By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Tsurumine Hachimangu jinja (Tsurumine Hachimangu)
Location: 462 Hamano-go, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Emperor Ojin (Ojin Tenno), Emperor Nintoku (Nintoku Tenno), Sadzuka no Okami
Main Divine Protections: Ward off misfortune, prayers for victory (luck in contests), protection from cancer, safe childbirth and conception
The Surprising History: Tsurumine Hachimangu as the “Roots” of Kamakura Hachimangu
Tsurumine Hachimangu is known as the sōchinju (general guardian jinja) of Shonan-Chigasaki. But did you know that it is actually a very important ancient jinja, deeply connected to the origins of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu jinja in Kamakura?
It is said that its history began in 1030 (Chogen 3), when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, while quelling the rebellion of Taira no Tadatsune, invited a kami from Iwashimizu Hachimangu jinja in Kyoto to this location, founding Futojima Hachimangu jinja. Later, after Yoriyoshi’s victory in the Former Nine Years’ War, he invited this divine spirit to Yui-go in Kamakura. This became Yui Wakamiya (Moto Hachiman), the predecessor to the current Tsurugaoka Hachimangu jinja. Therefore, Tsurumine Hachimangu jinja is also called “Honsha Hachiman” (Original Hachiman Shrine) and is an extremely historic sacred site, enshrined by the Minamoto clan as their first step into the Kanto region.
The “Great Ginkgo Tree, 950 Years Old” Planted by Minamoto no Yoshiie and a Legend of Victory
Dominating the jinja grounds (keidai) is the “Great Ginkgo Tree,” designated a Natural Monument of Kanagawa Prefecture. This giant tree is said to have been personally planted by Minamoto no Yoshiie, son of Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and a legendary warrior known as “Hachiman Taro,” who planted it to pray for victory in the Later Three Years’ War.
Its age exceeds 950 years, and its root circumference is approximately 8.5 meters. Given that the Great Ginkgo Tree, once a symbol of Kamakura’s Tsurugaoka Hachimangu jinja, has fallen, this Great Ginkgo Tree of Tsurumine now stands as “the oldest Hachimangu ginkgo in the prefecture,” continuing to share its powerful life force with worshippers.
Approximately 800 Meters! The Impressive Pine Tree-lined Sando Approach with a Hidden Story
The sando (approach path), stretching straight for approximately 800 meters from National Route 1 to the jinja, is quite impressive. This sando is lined with pine trees planted in the early Edo period and is designated a Historic Site and Natural Monument of Chigasaki City.
These pines were actually planted by Chokei, a monk from the Edo period, to commemorate the Tokugawa Shogunate’s recognition of the jinja’s territory. Once used as a horse track, this sando still offers the spectacular sight of mikoshi (portable shrines) parading through it during the Hamori-sai festival, a magnificent event held annually in Chigasaki every July.
Mystery and Healing: The Legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo’s Fall from a Horse and the “Cancer Prevention Stone”
Tsurumine Hachimangu jinja is dotted with mysteries that fascinate history buffs and power spots that answer earnest wishes.
Minamoto no Yoritomo’s Fall and the Shadow of Ghosts: Beside the sando is “Benkei-zuka” (Benkei Mound). A legend tells that in 1198, when Minamoto no Yoritomo was passing through this area on his way back from a bridge dedication ceremony at Sagami River, the ghosts of Yoshitsune and Emperor Antoku appeared. Yoritomo’s horse, startled, bucked and threw him off. It is said that this incident was a distant cause of Yoritomo’s death, and gorinto (five-tiered pagodas) believed to be the graves of retainers who committed suicide at that time still exist nearby.
The “Cancer Prevention Stone” that Heals Serious Illnesses: Within the auxiliary shrine (massha) Awashima Jinja, there is a sacred stone (reiseki) believed since ancient times to be miraculous for “protection from cancer.” It is believed that by stroking the stone and then touching the affected part of one’s body with that hand, illnesses can be healed. Many worshippers from all over the country visit for this.
Rumors of Zashiki Warashi: Recently, among some worshippers, rumors have spread about “seeing child-like spirits, like zashiki warashi, on the jinja grounds” and “experiencing strange phenomena,” drawing attention to it as a hidden mystery spot.
Pilgrimage Information: A Setting for the Anime “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” Series
For anime fans, Tsurumine Hachimangu jinja is one of their important “sacred sites” (seichi).
In the popular anime series “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” (Aobuta), this long pine tree-lined sando and the jinja itself appear in scenes where the protagonists walk and as impressive backgrounds. Especially because the atmosphere of Shonan is meticulously depicted in the work, walking along the sando in person allows you to feel as if you’ve stepped directly into the anime’s world.
Conclusion
From the valorous tales of the Minamoto clan to the mystery of ghosts haunting Yoritomo, and even as a modern anime pilgrimage site (seichi). Tsurumine Hachimangu jinja is more than just an old jinja; it is a place where countless layers of stories have accumulated. When you visit Chigasaki, be sure to walk along that long pine tree-lined path and feel the pulse of history.
Related Links and References
[1] Tsurumine Hachimangu (Chigasaki City) is a jinja connected to the Minamoto clan | Shonan L Shimbunsha
[2] History and Highlights of Tsurumine Hachimangu ~Minamoto clan’s tutelary deity: Chigasaki City~
[3] History – Tsurumine Hachimangu | Local Hachiman faith “Shonan Chigasaki Chinju”
[4] “Minamoto-related jinja Tsurumine Hachimangu | A healing trip to Shonan Chigasaki’s power spot” | Life Change Note “Jinja Visit”
[5] TV Anime “Hanayamata” Stage Exploration (Seichi Junrei) @ Kamakura Arc – Stage Exploration Research Institute Seichi Junrei Blog
[6] Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, Yoshiie’s Ancestors Tsurumine Hachimangu, Chigasaki City – My Pilgrimage
[7] Tsurumine Hachimangu Sando and Pine Trees | Chigasaki City Museum
[8] https://www.city.chigasaki.kanagawa.jp/res/projects/defaultproject/page/001/006/169/tsurumine.pdf
[9] Historic Site / Natural Monument “Tsurumine Hachimangu Sando and Pine Trees” | Chigasaki City
[10] Chigasaki’s Power Spot! Introducing the highlights of Tsurumine Hachimangu with many blessings | Tabirai Travel Information
[11] Guide to Tsurumine Hachimangu – Tsurumine Hachimangu | Local Hachiman faith “Shonan Chigasaki Chinju”
[12] Minamoto no Yoshiie prayed for victory