Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine was originally in Yuigahama and dedicated to Iwashimizu Shrine in Kyoto. After that, it was brought to its present location by Yoritomo Minamoto's Shogunate on his entry into Kamakura.

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine :
Tel 0467-22-0315

In these museums, you will find displays of items related to Kamakura. The Museum of Literature was originally the summer residence of the Marquis Maeda, a feudal lord, and has kept the original facade. The Museum of National Treasures is in a building reminiscent of the log house construction of Shoso-in Temple in Nara.

Kamakura Museum of Literature: Tel 0467-23-3911
Kamakura Museum of National Treasures: Tel 0467-22-0753

9:30 a.m.~5:00 p.m.(Entrance 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: Mondays (The following day if it falls a national holiday) , the day after holidays and around New Year
Admission: Dependent on the exhibition.

Tel 0467-22-5000

Egara-tenjinsha Shrine is one of the three shrines in Japan dedicated to Tenjin, the deified spirit of Sugawara Michizane, who was the god of education. At the nearby Kamakura-gu shrine, there is an annual torchlit performance of a Noh play.

Egara-tenjinsha Shrine: Tel 0467-25-1772
Kamakura-gu Shrine: Tel 0467-22-0318

This temple was founded by Do-un Nikaido, a high-ranking official of the Kamakura Shogu-nate. Thereafter, its name was changed to Zuisenji by Takauji Ashikaga of the Muromachi Shogunate and flourished as the Ashikaga family temple. There is a plum grove and flowers according to the season to be found in the grounds.

Zuisen-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-1191

This temple is famous for the bamboo forest behind the main road. In the serene air of the bamboo garden nestle stone buddhas and five-tiered pagodas (Gorinto) and you can experience the special atmosphere of a Zen Temple.

Hokoku-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-0762

Cherry trees line the way to the main hall. Ranked fifth among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.

9:00 a.m.~4:30 p.m.
Adults ¥100 / Children ¥50

Jomyo-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-2818

The process of making Kamakura-bori is displayed.

Kamakura-Bori Carving
A 700 year old local craft in which designs are chiselled into hard-wood articles and then lacquered in a special process. Items such as trays, bowls, hand mirrors, etc. are sold in shops on and around Wakamiya-oji Avenue.

9:30 a.m.~5:00 p.m. (Entrance 4:30 p.m.)
Closed:Summer vacation, around New Year.
Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150

Tel 0467-25-1502

Yoritomo Minamoto was told to build this shrine in a dream he had on the day of the Serpent, in the month of the Serpent, in the year of the Serpent. It is also famous for the site of one of Kamakura's 5 noted wells. It is said that if you wash your money in the water here, its value will double.

Zeniarai-Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine: Tel 0467-25-1081

The Great Buddha is a made of bronze. The art of bronze sculpture was started in 1252 but the exact date of this statue's completion is unclear. At that time, the statue was housed in a temple but the building was washed away in strong winds and a tsunami and the statue is now in its present position.

Kotoku-in Temple: Tel 0467-22-0703

This is an old temple dating back to before the Kamakura period. The main attraction is the Juichimen Kannon, a bodhisattva with 11 faces which stands at 9.18 meters and is one of the tallest wooden statues in Japan. From the scenic viewpoint you can see the beach of Yuigahama and the town of Kamakura. The Houmotsukan Museum is also home to important cultural properties such as the temple bell and Buddhist votive figures.

Hase-Dera Temple: Tel 0467-22-6300

Engakuji is the main temple of the Engakuji school within the Rikai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is the number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Enkakuji was founded by The Regent of Shogunate government, Tokimune Hojo, who invited Mugaku Sogen from China. In the grounds is the temple bell, which is a national treasure, and the Shariden Hall of Holy Relics.

Engakuji Temple: Tel 0467-22-0478

Tokei-ji was founded in 1285 by Tokimune Hojo's wife, Kakusan-ni, and was a convent where men were forbidden to enter. It offered sanctuary to many women and was also known as the “Enkiri Dera” (temple of ending relationships). Today, the temple is beloved as one of Kamakura’s many temples with beautiful flowers.

Tokei-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-1663

Surrounded by cypress trees. The temple has an unusual belfry at the main gate and moss covered steps in the back.

8 min. walk.

9:00 a.m.~ 4:30 p.m. (~5:00 p.m. Mar.~Oct.)
Adults ¥150 / Children ¥80

Jochi-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-3943

This is known as the Ajisai (Hydreangea) Temple because of the many hydrangeas all around the temple grounds. Around 90% of the blooms are Hime Ajisai, an ancient Japanese variety. The Regent, Tokiyori Hojo has his last resting place here.

Meigetsu-in Temple: Tel 0467-24-3437

Kenchoji is the main temple in the Kenchoji school within the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and is the number one of Kamakura's 5 great Zen temples. Kenchoji was founded by The Regent of Shogunate government, Tokiyori Hojo who invited Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China, to be its first head priest. The grounds are nationally designated historical sites and the temple bell is a national treasure.

Kencho-ji Temple: Tel 0467-22-0981

Komachi Dori street stretches from the east exit of Kamakura station, through a little red torii gate, and it is here you can find many restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. The street is always thronged with young people and tourists enjoying some shopping. Running parallel to Komachi is Wakamiya-oji street, which is the main street in Kamakura, leading up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Dankazura Street is the slightly elevated walkway down the center of the main street, and was built by Yoritomo Minamoto to pray for safe childbirth for his wife, Masako. There are cherry blossoms and azaleas blooming here depending on the season, and the promenade is decorated with lanterns during festivals, creating a delightful scene typical of Kamakura.