Goryo Shrine

Goryo Shrine in Kamakura is a historic Shinto shrine established in the late 11th century during the late Heian period, predating the Kamakura shogunate. The shrine is dedicated to Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa, a samurai warrior born in 1069 who became legendary for his extraordinary bravery during the Gosannen War in 1085. According to legend, at age 16, an enemy arrow pierced through his eye visor during battle, yet he continued fighting and slew his attacker before returning to camp with the arrow still lodged in his eye socket. This tale of valor made him an enduring symbol of samurai courage, and locals affectionately call the shrine "Gongoro-sama" in his honor.

The shrine holds significant cultural importance as a guardian of the Sakanoshita and Hase areas. Originally known as Gorei-sha and dedicated to the five ancestral spirits of the Bando Heishi families, it eventually became primarily associated with Kagemasa. Because of his eye injury legend, the shrine has long been revered as a place for healing eye diseases and preventing disasters. The grounds feature historic landmarks including the "Meoto Ginkgo" (paired ginkgo trees symbolizing marital harmony), and massive stones called "Tamoto-ishi" weighing 105 kilograms and "Tedama-ishi" weighing 60 kilograms, which legend claims Kagemasa carried as if they were toys, demonstrating his superhuman strength. A 350-year-old tabu tree stands before the shrine office, designated as a natural monument of Kamakura and recognized among the "100 Famous Trees of Kanagawa".

Visitors are drawn to Goryo Shrine for its unique visual character and seasonal beauty. The shrine's distinctive feature is the Enoden railway (Enoshima Electric Railway) that passes directly in front of the torii gate, creating a picturesque scene beloved by photographers and featured in Japanese dramas. In June, hydrangeas bloom prolifically along the railway tracks and throughout the shrine grounds, transforming the area into a vibrant display of color. The shrine offers monthly goshuin (shrine stamps) themed around seasonal flowers and events, and visitors may encounter "Usshi," a cow-patterned cat considered the honorary chief priest whose appearance is regarded as lucky.

To reach Goryo Shrine, take the Enoden Line from either Kamakura Station or Fujisawa Station and alight at Hase Station. The scenic Enoden train ride itself offers coastal views along Shonan Bay. The shrine grounds are open during daylight hours and close at night. There is no admission fee to enter the shrine grounds, though viewing the festival masks in the treasure house costs ¥100. Photography is not permitted inside the shrine grounds, preserving the sacred atmosphere, though the exterior torii gate with passing trains remains a popular photo opportunity.