What other travelers are saying about Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of those shrines that feels grand the moment you enter, with its long approach framed by ponds, bridges, and tall trees that guide you toward the main hall. Even if you’ve seen countless photos, the scale and atmosphere hit differently in person—wide stone steps rising up to the bright red shrine buildings, the sound of drums or prayers drifting through the air, and the flow of people moving at an unhurried pace. It’s usually crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, with tourists, school groups, and locals all weaving through the paths, but the size of the grounds keeps it from feeling claustrophobic. There’s a lot to explore: smaller sub-shrines tucked into quiet corners, koi-filled ponds, seasonal flowers, and long, shaded walkways that are perfect for strolling. The shrine is active, so you’ll often see ceremonies, weddings, or blessings happening, which adds to the cultural depth of the visit. The climb up the main staircase can be a bit tiring, but the view of Kamakura from the top—roofs, hills, and the long avenue stretching to the sea—is worth it. Around New Year and festival days, be prepared for serious crowds and lines, but on regular days it’s easy to find peaceful spots if you wander off the main path. There are plenty of cafés and shops nearby, and the whole area feels lively without being overwhelming. Overall, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a beautiful, vibrant, and culturally rich shrine that captures the spirit of Kamakura, and even with the crowds, it’s a must-visit.
It’s a nice shrine just like others. I like that it’s on the hill so you can see the view of dankazura. The temple itself is not really big but it’s surrounded with trees. The atmosphere is nice. But it was so crowded, so it doesn’t feel calm or peaceful. However, the temple is not far from the JR station. You can walk through the street food which makes this trip more enjoyable.
We visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and really enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful and peaceful shrine surrounded by nature. The atmosphere felt calm and relaxing. I was also happy to find some street food stalls near the entrance the snacks were delicious and made the visit even better!
The shrine is really popular. Since we came on Saturday, there's a lot of tourist. Even some children from different schools were sightseeing at this time. We are so glad that we got a chance to see a wedding ceremony. It was really amazing to see how the traditional wedding goes. You can also go inside the shrine. There are some stalls that sells tanghulu and accessories. The place is pretty crowded so it is recommended to go on a weekdays. The shrine was also highly maintained.
I highly recommend visiting this shrine, especially during the early morning hours. I arrived around 8 AM and it was nearly empty, making the entire experience incredibly peaceful and calming. The views around the shrine are fantastic absolutely gorgeous in every direction and the serenity adds to the overall impact.
From this location, it’s also very easy to visit another nearby shrine, so you can enjoy both in one outing. Entry is completely free; you do not need a ticket to access the grounds. However, once you’re inside the main shrine, be mindful not to take any photos. There are signs clearly indicating this, and if you miss them, someone nearby will likely remind you.
The energy of this place felt very tranquil and grounding. I took my time strolling through the area, enjoying the stillness and beauty. The flowers surrounding the shrine were in full bloom and made everything even more stunning. This was a 10 out of 10 experience, and I absolutely recommend stopping here before moving on to the next shrine nearb
The shrine was founded in 1063 by Yoriyoshi Minamoto and relocated and expanded by his descendant, shogun Yoritomo, in 1191.
There is a small admission fee of 200 yen for access to the Main Hall, but the rest of the grounds are free to explore.
Yes, visitors are welcome to participate in traditional Shinto rituals such as purification ceremonies and offering prayers and wishes at the main hall.
The shrine hosts various events and festivals annually, including the famous Yabusame (horseback archery) in April and September. Check their official website for a complete schedule.
Since the shrine is located in Kamakura, many other historical sites and cultural attractions, such as temples, gardens, and museums, are nearby. It's also a great place to experience traditional Japanese cuisine and shop. Check out Kamakura's iconic Great Buddha statue, which is just a short walk from the shrine.
