Kuzuharaoka Shrine: A Peaceful Sanctuary
Find tranquility and blessings at Kuzuharaoka Shrine in Kamakura, a historical site known for love, luck, and seasonal beauty.
Kuzuharaoka Shrine, located within Genjiyama Park in Kamakura, is a serene Shinto shrine with a rich history and a reputation as a place for love and good fortune. Established in 1887, the shrine commemorates Hino Toshimoto, a court noble and advisor to Emperor Go-Daigo, who was executed on these grounds in 1332 for his role in a plot to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate. Toshimoto's loyalty and ideals resonated during the Meiji Restoration, leading to the establishment of the shrine in his honor. Today, visitors come to Kuzuharaoka Shrine to pray for success in love and relationships, academic achievement, and general good fortune. The shrine is particularly famous for its "Enmusubi Stone," where visitors tie a five-yen coin with a red string between the male and female stones to wish for a happy match. A wooden statue of Daikoku-sama, symbolizing luck in marriage and prosperity, also stands within the grounds. The shrine's grounds offer seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and vibrant autumn foliage. The "Mt. Fuji Viewing Deck" provides panoramic views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji on clear days. Visitors can also participate in unique traditions, such as breaking a small sake cup at the "Masaru Stone" to ward off bad luck. Kuzuharaoka Shrine is a stop along the popular Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Course, making it an ideal destination for a nature walk.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the shrine's peaceful atmosphere.
- Tie a five-yen coin with a red string to the Enmusubi Stone to wish for luck in love and relationships.
- Enjoy the seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn foliage.
- Take a break at Komorebi Plaza, near the shrine, for a relaxing rest or a light snack.
- Combine your visit with a hike along the Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Hiking Course.
A brief summary to Kuzuharaoka Shrine
- 5 Chome-9-1 Kajiwara, Kamakura, 5 Chome Kajiwara, Kanagawa, 247-0062, JP
- +81467-45-9002
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Walking
From Kamakura Station (West Exit), the shrine is approximately a 30-35 minute walk. The route takes you through the lush grounds of Genjiyama Park. Follow the signs for Kuzuharaoka Shrine and enjoy the scenic walk through the park. There are no entrance fees for the park or shrine.
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Public Transport
From Kamakura Station (East Exit), take a bus towards Daibutsu or Kita-Kamakura. Get off at a bus stop near Genjiyama Park and follow the walking directions. Bus fares typically cost around ¥200-300 per ride. Alternatively, take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station, and walk approximately 20 minutes to the shrine.
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Taxi
From Kamakura Station, a taxi ride to Kuzuharaoka Shrine takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥1,000-¥1,500. Note that on weekends and "mi-no-hi" (days of the snake), vehicle access may be restricted due to traffic regulations.
