Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine

This is Kamakura's most famous shrine or at least the most popular. This shrine was created ny the first Kamakura Shogunate who dedicated it to Hachiman, the god of war. The construction started in 1191, old right. The construction of the shrine also included a long lane with cherry trees which branches intertwine along the path. 

These are two pictures of the beginning lane. There are two guardian dogs who protect the shrine and the tori which acts as a barrier to keep evil out. The lane has been untouched by construction except to keep from falling apart.

There a pillar near the entrance as well with Kanji written on it. I have no idea what it says and I forgot to ask the guide. If anyone knows please inform me in a commet please.

The first thing you see as you enter the outer part of the shrine is a good size hill-like bridge. You can't see it in the picture but there is a gate in front of the bridge. The gate is there because this bridge is for god and the shogun only. In fact the paved path that is in the center of the road that leads to the main part of the shrine is god's road. Of course, when I say god, I don't mean a west kind of god, but the kami. Gods which exist in everything and everywhere.

We took this bridge to a smaller shrine on one of the ponds. So I shall know talk about the two pounds.

When the shrine was being constructed the wife of the shogun requested two ponds be made as well. One pond is the Taira pond which has four islands in it and the other is the Minamoto pond which has three islands. The shrine is created after the Genji wars where Minamoto clan fought against the Taira clan. The islands also represent something as well. The four islands on the Taira pond symbolize the character for death while the three islands represent prosperity. In other words, death to the Taira and prosperity for the Minamoto.

Here is a picture of the smaller shrine.

This shrine is still in use and one of the priest were even laying out offering do the kami. Eggs apparently since the day I went was the day of the snake, which like eggs.

Next time, I will do the main shrine with a surprise.

Me out.