Kamakura-gu

Prince Otonomiya Morinaga enshrined in Kamakura-gu was the third son born to Emperor Go-Daigo and
played an active role in the movement led by the Emperor to defeat the Kamakura Shogunate.
After becoming Seii Taishogun (military commander) because of his role in this movement,
Prince Morinaga became the rival of Ashikaga Takauji and was imprisoned in a dungeon in Toko-ji Temple and held captive for nine months. Ashikaga’s younger brother gave the order to have him executed
when he was forced to retreat from Kamakura after losing a battle to Hojo Tokiyuki, ending the life of the Prince at the young age of 28.
The dungeon in which Prince Morinaga was imprisoned still remains today at Kamakura-gu,
built on the ruins of Toko-ji Temple by the Emperor Meiji in recognition of the dying wish of the Prince.
The “Lion Head Charms” sold at the temple originate from the lion head charm Prince Morinaga hid in his helmet
when he went to war to pray for a safe return, and is given as a charm to grant prayers to “ward of evil spirits and for good fortune”.

Access

About 10 minutes from Kamakura Station East exit by bus
　* Take Kama 20 route bus that goes to Daitounomiya from bus stop No.4, get off the bus at Daitounomiya bus stop then walk about 1 minute.
OR
About 20 minutes from Kamakura Prince Hotel by car