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Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine - 鶴岡八幡宮 (built 1180 onward)

The Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū Shrine was erected by Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝) in 1180 after defeating the rival Taira clan in battle. It is dedicated to Hachiman, the God of War and tutelary deity of the Minamoto clan.

The shrine was originally constructed in 1063 near Yuigahama and dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu and his wife Hime-gami. It was moved to its present location by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who invited Hachiman to reside in the shrine and support his government. The shrine built in 1180 burned just 11 years later--the present shrine is the legacy of the reconstruction work that occurred from 1191 onward.

An excellent description of the temple may be found at the following external website: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~QM9T-KNDU/hachiman.htm

For GPS users: According to the author's GPS, the area near the main hall is located at 35 19.58305' N, 139 33.33924' E.