I went to Kamakura.
What is Kamakura?
Kamakura is one of Japanese traditional city. The city was prosperous from 12 to 13 century (About 150 years).
The beginning is General Minamoto no Yoritomo established a military government in this city. The government continued until 1333.
Yokosuka Line directly brings you to Kamakura station from Tokyo station. The place is convenient than I thought.
And, the one of famous sightseeing spots is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Roughly)
Tsurugaoka Hachmangu is a shline venerating there deities. Emperor Ojin (as a male deity), Himegami (as a female deity) who is a wife of Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu (as a female deity) who is the mother of Emperor Ojin.
Ordinarily, the shrine was located in Yuigahama which is the name of southern coast in Kamakura, however, the first general of Kamakura Shogunate, Minamoto no Yoritomo moved it to the present place.
The devine favors or Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are victory, love, health, vital force, easy delivery, etc.
The Approach of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu ~Wakamiya Oji Dankazura~
The approach from Yuigahama to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is called Wakamiya Oji(若宮大路(わかみやおおじ)). Especially, the higher-step approach is called Dankazura(段葛(だんかずら)). The place is famous as Sakura.
Dankazura is said that it was designed to pretend to have a longer distance than the actual distance due to a militarily reason( I have no idea why pretending longer approach becomes an militarily advantage). Closer to the main shrine, narrower the width.
The following photos are not good shops, but can you see the approach width are different? (Please show the width by lining people)
Fortune (okukuji)
Apparentely,the fortune for drawing in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu contains many Curse or Great Curse. Wow, great curse… I’ve never drawn it. If I draw, it must be shocking.
When I drew, the stick says No.1! So, I asked a shrine maiden ” Please give me fortune No.1!” (In Japanese, “ichi ban kudasai （一番ください））。
It was Ending Fortune (Ending Blessing) though it was No.1.
Why recent fortunes which I drew says “Your hope will come true but you must work hard”? The fortune I drew in Sensoji Temple also said that. Because it is true? Well, the fortune says good thing, I should satisfied the saying =3
Votive Picture Tablet (ema)
I didn’t write anything, but you can buy a votive picture tablet designed a leaf of ginkgo. It is cute.
Goshuin
I gained a Goshuin after visiting☆
Reference
TSURUGAOKA HACHIMANGU (English)
TripAdvisor (To see the review)
Information
Click following link if you are looking for accommodation in Kamakura
Hotels.com
Click the follwoing link if you are looking for your flight from overseas to Japan
Expedia