Kamakura-gu Annual Festival

About this event

This is the annual grand festival held every year from August 19 to 21 at Kamakura-gu Shrine, which enshrines Prince Morinaga (Daitonomiya), a leading figure in the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate. Founded in the 2nd year of the Meiji era (1869) by imperial decree of Emperor Meiji, this shrine conducts solemn Shinto rituals on the anniversary of Prince Morinaga's death. Within the shrine grounds remains a rock cave roughly 4 meters wide and 4 meters deep where the Prince is said to have been imprisoned, and the treasure hall houses artifacts associated with him. Set in quiet shrine grounds surrounded by trees, this festival allows visitors to reflect upon Kamakura's deep history. Highlights include historic sites associated with Prince Morinaga remaining on the grounds, such as the imprisonment cave and the treasure hall, which are unique to Kamakura-gu. Visitors can also enjoy sake cup breaking at the Yakuwari-sha shrine to ward off evil and view hydrangeas in the sacred garden. The Shinto rituals conducted in a solemn atmosphere nestled in the mountains of Kamakura are truly exceptional. Kamakura-gu was founded in 1869 (Meiji 2) by imperial decree of Emperor Meiji; its enshrined deity, Prince Morinaga, was the son of Emperor Go-Daigo and was killed in this location in 1335 after overthrowing the Kamakura shogunate. Built to console the spirit of the Prince who dedicated his efforts to overthrowing the shogunate, the shrine also stands as a symbol of the reassessment of Prince Morinaga since the Meiji period.

Venue

Kamakura-gu Shrine

154 Nikaido, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0002