Kewaizaka

Kewaizaka is a historic mountain pass in Kamakura with stone paving and dense forest vegetation. The path forms one of the main entrances to the medieval city through the surrounding hills.

The pass became a strategic point during the 1333 siege of Kamakura, when Nitta Yoshisada's forces fought against the defending Hojo clan. This was a decisive moment in the takeover of the medieval city.

The name Kewaizaka refers to old customs when people would prepare themselves before entering sacred temple grounds. Today visitors can sense this tradition in quiet moments while walking through the forests on the path.

The path is about a 20-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kamakura Station and passes through residential neighborhoods with marked trails. The terrain is hilly and requires good footwear for climbing and descending.

This pass is part of the Seven Entrances of Kamakura, a network of ancient mountain paths that controlled access to the former capital during the shogunate period. It is one of the less-known passages that visitors can still explore today.