Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Reitaisai in Kamakura 2025: A Historical Samurai Spectacle
The Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Reitaisai, also known as the Grand Annual Festival, is the most significant annual event held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Steeped in over 800 years of history, this festival is a profound celebration of samurai culture and Kamakura’s heritage, dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors.
Festival Dates and Schedule
In 2025, the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Reitaisai is tentatively scheduled for three days:
September 14 (Saturday): Yoimiya Matsuri
The festival commences with solemn opening rituals, including Shinto prayers and purification ceremonies, setting the spiritual tone for the days to follow.
September 15 (Sunday): Reitaisai Honmatsuri (Main Festival Day) and Mikoshi Togyo (Portable Shrine Procession)
Morning: The main annual ceremony takes place, with prayers offered to the Shinto deities. This solemn ritual is open to the public. Traditional Japanese dances known as Kagura are also performed.
Afternoon: The lively Mikoshi Togyo procession features sacred mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through Kamakura, accompanied by priests, musicians, and participants in traditional costumes.
September 16 (Monday): Yabusame Shinji (Horseback Archery Ritual)
This is the highly anticipated highlight of the festival. Archers, dressed in traditional Kamakura period samurai armor, gallop at high speed along a 250-meter course within the shrine’s grounds. They shoot arrows at three spaced targets, demonstrating incredible skill and precision. This ritual has been performed for 800 years, since the time of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and is conducted vibrantly by the Ogasawara head family. Spectators are advised to arrive early to secure good viewing spots for this fast-paced event.
Historical Significance and Dedication
The festival’s origins date back over 800 years to August 15, 1187, when Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate, initiated the Hojoe (a ceremony for the release of living creatures) and Yabusame (horseback archery) rituals. This historical connection firmly links the Reitaisai to Japan’s samurai past. The festival is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of samurai warriors, often referred to as the god of war and archery, revered as the protector of the Minamoto clan and later, the samurai class.
Other Events and Atmosphere
Beyond the main rituals, the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Reitaisai fosters a lively atmosphere with:
- Traditional Performances: Various cultural performances, including a tea ceremony in honor of the deities and traditional dances.
- Food Stalls and Crafts: Numerous food stalls (yatai) offer traditional festival fare, and local crafts are often available for sale within the shrine grounds.
- Cultural Exhibitions: Opportunities to explore aspects of Japanese culture related to the shrine and Kamakura.
Accessibility and Viewing
- Location: The festival takes place within the expansive grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which is conveniently located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Access from Kamakura Station: The shrine is an approximate 10-15 minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station.
- Access from Tokyo: From Tokyo, visitors can take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Kamakura Station, a journey that typically takes about an hour.
- Admission: Admission to the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Reitaisai and the shrine grounds is free. For optimal viewing of the Yabusame, arriving early is highly recommended due to the popularity and fast nature of the event. Please note there are separate admission fees for the Treasure Hall (200 yen for adults) and the Peony Garden (500 yen, seasonal). The main shrine building is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs, but the Mai-den hall (Lower Worship Hall) is accessible for worship.
If you are into Japanese culture and Samurais, consider booking a Japan tour for September.
