Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are the Deities Enshrined at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu?
The principal deity is Emperor Ōjin (Hachiman deity), formally called Hachiman Ōkami, revered as the god of war and of archery — the perfect guardian for the samurai class. The main shrine enshrines Emperor Ōjin, Himegami (a collective name for six deities), and Empress Jingū. The young shrine enshrines Emperor Nintoku (son of Emperor Ōjin) and others.
What Is the Two-Bow Two-Clap One-Bow Practice?
This is the standard worship procedure at shrines: two deep bows → two handclaps → one deep bow. For the handclaps, shift the right hand slightly back from the left to produce a clear sound. Before entering the main hall area, always purify both hands and your mouth at the temizuya ablution basin.
Why Is the Great Ginkgo Famous?
Until its collapse in 2010, a great ginkgo estimated at roughly 1,000 years old and seven meters in circumference stood beside the main shrine’s steps. Traditionally called the “Hidden Ginkgo” (Kakure-ichō), it was said to be where Kugyō concealed himself before assassinating the third shogun Sanetomo in 1219. After the tree fell in a storm, new shoots from the stump have grown into a visible young tree — the “reborn ginkgo” that still draws visitors.
What Kind of Shrine Is Egara Tenjin?
Egara Tenjin Shrine (Nikaido, Kamakura) is counted among Japan’s Three Ancient Tenjin Shrines — alongside Kyoto’s Kitano Tenmangu and Fukuoka’s Dazaifu Tenmangu — and enshrines the scholar-deity Sugawara no Michizane. Venerated by Hojo Masako and successive regents, it is known as the deity of learning and examination success, and in entrance-exam season the ema votive tablet boards are densely covered. About 10–15 minutes’ walk from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.
When Did Shizuka Gozen Perform Her Dance?
In 1190, on the occasion of the Hachiman Shrine’s Hōjō-e (ceremony for releasing captive animals), Yoritomo commanded Yoshitsune’s consort Shizuka Gozen to perform a dance. She performed a dance expressing her longing for the exiled Yoshitsune, angering Yoritomo — but Masako’s intercession saved her life. The location of that dance is the present-day Maiden, and the story lives on in the precinct.