SLAM DUNK’s Crossing: A Complete Guide to the Sacred Pilgrimage Site in Kamakura
The basketball manga ‘SLAM DUNK’, which dominated the 1990s, has a symbolic scene set at the railway crossing near Kamakura High School Station in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Today, it is known as a sacred site visited by fans from around the world. With the blockbuster release of the film ‘THE FIRST SLAM DUNK’ in 2022, its popularity has increased further, attracting many pilgrims from both domestic and international locations.
This article provides detailed explanations of all the information needed for a sacred site pilgrimage: the location of SLAM DUNK’s crossing, access methods, best photography spots, etiquette during visits, and nearby tourist attractions.
What is SLAM DUNK’s Crossing? The Charm of Kamakura High School Station No. 1 Railway Crossing
The Setting of the Anime Opening Scene
Kamakura High School Station No. 1 railway crossing is located at 1-chome, Koshigoe, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden). This location became world-famous as the setting for the opening scene of the anime version of ‘SLAM DUNK’.
In the opening, the main character Sakuragi Hanamichi is depicted waiting for the Enoden to pass in front of the crossing. The background features the blue Shonan sea, and the landscape of a vintage Enoden train passing through symbolizes youth and nostalgia in a way that has been imprinted on the memories of many fans.
The Spectacular View from the Crossing
The greatest charm of Kamakura High School Station No. 1 crossing lies in its location. Beyond the crossing stretches Sagami Bay, and on clear days, you can see all the way to Enoshima and Mount Fuji. Especially at dusk, the beautiful scenery of the sun setting into the sea overlaps with the silhouette of the Enoden, creating a scene that is truly like a painting.
This crossing, set at the intersection of National Route 134 and the Enoden route, is also known as a representative photo spot in the Shonan area.
Detailed Access Methods to the Railway Crossing at Kamakura High School Station
Access by Train
When using the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
Kamakura High School Station is an Enoden station located between Kamakura Station and Fujisawa Station.
- From Kamakura Station: Board the Enoden and arrive at Kamakura High School Station in approximately 9 minutes
- From Fujisawa Station: Board the Enoden and arrive at Kamakura High School Station in approximately 20 minutes
Kamakura High School Station is an unstaffed station, and the crossing is located immediately after exiting the ticket gate. Walking straight toward the sea from the station building, the dead-end is Kamakura High School Station No. 1 railway crossing. The distance is approximately 100 meters, taking about 1-2 minutes on foot.
Access from JR Lines
From the Tokyo direction:
- Approximately 1 hour on the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station
- Transfer to the Enoden at Kamakura Station
From the Yokohama direction:
- Approximately 25 minutes on the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station
- Transfer to the Enoden at Kamakura Station
Access by Car and Parking Information
How to Get There by Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Asahina IC” on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway via National Route 134
- Approximately 50 minutes from “Atsugi IC” on the Tomei Expressway via National Route 134
Regarding Parking
There are almost no dedicated parking lots near Kamakura High School Station. Nearby coin parking is also limited, and especially on weekends and during tourism season, parking lots often become full. Therefore, we strongly recommend using public transportation.
If you must visit by car, it is more reliable to park at a large parking lot around Enoshima or Kamakura Station and move by Enoden.
Also Within Walking Distance from Shichirigahama Station
From Shichirigahama Station, the neighboring station to Kamakura High School Station, you can also access the crossing in approximately 10 minutes on foot. There are also popular cafes near Shichirigahama Station (mentioned later), so it’s also recommended to visit while touring the surrounding area.
Best Spots for Taking Perfect Photos and Photography Tips
Recommended Photography Points
① Sea Side of the Crossing (Standard Angle)
The most popular position is shooting from the sea side of the crossing toward the station. From this angle, you can capture the same composition as the anime opening scene, with the Enoden passing through and the ocean landscape together.
② Station Side of the Crossing
Conversely, photographing from the station side toward the sea allows you to capture photos with Sagami Bay and Enoshima spread out beyond the crossing. This is also a very popular angle.
