Written by Maria Danuco
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.
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Schedule 2026
This year marks the 68th edition of the event.
April 12 (Sun.)
- 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 2:30 p.m.).
April 18 (Sat.)
- 10:00–15:00: At Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine (free), there will be a large outdoor tea ceremony.
April 19 (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 at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine.
Mid
Apr
2027
鎌倉まつり
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 0.8 km from Kamakura Station Yokosuka Line (JO13)Enoshima Electric Railway (EN15)
- 1.6 km from Wadazuka Station Enoshima Electric Railway (EN14)
