Nagoe Pass

Nagoe Pass is an ancient mountain passage between Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula, threading through steeply carved cliffs. The route spans several hundred meters with rock walls reaching over 10 meters (30 feet) high, and includes hand-carved burial caves along the way.

The pass developed during the Kamakura period as one of seven major gateways into the capital, serving both military control and trade. The excavation work to widen this natural cleft was carried out over time by monks and workers who reshaped the mountain.

The burial caves along this passage contain evidence of how medieval communities honored their deceased through specific placement and ritual marking. Visitors walking through can still see the carved niches and symbolic markings that reveal local spiritual beliefs from centuries ago.

The route is accessible year-round and free to enter, though the burial caves have limited seasonal opening times. Bring a flashlight as sections are quite dark, and wear sturdy shoes since the path can be slippery and uneven.

The artificial cliffs along the Zushi section were carved entirely by hand using simple tools, not with explosives, over an extended period. This labor-intensive approach reveals the considerable skill and patience medieval workers invested in shaping this passage through solid rock.