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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kamakura Shrine is a shrine located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, dedicated to Prince Moriyoshi Shinno, an imperial family member from the late Kamakura period. Founded in the Meiji period, it is a shrine with historical elements, built during the Shinto revival that occurred from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. The shrine building is a calming structure with a tiled roof, and is surrounded by a shrine forest, making it a popular spot among Kamakura's tourist destinations where you can quietly feel the history of the area.
Highlights
- Shrine and worship hall: The shrine and worship hall are calmly designed. You can feel the history of Kamakura through worship.
- The atmosphere of the temple grounds: A quiet forest, stone steps, and information boards pointing out historical sites. It's a relaxing space to stroll around.
- Historical sites and monuments: There are spots where you can trace historical facts, such as historical sites and memorial monuments related to Prince Morinaga.
- Seasonal scenery: You can enjoy the scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms, fresh greenery in spring, and autumn leaves (a quiet viewing spot that is less likely to be crowded).
- Small observation point: There is a place within the temple grounds where you can see the cityscape and mountains of Kamakura (weather permitting).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Kamakura Station or Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura Station are the nearest major stations.
- Walking: Approximately 15-20 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station, including uphill climbs and stone steps (this may vary depending on your walking pace and route).
- Bus: From the east exit of Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima Electric Railway Bus or Keihin Kyuko Bus and get off at the Daitonomiya bus stop. It is a few minutes' walk from the bus stop.
- By car: The surrounding roads are narrow and parking is limited. We recommend using public transportation.
- Note: For details about the shrine office opening hours and visiting the shrine, please check the official information or local guide in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visit only: About 30 minutes
- Including strolling around the temple grounds and taking photos: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes
- Combining the tour with other nearby temples and shrines: Half a day to a full day (combined with nearby Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kenchoji Temple, Engakuji Temple, the Hase area, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: A representative shrine and temple of Kamakura. Accessible by foot or bus from Kamakura Shrine.
- Kenchoji Temple and Engakuji Temple (Kita-Kamakura): Famous as Zen temples, you can enjoy seasonal worship and gardens.
- Hase, Hasedera Temple, Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha): A popular tourist area. This is part of the tourist route that includes Kamakura Shrine.
- Komachi-dori: A street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Convenient for eating and shopping after visiting the shrine.
- Other: There are many seasonal attractions scattered around the area, such as Hokoku-ji Temple (Bamboo Temple) and Meigetsu-in Temple (Hydrangea Temple).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: While it's not as crowded as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine or Hasedera Temple, the number of visitors increases on weekends and during tourist seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, and long weekends). If you want to visit quietly, we recommend weekdays or early morning hours.
- Clothing and footing: The temple grounds may have stone steps, slopes, and unpaved areas. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Manners: Please observe proper etiquette at the worship hall (washing your hands, bowing twice, clapping twice, bowing once, etc.) and behave quietly within the grounds. Please avoid taking photos or speaking loudly near the cemetery or memorial monuments.
- Photography: Generally, there is no problem with taking photos within the temple grounds, but please be considerate when there are festivals or priests working. If you intend to use the photos for commercial purposes, please check in advance.
- Seasonal precautions: There are slippery areas during the rainy season and on rainy days. Take precautions against the heat in summer, and be careful of the time in winter as the sun sets early.
- Check access: Bus times and opening and closing times of the shrine office are subject to change. We recommend checking official information or local guides in advance.
(Note) Kamakura Shrine is a relatively quiet spot among Kamakura's tourist attractions. It is perfect for those who want to spend some quiet time immersed in history, or for those who want to combine it with the surrounding temples and shrines as part of a half-day to full-day walking plan.
