Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

鶴岡八幡宮

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a large Shinto shrine in Kamakura, first founded in 1063. It is the spiritual center of the old capital Kamakura, and the city was built around it. Together with Usa and Iwashimizu, it is one of the major Hachimangu shrines in Japan. Events and festivals take place throughout the year, and visitors can also see a treasure hall.

Open in Google Maps ↗ Directions ↗

Visitor information

Opening hours: Visit Kanagawa lists the hours as 6:00–20:00.
Closed: Open every day (no closing days listed).
Admission: Entry to the shrine grounds is free. Treasure hall: adults 200 yen, elementary school children 100 yen.
Getting there: About a 10-minute walk from the east exit of JR Kamakura Station (Yokosuka Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line), or from Enoden Kamakura Station.
Time needed: Suggested visit time: about 1 hour.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Tips for Muslim visitors

The Main Shrine is reached by a large stone staircase. Joining the Shinto worship is not required; visitors can enjoy the approach, the grounds and the treasure museum.
A large festival in April draws thousands of visitors, so expect crowds then.
Shinto shrines are open to everyone. Bowing, clapping and washing at the purification basin are optional; you can simply look around.
Shrines are usually busiest at New Year and during festivals. Early morning is often the calmest time to visit.
Charms, fortune slips and votive tablets are religious items. You do not need to buy or use them.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kanagawa and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.