Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine’s Second Torii Gate
The second torii gate of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a large vermilion torii gate standing at the starting point of the Dankazura (a raised walkway) on Wakamiya-oji Street. Located midway along the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine from Kamakura Station, it is known as one of Kamakura’s representative scenic spots.
History and Origin of the Second Torii Gate
The Three Torii Gates of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine has three torii gates arranged in order from the sea side: San-no-torii (Third Torii Gate), Nino-torii (Second Torii Gate), and Ichi-no-torii (First Torii Gate). San-no-torii stands along the Namekawa River near Yuigahama Beach, Nino-torii at the starting point of the Dankazura, and Ichi-no-torii at the entrance to the shrine grounds.
Relationship with Dangatsura
The Nino-Torii (second torii gate) is an important landmark marking the starting point of Dangatsura, a raised approach path built by Minamoto no Yoritomo for the safe delivery of his wife, Hojo Masako. Dangatsura is a raised approach path located in the center of Wakamiya-oji Street, stretching for approximately 480 meters. A major renovation was completed in 2016, restoring it to its original appearance.
Highlights of the Nino-Torii
Beautiful Vermilion Appearance
The Nino-Torii is a wooden torii gate painted in a vibrant vermilion color, characterized by its imposing height of approximately 8.5 meters. Its striking color, which complements the landscape of Wakamiya-oji Street, is popular with many tourists and photography enthusiasts.
Harmony with the Cherry Blossoms of Dangatsura
In spring, the cherry blossoms along Dangatsura are in full bloom, creating a magnificent contrast between the Nino-Torii and the cherry blossoms. From late March to early April, you can enjoy the scenery created by the vermilion torii gates and pale pink cherry blossoms.
Perspective of Wakamiya-oji Street
The Dankazura path is designed to narrow as you approach Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, creating a perspective effect that makes the distance seem longer than it actually is. You can truly appreciate this ingenious design when viewing the first torii gate from the second torii gate.
Points to Note When Visiting a Shrine
How to Pass Through a Torii Gate
Since the torii gate is considered the entrance to the sacred area, please observe the following manners:
- Bow Before Passing Through: Stop briefly in front of the torii gate, bow slightly, and then pass through.
- Avoid the Center: The center of the path is considered the path of the gods, so walk to either the left or right side.
- Bow Again on the Way Back: After leaving the torii gate, it is more respectful to turn around and bow.
Recommended Visiting Route
- From Kamakura Station East Exit, walk straight along Wakamiya-oji Street (approximately 7 minutes on foot).
- Bow at Nino-torii and proceed to Dangatsura.
- Walk along Dangatsura to Ichino-torii (approximately 5 minutes on foot).
- Visit the main shrine, dance hall, etc. within the grounds.
Best Photo Spots
- Starting Point of Dangatsura: Photograph the cherry blossom trees along Dangatsura with Nino-torii in the background.
- Front View of Torii Gate: An angle overlooking the Dankazura path from Wakamiya-oji Street, beyond the second torii gate.
- Dusk: The vermilion torii gate illuminated by the setting sun is beautiful.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from the East Exit of Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line/Enoshima Electric Railway)
- Head north along Wakamiya-oji Street after exiting the station, near the second large intersection (Shimouma Intersection).
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot around the second torii gate, so the following options are available:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Parking Lot: 40 spaces for regular cars, 600 yen for the first hour (300 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter)
- Private Parking Lots near Kamakura Station: Several available, fees around 400-600 yen per hour.
Distance to Surrounding Facilities
- Kamakura Station: 7 minutes on foot
- First Torii Gate (Entrance to the Shrine Grounds): 5-minute walk
- Komachi Street: 3-minute walk
Benefits and Faith
Benefits of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The second torii gate is part of the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and welcomes worshippers seeking the following benefits:
- Victory and Career Advancement: As the guardian deity of samurai families associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo
- Safe Childbirth and Child-rearing: Derived from Hojo Masako’s prayer for safe childbirth
- Matchmaking: Due to the enshrinement of a married couple deity
- Protection from Evil and Good Fortune: As the guardian shrine of Kamakura
The Meaning of Walking the Dankazura
The Dankazura, which begins at the second torii gate, is a path built for prayers for safe childbirth. Walking the Dankazura itself is considered to have the meaning of purification (misogi), cleansing the body and calming the mind.
Nearby Attractions
Wakamiya-oji Street
Wakamiya-oji Street, where the second torii gate stands, is a historic road that was developed as the main entrance to the Kamakura Shogunate. Every April, the Yabusame (mounted archery) ritual takes place during the Kamakura Festival, attracting many tourists.
Komachi-dori Street
Komachi-dori Street, a 3-minute walk from the second torii gate, is Kamakura’s premier shopping street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s perfect for a stop before or after visiting the temple.
Honkaku-ji Temple and Myohon-ji Temple
Within walking distance of the second torii gate are Honkaku-ji Temple (8-minute walk) and Myohon-ji Temple (10-minute walk), both ancient temples of the Nichiren sect, which can be visited together.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Popular Times: The first three days of the New Year, cherry blossom season (late March to early April), and the Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual (third Sunday of April) are especially crowded.
- Passing on the Dankazura (a raised walkway): The Dankazura is narrow, so please be considerate of others when it is crowded.
- Bicycles: The Dankazura is for pedestrians only. Please use the road side of Wakamiya-oji Street for bicycles.
Nino-Torii (the second torii gate) is a popular starting point for Kamakura sightseeing and an important point to pass through when visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Pass through the beautiful vermilion torii gate, walk along the historic Dankazura, and experience the history and culture of Kamakura.
