Kamakura Festival

The Kamakura Festival (鎌倉まつり), held every year in mid-April, is a lively and colorful celebration that brings Kamakura's rich history and samurai culture to life. Centered around the iconic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the festival spans a week and is filled with a variety of traditional performances, cultural displays, and exciting competitions. The festival's most anticipated event is the yabusame competition, where skilled archers perform the ancient art of horseback archery. This thrilling, fast-paced event showcases the precision and agility of samurai warriors, providing a captivating glimpse into their martial prowess.

In addition to the yabusame, visitors can enjoy other cultural performances such as the "Shizuka no Mai" dance, which tells the tragic love story of Lady Shizuka, a tale deeply rooted in the samurai era. Throughout the festival, participants and spectators alike are immersed in the sights and sounds of traditional Japan, with opportunities to learn about the cultural practices that shaped Kamakura. Just a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station, the festival draws tourists from near and far, eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere and connect with the town’s samurai heritage.