Tsurugaoka hachimangu

In August 1063, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi invited the Hachimangu Shrine from Ishimizu to Yui-go in Tsurugaoka, Kamakura, founding Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Originally located in present-day Zaimokuza 1-chome, the shrine was rebuilt in its current dual structure of the Upper Shrine and Lower Shrine in 1191 after the original building was destroyed by fire.

After the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Yoshiie restored the shrine, strengthening its connection to the samurai class.
Although it declined temporarily with the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate, it was later supported by the Tokugawa Shogunate, leading to an increase in scale and importance.

After passing through the torii and crossing the Taiko Bridge, a long approach path lined with stone lanterns leads to the shrine.
The stone-paved path is bustling with visitors.
The view from the approach, through the Romon Gate, and up to the main hall is impressive, with many stopping to take photographs.
The chozuya (purification fountain) is decorated in the same colors as the shrine buildings, painted in bright red with colorful carvings and designs.

The first hall you encounter is the Mai-den (Dance Hall), also known as the Lower Worship Hall.
One famous story involves Shizuka Gozen, who danced for Minamoto no Yoritomo at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, though it is believed she danced at the corridor of the Wakamiya Shrine as the Mai-den did not exist at the time.

Behind the Mai-den is a large stone stairway with 61 steps.
A giant ginkgo tree once stood beside these steps, but it fell in 2010, leaving only the trunk.
Stone guardian dogs flank the stairway, and at the top stands the Romon Gate.

Beside the large stone steps and the Mai-den stands the Wakamiya Shrine.
This shrine, considered the lower shrine of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, enshrines deities including Emperor Nintoku and Emperor Richu.
Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the building is painted entirely in red, similar to the upper shrine, though it features fewer decorations.
The main hall is a large go-sha (five-bay) structure.

At the back of the shrine grounds stands the Shirahata Shrine.
It enshrines Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, and Minamoto no Sanetomo, the third shogun.
Named after the white banners of the Minamoto clan, there are over 70 shrines with this name across Japan.

The entire shrine is painted black, with the four extended eaves pillars featuring red chamfered corners, supported by elbow brackets.
This shrine has a different atmosphere compared to the vibrant upper shrine, giving it a more solemn and imposing impression befitting a shrine dedicated to warriors.

Within the shrine grounds are two ponds called Genpei Ike.
Said to have been dug by Hojo Masako, the eastern pond, called Genji Pond, has three islands, while the western pond, called Heike Pond, has four islands.

On one of the islands in the eastern Genji Pond stands the Hataage Benten Shrine.
It was originally built in 1182 by order of Hojo Masako to pray for the destruction of the Taira clan.
Though it declined due to the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it was restored in 1980 based on old drawings.