Sep 14
~
Sep 16

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Grand Festival

6:00am – 9:00pm
Free

Every year in September, Kamakura’s most famous shrine Tsurugaoka Hachimangū hosts a grand festival. Having started around 800 years ago, this festival holds great significance and offers a rare opportunity to see Shinto traditions firsthand.

What happens?

This festival takes place across 3 consecutive days, with there being a variety of religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Schedule 2024

Here are the highlights of the festival:

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    September 14 (Sat.)

  • Yoimiya Festival: An evening ceremony which signals the start of the grand festival
  • September 15 (Sun.)

  • Shinko Festival: A mikoshi (portable shrine) procession
  • September 16 (Mon.)

  • Yabusame Ritual: A horseback archery demonstration
  • Suzumushi Release Festival: Shinto ritual in which bell crickets are released

How to get there

To get Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Grand Festival, take the JR Yokosuka Linke or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kamakura Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take the Enoshima Electric Railway to Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura Station and walk 10 minutes.

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

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