Kamakuragu Shrine Choyo Rite

Kamakuragu was founded in 1869 and enshrines Prince Morinaga, a son of Emperor Go-Daigo; the earthen cell where the prince is said to have been confined still stands in its grounds. The Choyo rite is set in the shrine's calendar of annual ceremonies and is performed on September 9, the last of the five seasonal festivals. Choyo, also called the Chrysanthemum Festival, carries a custom handed down since the Heian period of entrusting long life to the flower's scent. As a rite rather than a public event, no special programme is arranged for visitors, but the precincts are open for worship as usual, and the day can be taken in alongside an autumn walk through Kamakura. Enquire at the shrine office about attendance and timing.