Located in the coastal town of Kamakura, Tenzu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Tenzu-inari, who is believed to have played an important role in the founding of Kamakura. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a main hall and several smaller shrines. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several historic temples and gardens.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tenzu-inari
- Kami enshrined
- Tenzu-inari, Kanayamachi Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.6935962, 139.9038922
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the light casts a warm glow on the main hall and surrounding gardens.
Cultural notes
Tenzu Shrine is closely associated with the legend of the founding of Kamakura, where the deity Tenzu-inari was said to have driven out evil spirits and brought peace to the area. The shrine also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Tenzu Matsuri in May.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Genroku period (1688-1704) as a shrine to honor the former daimyo of Kamakura.