Kamakura-gu

Kamakura-gu (???) is a shrine in the city of Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It was erected by the Emperor Meiji in 1869 to worship the spirit of Prince Morinaga, who was imprisoned and later executed on its shrine in 1335.

Related Topics:
Shrine - Kamakura - Kanagawa Prefecture - Japan - Emperor Meiji - 1869 - Prince Morinaga - 1335

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Prince Morinaga had fought on the side of Imperial Rule in the 1330s, but was captured by Ashikaga Takauji in 1334. Ashikaga's younger brother Ashikaga Tadayoshi is said to have held Morinaga captive for nine months in a small cave at the site of the present Kamakura shrine. When Tadayoshi was forced to retreat from the shrine in battle, he gave the order for Morinaga's execution. He was beheaded on July 23 1335.

Related Topics:
Ashikaga Takauji - 1334 - Ashikaga Tadayoshi - July 23 - 1335

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The cave still exists today in the rockface behind the shrine, and is a tourist attraction. It is four meters deep and has an area of 12 square meters.

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