Kamakura Festival

In its 67th year, the Kamakura Festival, also known as the Kamakura Matsuri, is a festival based around the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.

What happens?

The festival features a parade with mikoshi (portable shrines) carried down the famous Wakamiya Ōji Street towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. Also expect performances such as traditional dancing.

The shrine invites tourists to an outdoor tea ceremony to try matcha, as well as a display of horseback archery (yabusame) on the weekend after the parade.

Schedule 2025

This year the horseback archery will be back.

April 13 (Sun.)

• 10:00: The mikoshi procession will make its way towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
• 15:30: A traditional and ancient dance will be performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (explanation from 3 p.m.).

April 19 (Sat.)

• 10:00–15:00: At Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (free), there will be a large outdoor tea ceremony.

April 20 (Sun.)

• 10:00–15:00: At Kōtoku-in Temple (admission fee only) — where the Great Buddha is held — there will also be a large outdoor tea ceremony.
• 13:00: Horseback archery will be performed.