A little more than a kilometer away from the station, on the way to Kaizō-ji Temple is the Keiwaizaka Pass. Head straight after exiting Kamakura station’s south exit, and there should be a large green sign that reads “Kinokuniya”. Once you reach the light, take a right, and after that, you are free to follow the path all the way up until you reach the underpass. Be careful not to go under the bridge, but instead to follow the path to the left.

Eventually you will come to a post that lists various other temples or paths. When you get there, straight will take you to Kaizō-ji Temple, while the path on the left will take you to Keiawizaka Pass.

The post with the four sign boards in the picture above is the landmark you will be keeping an eye out for. This is the point where you will want to take a left and follow that part straight the entire way.

You will soon come to a road that looks like this, which is how you will know that you are on the right track. Follow this road straight all the way and you will reach Keiwaizaka Pass.

If this is what you see,  you have come to the right place. The pass will zig-zag back and up towards Genjiyama Park and does not take much time to traverse. The significance of Keiwaizaka Pass itself was of great military importance back in day, where it was one of seven major entrances into Kamakura. Because of the fact that it has seen fighting, and was also the pass where a significant battle once took place, the Keiwaizaka Pass had been declared a historical landmark. Reaching the very top brings you to a cement road right before Genjiyama Park.

The three pictures above are the zig zag progression of what you will while see climbing up the pass. The steepness is the only thing that might make it a hassle to get up, but the rocks during the most steep areas will give enough footing to get up easily. Once you are past this and finally at the road, Genjiyama Park will be just to your right. It is an amazingly beautiful park, with various types of trees and picnic areas. There is even a statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the shogun who started the government.

This looked to be a special outing, as there were a lot of kids ranging from elementary to high school age out at the park enjoying the day. Even without the trees having blossomed, it is still a very attractive and well-maintained park. With the many trees lined up on the side of road, it is easy to imagine how beautiful the park will be once they are fully bloomed. The park is also a great place for hanami, the cherry blossom viewing custom in Japan.

The statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate.

Through the pictures above, from the total emersion of nature and beautifully-kept arrangement of the flower gardens, one can engross themselves in the beauty of Genjiyama Park. Especially during the spring when everything has reached full bloom and the entire park is full of life and nature. Whether you are more interested in enjoying the time spent relaxing with friends, or just the overall splendor of the outdoors, Genjiyama Park will provide the atmosphere for both.

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