Jun 27, 2015 - 1 min read

Kamakura's Hanzobo Shrine

Walking in the footsteps of the Avatar Gods

By Steve Morton

Community writer

Several wooden prayer tablets, where visitors can write their future wishes

Entering from the back! For anyone doing the hike from Mount Ohirayama this descending staircase will be your first view of Hanzobo Shrine

The first of many Tengu, (long nosed Goblins), something which this shrine is famous for

From the bottom looking up; numerous eyes are looking down at you!

Despite their scary appearance they are believed to protect any visitor with a `good` soul

This Tengu`s nose is longer than most of the other statues, illustrating its seniority

As you look up along this hillside it`s impossible not to notice the dozens of figures looking down at you

As it was approaching late afternoon these figures seemed to take on a scarier appearance

Similar to other places like Yakuo-in Temple on Mount Takao, Tengu are usually found on hillsides, mountains and high laying areas

Their eyes never leave you!

On the decent down to Kenchoji Temple you will pass this cliff with an inscription carved into the rock face

A `Koma-Inu`, or Guardian dog

At the bottom of this long staircase these two scary looking deities guard the main entrance to Hanzobo Shrine

Running for several dozen meters, this long pathway connects Hanzobo Shrine to the back of Kenchoji Temple

Looking back in the opposite direction

The main entrance to Hanzobu Shrine

With daylight gradually fading on a late summer`s afternoon, I happened to stumble upon this small hillside shrine located several hundred meters away from Kamakura`s famous Kencho-ji Temple.

Originally built as an adjacent structure to Kencho-ji Temple, this impressive shrine is well worth a visit in its own right, housing an Avatar God along with dozens of Tengu (long nosed goblins), who are believed to bring good fortune to anyone possessing a good soul.

With countless pairs of eyes gazing down upon you, this peaceful shrine can take on a somewhat eerie atmosphere as the crowds disappear when the sun goes down.

More info

Find out more about Kenchoji Temple.

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Steve Morton

By Steve Morton

Community writer

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