Egara Tenjinsha

Set in a quiet residential area of Kamakura, Egara Tenjinsha is a shrine that enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Shrine tradition dates its founding to 1104, and it is counted among the three oldest Tenjin shrines of Japan, alongside Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka and Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto. So strong is its reputation for blessings of learning that the area around the hall is covered with votive tablets praying for exam success. Located east of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and close to Kamakuragu, outside exam season it sees few visitors, making it a hidden gem for a quiet visit. It is also said to grant blessings for the arts and for warding off misfortune, drawing faith from creative people.

Highlights

• One of the three oldest Tenjin shrines of Japan, enshrining the god of learning Sugawara no Michizane
• The sacred ginkgo, estimated at about 900 years old, said to have been planted where the deity image descended
• The Brush Mound (Ehitsu-zuka), a bronze monument about 3.2m tall lined with reliefs of kappa by 154 manga artists including Yokoyama Ryuichi, and the nearby Kappa Brush Mound linked to the manga artist Shimizu Kon

Enjoying the Seasons

In early spring, red and white plum blossoms bloom, and the scent of plum tied to Sugawara no Michizane drifts through the grounds. In autumn the sacred ginkgo turns golden, and its fluttering leaves are magnificent. Avoiding the exam season, you can pray slowly in a tranquil setting throughout the four seasons.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 74 Nikaido, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station on the JR and Enoshima Electric Railway lines. The hall stands about 300m up the approach from the entrance along Kanazawa Kaido. By Keikyu bus, get off at Tenjin-mae and walk about 3 minutes
• Hours: Generally daytime (amulet office during the day)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: To avoid the crowds of exam season (January to February), aim for the plum blossoms of early spring (around February) or the ginkgo colors of late autumn (late November to early December). Early mornings are quiet, with few visitors
• Time needed: About 20 to 30 minutes for the visit and to see the Brush Mound
• Nearby real spots: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakuragu, and the Hokkedo remains (grave of Minamoto no Yoritomo) are within walking distance. Along Kanazawa Kaido you will also find Hokokuji, known for its bamboo garden, and Jomyoji, making the area easy to explore
• Budget: The visit itself is free. Votive tablets and amulets typically cost from a few hundred to around a thousand yen

A Quick Tip

Visiting alongside Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakuragu, and Hokokuji makes for a historic Kamakura stroll. It is recommended not only for exam-pass prayers but also for those wishing to improve in creative work and the arts. The early-spring plums and the late-autumn ginkgo are photogenic, so aiming for those times is a fine idea.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Kamakura City and tourism associations, on the shrine's public information, and on on-site guidance and history notices. The exam season is crowded, and amulet-office hours can change with the season. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 20 to 30 minutes to worship and view the Efudezuka
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes; some small cash if you receive a votive plaque or an amulet
• Suggested route: View the great sacred ginkgo and the Efudezuka mentioned in the article, and tour together with nearby Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakuragu, the Hokkedo site (Minamoto no Yoritomo's grave), and Hokoku-ji
• Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station on the JR or Enoden line; by Keikyu bus, get off at the Tenjin-mae stop, then about 3 minutes on foot
• Budget: Worship is free; votive plaques and amulets run a few hundred to around a thousand yen