In early summer in June, I walked into Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, where sunlight filtered through the lush green trees. The majestic shrine and early-summer scenery came together to create an unforgettable sight. The shrine's origins date back to 1063, when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi founded it to pray for the Minamoto clan's success in battle. Later, after Minamoto no Yoritomo established the shogunate in Kamakura, he moved the shrine to its current location, making it an important center of worship in Kamakura.
The most special surprise during this visit was being lucky enough to see a couple holding a traditional wedding. From the solemn Shinto ceremony, the entire wedding was quiet and sacred, perfectly complementing the shrine's historic and elegant atmosphere. Although I was only a brief observer during my trip, I felt as though I had also shared in an important moment in their lives.
