Tomb of Minamoto no Yoritomo, Historical tomb in Nishi Mikado, Kamakura, Japan
The Tomb of Minamoto no Yoritomo is a burial site in Nishi Mikado featuring a roughly 186-centimeter tall Buddhist stone stupa called a gorintō, enclosed within a traditional stone barrier fence. The grounds lie north of the former Ōkura Bakufu government center and provide clear pathways that guide visitors through the area.
Minamoto no Yoritomo died in 1199 from a riding accident and founded the Kamakura shogunate, establishing Japan's first military-led government. His rule transformed the nation's political structure and began an era of samurai governance that would last over 600 years.
The site draws visitors each year during the Kamakura Matsuri on April 13, when people gather to honor the first shogun through traditional observances. This commemoration connects visitors to local heritage and shows how the community keeps this historical figure alive in its cultural practice.
Wear sturdy footwear since pathways through the older site can be uneven, and informational signs at key spots help explain what you are seeing. Visiting outside peak times lets you experience the site's quieter character and move through it at your own pace.
The site holds Shirahata Shrine, named after the Minamoto clan's white flag, creating a direct link to the family's story. The grounds also contain graves of other important historical figures from that period, making it a place where visitors honor multiple people from this era.
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