③ Sidewalk Next to the Crossing
An angle that captures the crossing diagonally is also popular. You can capture the Enoden, crossing, and ocean in a single photograph.
Best Timing for Photography
Time of Day
- Early Morning (6:00-8:00): Few people are around, and beautiful landscapes lit by the morning sun can be photographed
- Late Afternoon (16:00-18:00): The sunset and Enoden silhouette create a mystical photo
- Weekday Mornings (8:00-11:00): Relatively less crowded, allowing for leisurely photography
Season
- Spring: The cherry blossom season makes the surrounding scenery beautiful, allowing for fresh photos
- Summer: The contrast between the blue sky and sea is at its best
- Autumn: The clear air increases the probability of seeing Mount Fuji
- Winter: Clear air allows for crisp photography
Enoden Operating Intervals
The Enoden operates at approximately 12-minute intervals. If you want to photograph the moment the train passes, it is efficient to check the arrival time of the next train on the platform before moving to the photography point.
Photography Precautions
- Do not enter the tracks: This is extremely dangerous. Absolutely avoid this
- Do not go onto the road: National Route 134 has heavy traffic and is dangerous
- Minimize tripod use: During busy times, this inconveniences other tourists
- Avoid occupying the area for long periods: Many people are waiting to photograph, so share the space
Etiquette to Observe During Visits and Current Crowding Conditions
Manners Problems That Had Become Serious
After the release of the film ‘THE FIRST SLAM DUNK’, the area around Kamakura High School Station’s railway crossing became extremely crowded with tourists from both domestic and international locations, resulting in various manners issues.
Main Problems:
- Entering the tracks
- Rushing onto the roadway
- Making noise with loud voices
- Littering
- Impact on residents’ lives
- Traffic congestion
These problems led to serious friction with local residents at one point, and were widely reported in the news.
Manners Improvement Efforts
Since 2023, Kamakura City, Enoshima Electric Railway, local residents, police, and others have been working together to improve manners.
Specific Initiatives:
- Installation of multilingual warning signs
- Placement of security guards (during crowded times)
- Manners awareness activities on SNS
- Information provision at tourist information centers
Through these efforts, as of 2024, manners have been significantly improved, and the area is recovering as a “premier photo spot”.
Manners That Visitors Should Follow
Rules That Must Be Observed:
- Do not enter the tracks: Never cross when the crossing barriers are down
- Do not go onto the road: Be careful not to go onto the road while absorbed in photography
- Do not speak loudly: Remember that this is a residential neighborhood
- Always take trash with you: There are almost no trash bins in the surrounding area
- Avoid occupying the space for long periods: Show consideration for other tourists
- Do not enter private property: Areas other than photography spots are residential areas
- Avoid visiting at night: This causes inconvenience to residents
Current Crowding Conditions
Crowded Time Periods:
- Weekends from 10:00-16:00
- Holidays
- Spring break, Golden Week, summer vacation, year-end and New Year holidays and other tourist seasons
Relatively Uncrowded Time Periods:
- Weekday early mornings (6:00-8:00)
- Weekday mornings (8:00-11:00)
- Rainy days
If you want to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday early morning is recommended. Especially during summer, it’s bright enough at around 6 AM to take beautiful photos.
Recommended Tourist Spots and Dining in the Surrounding Area
bills Shichirigahama
Located one station away on the Enoden from Kamakura High School Station at Shichirigahama Station, a 2-minute walk away, the popular cafe “bills Shichirigahama” is a must-visit spot when visiting SLAM DUNK’s crossing.
Recommended Menu Items:
- Ricotta Pancakes – Fresh Banana, Honeycomb Butter (2,000 yen): Famous as the world’s best breakfast, this is bills’ signature menu item
- Scrambled Eggs: The fluffy texture is exquisite
- Organic Coffee: High-quality coffee for a moment of rest
The interior is entirely glass-walled, allowing you to enjoy meals while taking in views of the Shonan sea spread out before you. The terrace seating especially has an open, airy feel, and dining while feeling the ocean breeze is truly special.
Business Information:
- Hours: 8:30-17:00 (Last order 16:00)
- Closed: Irregular
- Reservations: Not accepted (first come, first served)
On weekends and holidays, lines often form before opening, so early visits are recommended.
