Kamakura-gu Shrine
鎌倉宮
A shrine enshrining Prince Morinaga, son of Emperor Go-Daigo, where you can see the earthen dungeon where he was held, and throw small ceramic dishes at the “Yakuwari Stone” to ward off misfortune.
Kamakura-gū was founded on orders from Emperor Meiji in 1869 to enshrine Prince Morinaga, who was imprisoned and killed here during the turmoil of the Northern and Southern Courts; he is popularly known as “Ōtō-no-miya.” Behind the main hall is the earthen dungeon cave where the prince was said to have been held for more than half a year. Beside it, the treasure hall displays related artefacts (about ¥300). The “Yakuwari Stone” on the grounds is very popular. You blow into a small clay dish and throw it hard at the stone, symbolising the breaking of misfortune. Every October the shrine hosts the Kamakura Takimi Nō, a torch-lit Noh performance. It is about a 10-minute bus ride from the east exit of Kamakura Station, or a 20-minute walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Opening hours
9:30 am–4:30 pm (Treasure Hall)
Nearby sights
- Hokoku-ji Temple (Bamboo Temple)
- Zuisen-ji Temple
- Kamakura Museum of National Treasures
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Kencho-ji Temple
- Komachi-dori
- Meigetsu-in
- Jochi-ji Temple