large motorcycles, so I think it’s useful when parking.
Summary
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is an attractive shrine that combines history and nature. It is also recommended to enjoy a leisurely visit to the shrine while touring on a motorbike.
