Gokurakujizaka Pass, Mountain pass in Kamakura, Japan.
Gokurakujizaka Pass is a steep mountain route near Kamakura with stone steps carved into the landscape. The path cuts through forest and rock formations, linking different areas of the city while preserving its historic walkway.
During the Kamakura period from 1185 to 1333, this was one of seven strategic entries controlling access to the city. Its location made it a key passage for people moving between the administrative center and outlying areas.
The name reflects Buddhist traditions and connects several sacred sites along the route. Walking through here, you pass places of worship that show how spiritual life shaped the way people moved through Kamakura.
The route is easily accessible from central Kamakura and can be walked at a moderate pace. Wear sturdy shoes since the stone steps are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
The stone pathway displays medieval rock-cutting techniques that were carved directly into the natural formations with hand tools. This ancient construction method is rarely seen elsewhere, making the pass a rare example of how workers shaped passages through solid stone centuries ago.
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