Precinct guide
※kami (the Japanese word for Shinto deities or sacred beings)
1. Hongu 本宮 (Main Shrine)
-
Enshrined kami: - Emperor Ojin
- Hime-gami
- Empress Jingu
- Main Annual Rite:
- 15th September
On the top of the stone steps, you can see the great gate and corridor surrounding the main shrine. The main shrine has three halls: the Main Sanctuary (本殿, Honden), the Offering Chamber (幣殿, Heiden), and the Worship Hall (拝殿, Haiden). These three halls are connected to each other. This style of shrine architecture developed in Edo period.
Both the inside and the outside of the shrine are decorated with carving and painting. The buildings were constructed in 1828 by Tokugawa Ienari (11th Tokugawa shogun ), and the entire shrine is designated a nationally important cultural property as it typifies Edo style architecture.
2. Wakamiya Shrine 若宮
-
Enshrined kami: - Emperor Nintoku
- Emperor Richu
- Empress Nakano
- Empress Iwano
- Main Annual Rite:
- 3rd April
Emperor Ojin’s children and spouse are enshrined. The Wakamiya has been revered as the main shrine. This shrine is also in the same architectural style as the Honden. It was repaired in 1624 by Tokugawa Hidetada (2nd Tokugawa shogun). This shrine is also designated a nationally important cultural property.
3. Shirahata Shrine 白旗神社
-
Enshrined kami: - Minamoto Yoritomo
- Minamoto Sanetomo
- Main Annual Rite:
- 28th May
Two rituals are held for this shrine besides the annual ritual. Both are to praise Minamoto Sanetomo (源 実朝, 1192-1219), Yoritomo’s son. He was assassinated by Sanetomo’s nephew Kugyo (公暁). He is also famous for his talents in art and literature.
4. Maruyama Inari Shrine 丸山稲荷社
-
Enshrined kami: - Ukano-mitamano-kami
- Main Annual Rite:
- 9th April
Maruyama Inari Shrine had been located in the place where Tsurugaoka Hachimangu stands today, and worshipped by local residents. Besides the annual ritual, they held rites known as Hatsuuma-sai and Hitaki-sai which were accompanied by local religious dances. The shrine building is Muromachi style architecture, and designated as a nationally important cultural property.
5. Takeuchi Shrine 武内社
-
Enshrined kami: - Takeuchi Sukune
- Main Annual Rite:
- 21st April
Takeuchi Sukune is famous for his longevity and loyalty. People still revere this shrine and pray for their own good health and longevity today. The shrine’s building is designated as a nationally important cultural property.
6. Imamiya Shrine 今宮
-
Enshrined kami: - Emperor Gotoba,
- Emperor Tsuchimikado,
- Emperor Juntoku.
- Main Annual Rite:
- 7th June
This shrine was built to commemorate the three emperors who had met unfortunate relating to the so-called Jokyu disturbance.
7. Soreisha 祖霊社 (Ancestral Shrine)
-
Enshrined kami: - Adored ancestors
- Main Annual Rite:
- The Vernal and Autumn Equinoxes
Ancestral spirits of parishioners and worshipers of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are enshrined here.
8. Yui Wakamiya Shrine 由比若宮
-
Enshrined kami: - Emperor Ojin
- Hime-gami
- Empress Jingu
- Annual Rite:
- 2nd April
The kami enshrined here are the same as those in the Main Sanctuary. Before Yoritomo built Tsurugaoka Hachimangu on the present site, this shrine was the original Hachiman in Kamakura.
9. Hata-age Benzaiten Shrine 旗上弁財天社
-
Enshrined kami: - Ichikishima-hime
- Main Annual Rite:
- the first day of the snake in April
This shrine was built on the isle on the east side of the Genpei ponds. The shrine was rebuilt in 1980 based on the old design drawing written during 1818-1829. People offer a prayer with vow to the white flag with two black lines which was the symbol of Yoritomo’s army.
10. Dankazura 段葛
This is the approach to the shrine, originally constructed on behalf of Yoritomo's wife, Masako, to pray for safe birth. In spring, full-blown cherry trees and azaleas make a ‘flower tunnel’ to the shrine.
11. Peony Garden神苑ぼたん庭園
You can enjoy the amazingly beautiful peonies in bloom in winter as well as in spring.
12. Genpei Pond 源平池
There are three islets in the east called Genji Pond and four in the west part called Heike Pond. It is said that they represent the rise and fall of the two clans, the Minamoto and the Taira. You can enjoy an excellent view of lotus blossoms in summer.
13. The Great Ginkgo大銀杏
This great ginkgo tree (about 1,000 years old) fell down on March 10 2010. This is the place where the 3rd Minamoto shogun, Sanetomo was assassinated by his nephew, Kugyo, who had hidden himself behind the tree. Thus, it is also called Hidden Ginkgo. Presently, many sprouts are visible emerging from the stump; and they are growing vigorously.
14. Shimohaiden/ Maiden 下拝殿/舞殿 (Lower Worship Hall)
Here dedicatory dances and music are performed.
Throughout the year, various rituals are performed here. This is a building of symbolic importance since it was here that the legendary dancer, Shizuka, performed her dedicatory dances.