Shichirigahama Beach
Spreading out directly in front of bills Shichirigahama, Shichirigahama Beach is a beautiful beach representative of Shonan. A approximately 4-kilometer stretch of sandy beach is bustling with people enjoying walks and surfing.
At dusk, you can see the spectacular view of Mount Fuji and Enoshima’s silhouettes dyed by the setting sun. Combined with SLAM DUNK’s crossing, this is a spot where you can fully enjoy Shonan’s sea.
Enoshima
About 10 minutes from Kamakura High School Station on the Enoden, Enoshima is a standard spot for Shonan sightseeing.
Main Points of Interest:
- Enoshima Shrine: A power spot for relationships
- Enoshima Sea Candle (Observation Lighthouse): 360-degree panoramic views
- Enoshima Iwaya: A mysterious sea cave
- New Enoshima Aquarium: Recommended for families
At Enoshima, you can also enjoy Shonan cuisine like fresh seafood and whitebait rice bowls.
Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in)
About 15 minutes by bus from Kamakura Station, the Kamakura Daibutsu is a bronze Amitabha Buddha statue designated as a National Treasure, standing 11.3 meters tall.
It is an iconic symbol of Kamakura sightseeing, and you can also enter inside the statue (additional fee of 20 yen). There are many other famous sites nearby, such as Hase-dera Temple, allowing you to experience Kamakura’s history and culture.
Kamakura Komachi Street
“Komachi Street”, a shopping street about 360 meters long that runs from Kamakura Station’s east exit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, is a popular spot where you can enjoy Kamakura souvenirs and street food.
Popular Food:
- Kamakura Croquettes
- Kamakura Vegetable Smoothies
- Whitebait Crackers
- Matcha Sweets
With approximately 250 shops lined up, it’s also ideal for souvenir shopping.
Other Sacred Sites Related to SLAM DUNK
Beyond Kamakura High School Station’s crossing, there are various locations throughout the Shonan area associated with SLAM DUNK.
Shonan Coastline Park
This is believed to be the model for the scene where Sakuragi Hanamichi practiced basketball with Akagi by the seaside. There are basketball courts by the sea, and you can actually play basketball here.
Koshigoe Fishing Port
Near Enoden’s Koshigoe Station, this fishing port is believed to be the model for seaside scenes in the work. A peaceful fishing port landscape spreads out, and you can also purchase fresh seafood.
Kamakura High School
The model for the “Shohoku High School” that appears in the work is the actual Kanagawa Prefectural Kamakura High School. However, since this is an actual school facility, refrain from entering the grounds or photographing. It’s important to limit viewing to seeing the exterior from a distance.
Model for Ryonan High School
The rival school “Ryonan High School” is said to be modeled after Kanagawa Prefectural Shichirigahama High School. This is also an actual school, so visit respectfully while observing manners.
Model Courses for SLAM DUNK Crossing Visits
Half-Day Course (Departing in the Morning)
9:00 Arrive at Kamakura Station
↓ Move by Enoden (approximately 9 minutes)
9:15 Arrive at Kamakura High School Station, photograph at crossing (1 hour)
↓ Move by Enoden (1 station)
10:30 Arrive at Shichirigahama Station, breakfast at bills Shichirigahama
↓ Walk
12:00 Stroll along Shichirigahama Beach
↓ Move by Enoden
13:00 Enoshima sightseeing
15:00 Return
Full-Day Course
8:00 Arrive at Kamakura Station
8:30 Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
9:30 Street food along Komachi Street
11:00 Visit Kamakura Daibutsu
↓ Move by bus/Enoden
13:00 Photograph at Kamakura High School Station’s crossing
14:00 Lunch at bills Shichirigahama
15:30 Stroll along Shichirigahama Beach
16:30 Enoshima sightseeing
18:00 View sunset at Enoshima
19:00 Return
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can the railway crossing at Kamakura High School Station be visited 24 hours?
