KAMAKURA, Sep 17 (News On Japan) - A level crossing near Kamakura High School Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway, long celebrated as a setting in the popular anime Slam Dunk, has become one of Kamakura’s busiest tourist sites. The crossing, featured in the show’s opening sequence, attracts throngs of visitors hoping to capture the iconic view of the tracks and passing trains.
In recent years, however, the location has seen mounting problems. Crowds often spill into the road, some tourists trespass onto the tracks, and garbage has accumulated, frustrating local residents. The city has responded by posting guards and multilingual warning signs, but unruly behavior has persisted.
To address the situation, Kamakura launched a four-day pilot project beginning on September 13th, designating a nearby park as a new photo spot. The site, once hidden behind hedges, was cleared and improved to provide unobstructed views. City staff guided visitors there, encouraging them to take pictures safely without blocking roads or entering restricted areas.
Many tourists welcomed the initiative. A visitor from Hiroshima said, “It’s nice to have a proper guide and space where everyone can take pictures. Of course, I would love to capture the scene head-on, but this is a good compromise.” A traveler from China commented, “Even if it’s not exactly the same spot, I think it’s better to take pictures in a safe and orderly way.”
Residents also saw merit in the experiment. “If tourists are properly taught about Japan’s rules, it will help a lot,” said one local.
But when staff left, some visitors returned to the tracks and roadside to snap photos, creating traffic hazards. Cars passed within close range of people standing on the road, underscoring the risks when supervision was absent.
The pilot program ends today, with city officials acknowledging that while the new photo spot showed promise, significant challenges remain in managing safety and balancing tourism with community life.
Source: TBS
