About
Deep within the tranquil forest of the Nagoe Kiridoshi, where sunlight softly filters through the trees and illuminates the ground, the Mandarado Yagura Cluster stands quietly. This is a place of prayer and memorial from the Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, with more than 150 yagura carved into the rock face.
A yagura is a type of horizontal cave tomb unique to Kamakura, small caves dug into sandstone cliffs. Inside, gorinto (five-ringed pagodas) are quietly arranged, comforting the souls of former samurai, monks, and merchants. These gorinto symbolize the five great elements—fire, water, wind, void, and earth—imbued with the wishes of people for cosmic harmony and eternal peace.
The “Mandarado” from which the Mandarado Yagura Cluster takes its name is recorded in a land survey register from 1594, but its appearance and details remain shrouded in mystery. However, standing here, it is as if one can picture the scenes of memorial services and prayers once held in this place.
From spring to early summer, fresh greenery envelops the yagura cluster, evoking the breath of life. In autumn, the colored leaves add vibrancy, bringing warmth to the tranquility. This beautiful landscape is open to the public only during limited periods in spring and autumn for preservation management, making it a special time for visitors.
Nagoe Kiridoshi was an important road connecting Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula, also serving as a defensive stronghold. Walking this area, it feels as if one can hear the footsteps of travelers and samurai from long ago. The Mandarado Yagura Cluster is a precious historic site that conveys the breath of history to the present, leaving a deep impression on those who visit.
Standing in this place, the flow of time seems to slow, enveloping you in a mysterious sensation where past and present intersect. The Mandarado Yagura Cluster is not just a ruin, but a place where people’s prayers and history live on, resonating deep within the heart.