Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is the heart of Kamakura City. Ten million people visit here in a year.
In 1180 the shrine was built by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first samurai shogun. The shrine was the guardian deity of his clan, Genji. Please enjoy the images of the attractive spots on the ground and my talking which includes the shrine, history, legends, and traditional customs.
Asia/Tokyo (UTC +9hs)
We walk "Dankazura Approach" to the shrine from the second Torii gate. The footway is unique because it runs through the center of the road. In the summer white and red lotus flowers bloom in the ponds. Hundreds of sake barrels are displayed in the precinct.
Walk up to the main shrine and look over the view of the downtown Kamakura. Lots of votive tablets are hung on the rack, The big gingko tree of 1000-year-old fell in 2010, but shoots have sprouted and a young tree is growing.
There are many spots of interest here! Walk on ‘Dankazura Approach’, see the stump of the fallen big ginkgo tree of 1,000 years old, offer a prayer at the main hall, draw an oracle, write a votive tablet, look over the view of the downtown Kamakura and lots more. The shrine had been the symbol of worship among the samurai warriors since its establishment in 1180 until the Meiji Restoration in1868. Today wedding ceremonies are held at the Dancing Hall on the shrine precinct. You may be lucky to come across a bride and groom here.
Guide fee
All included
We will meet you 9:00 am at our time. Please note that there is a difference between our time and yours.
The guide will use Skype and is not responsible for the bad internet connections and issues that are beyond the the control of the guide.
The shrine may be closed due to the rituals on the shrine ground.
I changed to at least three days notice.
“Amazing Day!”
What an incredible day with Taka visiting so many shrines and temples. His knowledge is absolutely amazing. He is such a kind person and it made the day all the better. He is so welcoming that I felt I was touring Japan with an old friend. Thank you Taka for a wonderful day. Please book with Taka when you come to Kamakura!
Takayasu H.
(14 reviews)Thank you very much for your words that surely encourages me to introduce my hometown to visitors from all of the world. I am very happy that you enjoyed the tour in Kamakura. Thank you again for appreciating my tour guide. Taka
“Day tour of kamakara”
Takayasu was an excellent guide! His explanations were clear we, enjoyed the historical information he presented. He adjusted the day at our request, because of rain and our need to be at the airport for our return home. He made sure our bags were taken care of appropriately, walking us in to the counter . I would recommend him wholeheartedly !
Takayasu H.
(14 reviews)Hi Lorraine, Thank you very much for your great words appreciating my guiding. It is a geat honor for me to have such warm review on my Kamakura tour. It was raining hard in the morning but it became sprinkling by the time we arrived at a shrine and temples. Therefore,we could visit more spots than I ecpected. I am glad to know you liked my explanation. Both of you were so eager to listen to my historical presentation. There are lots more spots in this ancient city. So please come again and I am happy to guide you.
“All good Tax was very knowledgeable”
Great tour
Takayasu H.
(14 reviews)Dennis, Thank you very much for your wonderful comments on my tour. I am very glad to know that you and Sandra enjoyed the traditional spots,shopping and food. You visited two of three ancient cities in Japan. I would like to show you around my home town. Kamakura which you have saved for the next visit. Please keep in touch. Takayasu