Kamakura Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura Cherry Avenue, Kamakura, Kanagawa

About this place

Live Sacred Shinto Avenue Stream | Kamakura Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura Cherry Avenue, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. Extending gracefully from Yuigahama beach straight toward the great vermilion Torii gates of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the elevated pedestrian promenade known as Dankazura along Wakamiya Oji is the historic soul of Kamakura. Originally constructed in the 12th century by Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo to pray for the safe birth of his heir, the raised stone pathway is bordered by stone lanterns and an awe-inspiring double canopy of cherry trees that forms a breathtaking pink tunnel in spring.

The prestigious avenue is flanked by historic heritage confectionery shops and chic Kamakura eateries. Stop by the stately main flagship store of Toshimaya to purchase world-famous Hato Sablé dove-shaped butter cookies, indulge in luxurious bowls of fresh raw and boiled whitebait (Shirasu Don) caught right off the Shonan coast at Wasabi, and savor handmade Mitarashi dango rice cakes and rich Uji matcha soft-serve sundaes at Chaho Kamakura.

✦ Must-Visit Highlights:

▸ 12th-Century Elevated Dankazura Shinto Approach: Stroll the sacred raised flagstone pathway built by the first Kamakura Shogun toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu.

▸ Iconic Double-Row Spring Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Admire hundreds of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees creating a romantic pink canopy overhead.

▸ Historic Toshimaya Flagship Hato Sablé & Shirasu Don: Savor legendary dove butter biscuits and fresh Pacific whitebait rice bowls along the historic boulevard.