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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - Tokyo Hotels .com

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Tokyo

As one of the most famous and active shrines in Tokyo today, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura (Yokohama-Kamakura) has a long and -- some might say -- bloody history. The numerous events and festivals that take place all year long recreate the events of the shrine's past. Today, for instance, one may still attend the Kamakura Matsuri, honoring Lady Shizuka, whose infant son was slaughtered by the emperor when she refused to dance for him. The Ritual Dance Stage in the center of the courtyard is dedicated to her.

In 1187, when the calvary battle was the most common method of warfare, the emperor instituted a competition, Yabusame ("mounted archery"), to measure the martial arts and powers of samurai. The Yabusame archery today is performed at the shrine to commemorate the samurai warriors of that era.