Kamakura's Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Basic Statistics:
What? Shinto Shrine
Where? Kamakura, Japan
Why? It's the most important shrine in Kamakura, which used to be the capital of Japan. It's painted with bright colours and filled with fields of waterlilies. Kamakura, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, makes a very convenient day trip from Tokyo.
How Much? Free

The entrance to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a short walk from the Kamakura train station. Most guidebooks recommend approaching the shrine via Wakamiya Oji, a very long and old ceremonial road that's lined with lovely cherry trees. In the spring it is blooming and beautiful like in this googlesnatched photo:



When I was there, it looked like this, which I also liked:



This Tori means you're in the right place:


Don't forget to wash out your hands and mouth with the water here:





Follow these stairs to reach the main shrine, but notice the large Ginkgo tree on the left.



I found myself drawn to this tree for some reason, even though I couldn't read any of the sign posted in front of it. I later found out that it is more than 1000 years old, and that Kugyo Minamoto hid behind it before stabbing and killing his uncle Sanetomo Minamoto, the Third Shogun, in 1219.




Most of the shrine buildings are painted a brilliant vermilion.




Don't miss the fields of waterlilies. I had the good luck to be rushed through them by a crowd of adorable children as the shrine's school was letting out.