Kewaizaka Kiridoshi
化粧坂切通し
Considered the steepest of the "Seven Entrances of Kamakura," this rocky slope connects Ogigayatsu to Genjiyama Park and Kuzuharaoka Shrine. At the end of the unpaved mountain path awaits a view over Genjiyama Park.
The steepest of the Seven Entrances
Kewaizaka is one of the Seven Entrances of Kamakura connecting Ogigayatsu with Genjiyama and Kuzuharaoka, known as the steepest of the seven passes. Designated a national historic site, it retains a strong sense of Kamakura's old defensive roads.
A former battlefield
The pass is also said to have been the site of fighting during Nitta Yoshisada's assault on Kamakura, making it one of the historic sites tied to the fall of the Kamakura shogunate. The steep, rock-cut slope is unpaved, so caution is needed for uneven footing typical of mountain trails.
The route to Genjiyama Park
Climbing to the top of the pass joins a walking path leading to Genjiyama Park, and further on to Kuzuharaoka Shrine and Zeniarai Benzaiten. Many hikers walk this as part of a route combining Zeniarai Benzaiten and Sasuke Inari.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
More walkers combine this with the cherry blossoms at Genjiyama Park.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
There is some shade, but the steep slope makes it easy to work up a sweat.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Popular as part of a hiking route combined with the surrounding autumn foliage.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Fallen leaves can make the path slippery, so watch your footing.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 15-20 minutes (for the pass section alone)
- Crowd levels
- Many hikers walk this together with Genjiyama Park and Zeniarai Benzaiten
- Best time to visit
- A morning walk combined with Zeniarai Benzaiten and Sasuke Inari is recommended
| Address | Ogigayatsu to Kajiwara, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access at all times |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 20 min walk from Kamakura Station (JR Yokosuka Line / Enoshima Electric Railway)