Kobukurozaka, Historic sloping road in Kamakura, Japan.
Kobukurozaka is a narrow stone stairway cut directly into a hillside and bordered by thick vegetation and old trees. The path slopes sharply downward with sections that narrow dramatically, creating a tight passage through the wooded terrain.
During the 12th century, this passage served as one of a handful of controlled approaches into the mountain-ringed capital. Builders deliberately carved the route into the hillside as part of Kamakura's defensive design during its rise as a military stronghold.
The path connects different neighborhoods and remains part of the daily routes through Kamakura for both residents and visitors. Walking here links you to centuries of footsteps that have worn grooves into the stone beneath your shoes.
The route is open year-round, but wear shoes with good grip since stones become slippery from moisture and moss buildup. Take your time walking as steps vary in height and the surface is uneven throughout.
The stone steps bear visible wear patterns from centuries of use, with the center of each tread noticeably worn deeper than the edges. This natural groove reveals exactly where countless travelers have chosen to place their feet.
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