Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine sits at the foot of Mount Daijinyama. It was built in 1063, and has a deep connection with Minamotono Yoritomo, the first military commander and founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. He moved the shrine to its current location to have the shrine as a form of protection for his government. The god Hachiman enshrined here is said to grant prowess in work and competition.
The shrine is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The road from Yuigahama Beach to the main hall of the shrine has cherry blossoms on both sides, which bloom beautifully in the spring.
Throughout the year, many festivals are held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. In the spring and autumn, the Yabusame, a traditional horseback archery festival is held. In the summer, the famous Bonbori Festival is held, where hundreds of paper lanterns are lit throughout the shrine.