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:
- Yoimiya Festival: An evening ceremony which signals the start of the grand festival
- Shinko Festival: A mikoshi (portable shrine) procession
- Yabusame Ritual: A horseback archery demonstration
- Suzumushi Release Festival: Shinto ritual in which bell crickets are released
September 14 (Sat.)
September 15 (Sun.)
September 16 (Mon.)
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.
14th Sep–16th Sep, 2025
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6:00am – 9:00pm
鶴岡八幡宮例大祭
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)
