The biggest shrine and also the easiest to find in Kamakura, Tsurugaoka Hachimangû has played as an important center to the city. Standing at the north end of the main drag, Tsurugaoka stands high above the trees and the surrounding buildings with tori gates lining the drag to the sea. The shrine was founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and then later moved to its present location in 1180 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura period (1180-1333 C.E.). In 1219, Tsurugaoka was the site of the end of Yoritomo's line when his son Sanetomo, was assassinated on the stairs of the shrine by his nephew, Kugyô, who wanted to become the shogun. Four hours later, Kugyô was executed and thus the ruling line ended. The Kamakura government was led from that point on by Yoritomo's wife Hôjô Masako and her family, and because they were not related to Yoritomo by blood, they refused the title of shogun and thereby the Kamakura period is not referred to as a shogunate.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 9.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangû is a beautiful shrine with gardens and ponds filled with all sorts of life. As a warrior shrine, the good-luck charms and iconography are centered around warriors. During matsuri (festivals), warrior demonstrations like mounted archery are performed. Currently a seed of the previous sacred tree at the shrine is growing next to the stairs of the shrine. Be sure to go to the top of the stairs to get a great view of the ocean, the city, and Mt. Fuji if the weather permits.