A1. While physically accessible 24 hours, the surrounding area is a residential neighborhood, so nighttime visits are inconvenient for residents. We recommend limiting visits to daytime hours (around 6:00-18:00). Also, the Enoden’s first train departs around 5:30 and the last train around 23:30.
Q2. Is it worthwhile to visit on rainy days?
A2. Rainy days have the advantage of fewer people, allowing for leisurely photography. Additionally, rain-soaked crossings and misty seas have a unique atmosphere, and you can capture beautiful photos that differ from fair-weather shots. However, care is needed as the ground becomes slippery.
Q3. Is a one-day Enoden pass a good deal?
A3. The Enoden’s one-day pass “Noriori-kun” costs 800 yen and allows unlimited boarding and alighting between Kamakura and Fujisawa. Since normal one-way fares range from 220-310 yen, it’s a good deal if you ride 3 or more times. It’s recommended when visiting multiple surrounding attractions.
Q4. I heard there are many foreign tourists, but is English spoken?
A4. English-speaking staff is limited in the Kamakura High School Station area, but multilingual support is advancing at major tourist spots. Additionally, smartphone translation apps are sufficient for communication. Surrounding signs and manners awareness displays are also being multilingual.
Q5. Can it be enjoyed in winter?
A5. In winter, the air is clear, and the probability of seeing Mount Fuji is high. Additionally, there are fewer tourists compared to summer, allowing for leisurely photography. With proper winter clothing, you can enjoy the unique beauty of winter scenery.
Q6. Is wheelchair access available?
A6. Kamakura High School Station is an unstaffed station with limited barrier-free accommodations. The station lacks elevators and has stairs. However, if you arrive by car to National Route 134, the area around the crossing is flat, making it possible for wheelchair users to access the photography spot.
Q7. Is drone photography possible?
A7. Drone operations in Kamakura are strictly regulated. Particularly, drone flights in densely populated areas and near railway facilities are regulated by the Aviation Law, and flying without permission is not allowed. If you wish to photograph with drones, you need to obtain necessary permits beforehand.
Practical Information to Know Before Visiting
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: Don’t forget to charge
- Spare Battery/Mobile Battery: Photography will be extensive
- Sunscreen: Strong sunlight along the coast
- Hat/Sunglasses: Essential especially in summer
- Beverages: Few vending machines in the surrounding area
- Garbage Bag: Always take trash with you
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring the surrounding area
Nearby Toilet Information
- Kamakura High School Station: No restroom at the station
- Shichirigahama Station: Restroom available at the station
- bills Shichirigahama: Customers can use the restroom
- Shichirigahama Beach: Public restroom available (may be open only in summer)
We recommend using the restroom before visiting.
Wi-Fi Environment
There is almost no public Wi-Fi near Kamakura High School Station. If you plan to post on SNS or use map apps, we recommend preparing mobile data communication.
Emergency Contact Numbers
- Kamakura City Tourist Association: 0467-23-3050
- Enoshima Electric Railway Customer Center: 0466-24-2713
- Kamakura Police Station: 0467-23-0110
- Emergency/Fire: 119
Conclusion: Enjoying SLAM DUNK’s Sacred Site Wholeheartedly
The railway crossing at Kamakura High School Station in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a special place for ‘SLAM DUNK’ fans. The experience of actually standing where Sakuragi Hanamichi stood in the anime opening scene and waiting for the Enoden to pass moves the hearts of many people across generations.
This location, where beautiful Shonan sea, vintage Enoden, and memories of SLAM DUNK intersect, truly deserves to be called a “sacred site.” However, due to its popularity, crowding and manners issues have also arisen.
When visiting, do not forget consideration for local residents, attention to safety, and kindness toward other tourists. By each individual observing manners, we can preserve this wonderful place for the future.
The surrounding area is rich in appealing tourist spots, including bills Shichirigahama, Enoshima, and Kamakura’s historic sites. Starting from your visit to SLAM DUNK’s crossing, enjoy the full charm of the Shonan and Kamakura areas.
I hope this article helps make your SLAM DUNK sacred site pilgrimage a memorable and wonderful experience. Create your own special memories on the stage of this masterpiece that marked a page of youth.
