Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura - Image 1
1 / 10

Wakamiya Oji and Dankazura Kamakura

4.5
·255 reviews·Kamakura, Japan

An elevated, tree-lined walkway leading to a shrine, famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and romantic evening illuminations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late March - Early April

Peak cherry blossom season

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Wakamiya Oji & Dankazura - Image 1

Wakamiya Oji and Dankazura Kamakura

Best Time

Late March - Early April

Peak cherry blossom season

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An elevated, tree-lined walkway leading to a shrine, famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and romantic evening illuminations.

4.5
(255 reviews)

"A romantic, cozy, and beautiful street within the roads, feeling strongly of Japanese atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Catch the Cherry Blossoms

Visit late March/early April for the full 'Hanami' experience under blooming cherry trees.

🚶‍♀️ Easy & Shaded Walk

Enjoy the gentle incline and cool breeze on this well-maintained, elevated walkway. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dankazura Cherry Blossom Tunnel

Dankazura Cherry Blossom Tunnel

Elevated walkway

A breathtaking tunnel of cherry blossoms creating a romantic, Japanese atmosphere during spring.

Wakamiya Oji Approach

Wakamiya Oji Approach

Walkway leading to shrine

A beautifully maintained, shaded, and slightly inclined path offering a serene approach.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Dankazura walkway

Experience the magical glow of illuminated cherry trees after dark for a romantic ambiance.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Cherry Blossoms

While beautiful year-round, Dankazura truly shines during cherry blossom season (late March to early April). Plan your visit for this period to witness the full 'Hanami' spectacle, a time when locals and visitors gather to admire the blooms. Be prepared for crowds during peak bloom.

Accessibility and Stroll Comfort

This elevated walkway is well-maintained and offers a pleasant, shaded stroll with a gentle incline, making it easy to navigate. It's a safe and refreshing path, even in summer, providing a cool breeze and a unique approach to the shrine.

Best Times

When
Late March - Early April
Why
Peak cherry blossom season
Crowd
High
When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant shaded stroll
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (year-round)
Why
Romantic ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Best way to spend a half-day in Kamakura?

🌸 Catch the Cherry Blossoms

Visit late March/early April for the full 'Hanami' experience under blooming cherry trees. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy & Shaded Walk

Enjoy the gentle incline and cool breeze on this well-maintained, elevated walkway. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Itinerary check. Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Kamakura, and Tokyo in 16 days.

✨ Romantic Evening Stroll

The walkway is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. :sparkles:

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning photos, especially during cherry blossom season or at night. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Catch the Cherry Blossoms

Visit late March/early April for the full 'Hanami' experience under blooming cherry trees. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy & Shaded Walk

Enjoy the gentle incline and cool breeze on this well-maintained, elevated walkway. :athletic_shoe:

✨ Romantic Evening Stroll

The walkway is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. :sparkles:

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Capture stunning photos, especially during cherry blossom season or at night. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(255 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Dankazura for its well-maintained, shaded, and gently inclined walkway, offering a pleasant and safe stroll. It's particularly lauded during cherry blossom season for its stunning 'Hanami' atmosphere and romantic evening illuminations. Some note the area can get crowded during peak bloom.

"Well maintained walk way. Easy to get to from Kanagawa train station. Shaded and nice breeze. Slight incline and very easy to walk."

Damien Smith

"Even in the summer it's a really pleasant shaded walk. It's elevated and surrounded by trees, so it's very safe. Very cool approach to the temple."

Grant Minagawa

"Buds of cherry almost made it to bloom when I last visited Dankazura a few weeks back and now I would believe it’s a full Hanami and the entire atmosphere and picture must have been totally amazing. Lovely path to walk under the long stretches of cherry blossom trees and this season has been so wonderful when people from all walks of life gathered here for one purpose."

Reiko H

What People Like

Beautiful cherry blossoms
Pleasant shaded walk
Romantic evening illumination

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during peak season

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wakamiya Oji and Dankazura are easily accessible from Kamakura Station. You can take a pleasant walk, which takes about 15-20 minutes, or a short bus ride. The walkway itself is a prominent feature along the main road, making it hard to miss. Reddit

While there might be limited street parking, it's generally recommended to use public transportation. The nearest train station is Kamakura Station, and from there, it's a walk or short bus ride. Parking can be challenging in this popular area.

Yes, Dankazura is an elevated walkway situated in the middle of the main road, offering a unique approach. It's designed to be a distinct pathway separate from vehicle traffic.

