Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Kamakura, was established in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, the head of the Minamoto clan. It was originally built as a branch of Iwashimizu Shrine in Kamakura city.

The shrine's precinct is listed as a National Historic Site, with its "Hongu", or the main shrine, being registered as an Important Cultural Property. The shrine was also designated as a Natural Monument of Kanagawa prefecture in 1955.

In March 2010, strong winds knocked down the shrine's giant 1000-year-old Ginkgo tree, which had long served as the shrine's major attraction. The fallen trunk was later cut into three pieces, with the lowermost portion being replanted about seven meters west to its old location.