Dankazura (Wakamiya Oji Avenue)
段葛（若宮大路）
A roughly 500-meter raised section of Wakamiya Oji Avenue, the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, running from the second torii gate to the third. Lined with about 170 cherry trees, it is recognized as one of Japan's "100 Best Roads" and is said to have been built by Minamoto no Yoritomo to pray for his wife Masako's safe childbirth.
Built as a prayer for Masako's safe delivery
According to the chronicle Azuma Kagami, Dankazura was built at the order of Minamoto no Yoritomo to pray for the safe childbirth of his wife, Hojo Masako. Wakamiya Oji Avenue itself dates back to 1182, when Yoritomo had the road laid out from the Hachimangu shrine grounds to Yuigahama Beach, and it has since been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Roads."
A cherry-lined avenue between the second and third torii
The roughly 500-meter stretch of Wakamiya Oji between the second torii gate and the third torii at the entrance to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is known as Dankazura, a raised walkway set slightly above the surrounding road. Cherry trees were planted here in the Taisho era, and today around 170 trees make it one of Kamakura's best cherry-blossom spots.
Major restoration in 2016
A large-scale restoration project in 2016 replanted the cherry trees and repaired the stone paving, giving Dankazura its present appearance. Walking its cherry-lined path from Kamakura Station on the way to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a popular route for visitors.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Around 170 cherry trees bloom at once, making this one of Kamakura's premier cherry-blossom spots.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The shade of the cherry trees makes for a pleasant walk along the avenue.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The trees along the avenue take on soft autumn colors.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The bare cherry trees frame a clear view of the torii gate of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 15-20 minutes (to walk the full length)
- Crowd levels
- Especially crowded during cherry-blossom season, as many visitors combine it with a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Best time to visit
- Late March to early April, when the cherry blossoms are at their best
| Address | Wakamiya Oji Avenue (between the 2nd and 3rd torii), Komachi/Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access at all times |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 3 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line / Enoshima Electric Railway)