Dankazura is quite prominent as it's a long, elevated walkway in the middle of a main road leading towards a shrine. It's a distinctive feature that's hard to miss once you're in the vicinity of the shrine area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking on the Dankazura elevated walkway is free of charge. It's a public space designed for strolling and enjoying the scenery. :ticket:

Dankazura is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor walkway. However, for the best experience, consider visiting during daylight for the greenery or in the evening when it's illuminated. :clock1:

The shrine at the end of Dankazura, Wakamiya Oji Shrine, is generally free to enter and explore its grounds. Some inner areas or specific rituals might have associated fees, but the main approach and shrine area are accessible.

To avoid the largest crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning, especially outside of peak cherry blossom season. Early mornings are generally quieter. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire length of Dankazura is photogenic, especially when lined with cherry blossoms. Capture shots looking down the walkway, framing the shrine at the end, or focusing on the trees. The nighttime illumination also offers unique photographic opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is generally restricted in and around shrines and public spaces in Japan to ensure safety and respect. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.

For vibrant colors and natural light, daytime is excellent, particularly during cherry blossom season. For a more dramatic and romantic feel, the evening illumination is ideal. Golden hour before sunset can also offer beautiful light. :sunriseovermountains:

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require permits.

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

Dankazura offers a romantic, cozy, and beautiful atmosphere, feeling strongly of Japanese tradition. It's a pleasant, shaded, and safe walk with a gentle incline, providing a refreshing experience. Reddit

Absolutely. The walkway is well-maintained, shaded, and has a slight incline, making it perfect for a leisurely and comfortable stroll. It's a very easy walk. Reddit

You'll see a long, elevated walkway lined with trees, predominantly cherry trees that are spectacular in spring. It leads to the Wakamiya Oji Shrine, offering a scenic and unique approach.

Yes, even in the summer, Dankazura is a pleasant shaded walk. The trees provide ample shade, and there's often a nice breeze, making it a comfortable experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dankazura is a great spot for families due to its safe, elevated walkway and gentle incline, making it easy for little ones to walk or be pushed in a stroller. The shaded path offers respite from the sun, and the visual appeal of the trees, especially during cherry blossom season, can captivate children. It provides a pleasant, low-stress environment for a family stroll. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid larger crowds. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the walk itself is an enjoyable activity, and the nearby shrine offers a cultural element. Pack snacks and water, and enjoy a peaceful walk leading to a significant landmark.

💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways

Dankazura is often described as romantic and cozy, making it an ideal spot for couples. The tree-lined walkway, especially when illuminated at night or in full bloom during spring, creates a magical and intimate atmosphere. It's perfect for a leisurely hand-in-hand stroll, offering beautiful scenery and a sense of tranquility away from the busier tourist hubs. Reddit

Plan an evening visit to experience the enchanting illumination, or time your visit for the cherry blossom season for an unforgettable romantic backdrop. The gentle incline and well-maintained path ensure a comfortable walk, allowing couples to focus on each other and the beautiful surroundings.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Renovation of Dankazura

Dankazura, the elevated walkway leading to Wakamiya Oji Shrine, has a fascinating history. Many years ago, the original large sakura trees that lined the road were removed. This decision, though perhaps initially met with dismay, paved the way for a significant renovation. The area was transformed into a long, elevated walkway, and young sakura trees were replanted along its length. This long-term vision has resulted in the beautiful, tree-lined path visitors enjoy today. Reddit

This thoughtful redevelopment has created a unique and picturesque approach to the shrine. The walkway itself is designed for comfort and aesthetics, offering a shaded and gentle incline. It's a testament to how urban planning can enhance natural beauty and visitor experience over time, turning a potential loss into a celebrated feature. The result is a 'splendid long term idea' that now allows people to enjoy the blossoms at full bloom. Reddit

Experiencing Dankazura During Cherry Blossom Season

The absolute highlight of Dankazura is its transformation during cherry blossom season, typically from late March to early April. During this period, the walkway becomes a breathtaking tunnel of pink and white blooms, creating a truly magical atmosphere. This time is known as 'Hanami,' a Japanese tradition of flower viewing, and Dankazura becomes a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to gather and appreciate the ephemeral beauty of the sakura. Reddit

Visitors can expect a vibrant scene with people picnicking, strolling, and taking photos. The sheer density of the cherry blossoms overhead creates an immersive experience, making it feel like you're walking through a floral wonderland. The romantic ambiance is amplified, especially during the evening when the trees are illuminated, casting a soft glow on the blossoms and the pathway. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Kamakura during spring. TikTok

You may also like