Taiko-bashi

Taiko-bashi is a stone bridge at the entrance of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine in Kamakura, featuring a distinctive curved arch design. Its name comes from its resemblance to a taiko drum when viewed from certain angles.

The bridge was built between 1764 and 1770 by merchants from the Hatchobori neighborhood during the Edo period. It represents the stonework craftsmanship of that era and reflects the urban development taking place in Kamakura at the time.

The bridge marks the entrance to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, where visitors cross over into the sacred grounds dedicated to Hachiman. Pilgrims and travelers pass through this threshold as a natural part of their journey through the shrine complex.

When visiting the shrine, crossing this bridge is part of the natural route for entering the sacred grounds. The access is open and the location is conveniently situated near bus stops and railway stations throughout the Kamakura area.

The artist Hasegawa Settan captured detailed images of this bridge between 1834 and 1836, documenting its daily role in the area. These artistic records offer visitors a glimpse into how the bridge and surrounding space looked during that earlier era.