Komachi Dori

I love exploring Komachi Dori, which stretches from the east exit of Kamakura station through a little red torii gate. It’s here that you can find many restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops. The street is always thronged with young people and tourists enjoying some shopping. Running parallel to Komachi is Wakamiya-oji Street, which is the main street in Kamakura and leads up to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Dankazura Street is the slightly elevated walkway down the centre of the main street, and was built by Yoritomo Minamoto to pray for safe childbirth for his wife, Masako. There are cherry blossoms and azaleas blooming here depending on the season, and the promenade is decorated with lanterns during festivals, creating a delightful scene typical of Kamakura. Get off at Kamakura station on the JR line or Enoden line.—AD