The Shrine is about 10 minutes by foot from Kamakura station. The shrine is one of the most popular shrines in Japan attracting over two million visitors alone during the New Year holidays. The original shrine was founded in the 13th century by the first samurai Shogun in Japanese history whose name was Minamoto Yoritomo. The extensive compound is surrounded by a forest and holds a large pond and beautiful structures. The pond is surrounded by cherry trees. Lotus flowers float on the pond and are in full bloom during the summer. If you are lucky, you can see a wedding ceremony performed on an open stage in traditional Japanese style. Horseback archery is conducted twice a year(in mid-April and in mid-September), a dynamic sport where the shooter wears a samurai costume.
