In its 66th 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 and a kyūdō tournament. On Sunday, April 21, the shrine invites tourists to an outdoor tea ceremony to try matcha.
Schedule 2024
Note that the horseback archery will not take place this year.
April 14 (Sun.)
- 09:30: A kyūdō tournament will take place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
- 10:00: The mikoshi procession will make its way towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
- 15:00: A traditional and ancient dance will be performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (explanation from 14:30).
April 21 (Sun.)
- 10:00–15:00: Both at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (free) and Kōtoku-in Temple (admission fee only) — where the Great Buddha is held — there will be a large outdoor tea ceremony.
In its 66th year, the Kamakura Festival, also known as the Kamakura Matsuri, is a festival based around the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
What happens?
The event features a parade with mikoshi (portable shrines) carried down the famous street Wakamiya Ōji towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, plus performances — including a tradtional dance — and a kyūdō tournament. On Sunday, April 21, the shrine invites tourists to an outdoor tea ceremony to try matcha.
Schedule 2024
Note that the horseback archery will not take place this year.
April 14
- 09:30: A kyūdō tournament will take place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
- 10:00: The mikoshi procession will make its way towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
- 15:00: A traditional and ancient dance will be performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (explanation from 14:30).
April 21
10:00–15:00: Both at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (free) and Kōtoku-in Temple (admission fee only) — where the Great Buddha is held — there will be a large outdoor tea ceremony.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.8 km from Kamakura Station Yokosuka Line (JO13)Enoshima Electric Railway (EN15)
- 1.6 km from Wadazuka Station Enoshima Electric Railway (EN14)
