Egara Tenjin Shrine, Sagami Travel Guide

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A historic Kamakura shrine dedicated to the deity of scholarship, featuring stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.

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Egara Tenjin Shrine

Egara Tenjin Shrine, nestled in Kamakura, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. Founded in 1104, it's one of Japan's oldest Tenjin shrines, attracting students praying for academic success. The shrine features a main hall reconstructed in the 17th century, a 900-year-old ginkgo tree, and a brush monument honoring manga artists.

A brief summary to Egara Tenjin Shrine

74 Nikaidō, Kamakura, Nikaidō, Kanagawa, 248-0002, JP
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Egara Tenjin Shrine.

Visit during January-March to witness students praying for academic success and see the Ema (wooden prayer plaques) adorning the shrine.
Explore the shrine grounds to find the 900-year-old ginkgo tree and the plum garden, which blooms with the earliest plum blossoms in Kamakura.
Don't miss the brush monuments dedicated to manga artists, showcasing unique Kappa sculptures.

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Getting There

Walking

From Kamakura Station, Egara Tenjin Shrine is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head northeast from the station, following the main road. The shrine is located in a quiet valley, offering a peaceful approach. There are no entrance fees to access the shrine.
Public Transport

From Kamakura Station East Exit, take a Keikyu Bus (bound for Daitomiya) from bus stop #5. Get off at the 'Tenjin-mae' bus stop, which is about a 7-minute bus ride. From there, it's a 3-minute walk to the shrine. Bus fare is approximately ¥200-300.

Discover more about Egara Tenjin Shrine

Egara Tenjin Shrine, located in Kamakura, is a serene and historically significant Shinto shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship. Founded in 1104, it stands as one of the three oldest Tenjin shrines in Japan, alongside Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka. The shrine has been revered for centuries, attracting those seeking blessings for academic success.The shrine's main hall, painted in a traditional Shinto vermilion color, was reconstructed in the early 17th century using materials from the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This structure is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, reflecting Kamakura-period architectural style. A 900-year-old sacred ginkgo tree stands on the grounds, believed to mark the spot where the statue of Tenjin descended. In autumn, its golden leaves create a stunning display.Egara Tenjin Shrine is also known for its plum blossoms, with over 100 plum trees, including the earliest blooming winter plum in Kamakura. The shrine grounds also feature a unique brush monument (Fude-kuyoo) and Efudezuka monument dedicated to manga artists, featuring sculptures of Kappa, a mythical creature, painted by 154 cartoonists. Students often visit to write their wishes on wooden tablets (Ema) to pray for success in their exams. During exam season, priests offer Shinto prayers for students.