About
In a quiet valley of Kamakura stands the “Harakiri Yagura,” transcending the flow of time. This is known as the place where, on May 22, 1333 (the third year of Genko), Hojo Takatoki and his clan committed ritual suicide, marking the end of the Kamakura shogunate. Amidst the thickly growing trees, the yagura quietly opens its mouth, welcoming those who visit.
Inside the yagura, a gorinto (five-ringed pagoda) stands in silence, with offerings of flowers adding a touch of color. It is said that this place was established to mourn the souls of the Hojo clan, and visitors naturally join their hands in prayer, unable to help but wish for their peaceful repose.
However, this site is not merely a relic of history. In this place where many lives were lost, there still lingers an atmosphere as if the souls remain present. Among visitors, there are persistent stories of seeing the spirits of fallen warriors or mysterious orbs of light appearing in photographs. For this reason, entry is now restricted, and only worshippers are allowed access.
In front of the yagura, a sign stands that reads, “Sacred spiritual site—entry prohibited except for worship.” This indicates that this is not just a tourist spot, but a place for the repose of souls. Visits out of mere curiosity or for tests of courage are considered disrespectful to the deceased and should be refrained from.
The “Harakiri Yagura” quietly tells the history of Kamakura. When visiting, by deeply understanding its history and meaning and quietly joining your hands in prayer, you may truly sense the real nature of this place where past and present intersect.