SLAM DUNK Kamakura High School Station Crossing Complete Guide | All About Holy Land Pilgrimage
The basketball manga “SLAM DUNK,” which dominated the 1990s, had its iconic scene set at a crossing near Kamakura High School Station in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The crossing has become a holy site visited by fans from around the world. With the massive success of the movie “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK” released in 2022, its popularity has grown even further, attracting pilgrims from both domestic and international audiences.
This article provides a detailed explanation of all the information needed for a holy land pilgrimage, including the location of the SLAM DUNK crossing, how to access it, the best photography spots, manners when visiting, and nearby tourist attractions.
What is the SLAM DUNK Crossing? The Charm of Kamakura High School No. 1 Crossing
The Stage of the Anime Opening Scene
Kamakura High School No. 1 Crossing is a railroad crossing on the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This location became world-famous as the backdrop of the opening scene of the anime “SLAM DUNK.”
The opening depicts an impressive scene where the protagonist Sakuragi Hanamichi waits for the Enoden to pass in front of the crossing. Against the backdrop of the blue Shonan sea, the landscape of a vintage Enoden train passing through became a memorable image for many fans, symbolizing youth and nostalgia.
The Spectacular View from the Crossing
The greatest charm of Kamakura High School No. 1 Crossing lies in its location. Beyond the crossing, Sagami Bay stretches out, and on clear days, you can see as far as Enoshima and Mount Fuji. Especially at dusk, the beautiful sight of the sunset sinking into the sea merges with the silhouette of the Enoden, creating a truly picturesque landscape.
Set at the intersection of National Route 134 and the Enoden, this crossing is also known as a representative photography spot in the Shonan area.
Detailed Access Information to Kamakura High School Station Crossing
Access by Train
Using the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
Kamakura High School Station is a station on the Enoden, located between Kamakura Station and Fujisawa Station.
- From Kamakura Station: Take the Enoden and arrive at Kamakura High School Station in approximately 9 minutes
- From Fujisawa Station: Take the Enoden and arrive at Kamakura High School Station in approximately 20 minutes
Kamakura High School Station is an unmanned station, and the target crossing is located just outside the ticket gate. Walking straight toward the sea from the station building, you’ll reach Kamakura High School No. 1 Crossing at the end. The distance is approximately 100 meters, about 1-2 minutes on foot.
Access from JR Lines
From the Tokyo area:
- Approximately 1 hour via JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station
- Transfer to Enoden at Kamakura Station
From the Yokohama area:
- Approximately 25 minutes via JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station
- Transfer to 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 around Kamakura High School Station. The number of nearby coin parking is also limited, and especially on weekends and tourist seasons, they often fill up. 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 travel by Enoden.
Also Accessible on Foot from Shichigahama Station
Shichigahama Station, the next station to Kamakura High School Station, is also accessible on foot in approximately 10 minutes. The area around Shichigahama Station also has popular cafes mentioned later, making it recommended to visit in combination with the surrounding area.
Best Spots and Photography Tips for Taking Perfect Pictures
Recommended Photography Points
① Sea Side of the Crossing (Classic Angle)
The most popular position is shooting from the sea side of the crossing toward the station. From this angle, you can capture the Enoden passing by and the seascape in the same composition as the anime opening scene.
② Station Side of the Crossing
Conversely, shooting from the station side toward the sea captures a photo with Sagami Bay and Enoshima spread out in the background. This is also an extremely popular angle.
③ Sidewalk Next to the Crossing
An angle that captures the crossing diagonally is also popular. You can fit the Enoden, crossing, and sea all in one photograph.
Best Timing for Photography
Time of Day
- Early Morning (6:00–8:00): Few people, allowing for beautiful shots illuminated by the morning sun
- Evening (4:00 PM–6:00 PM): Enchanting photos of the sunset and silhouette of the Enoden
- Weekday Mornings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM): Relatively less crowded, allowing for unhurried photography
Season
- Spring: The cherry blossom season brings beautiful surrounding scenery and fresh photos
- Summer: The contrast between the blue sky and sea is perfect
- Autumn: The clear air increases the likelihood of seeing Mount Fuji
- Winter: The 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’s efficient to check the next train’s arrival time at the station platform before moving to the photography spot.
Photography Precautions
- Do not enter the railroad tracks: This is extremely dangerous. Absolutely avoid it.
- Do not go into the roadway: National Route 134 has heavy traffic and is dangerous.
- Avoid using tripods excessively: During crowded times, this inconveniences other tourists.
- Avoid occupying the space for extended periods: Many people are waiting to take photos, so practice a spirit of sharing.
Manners to Observe When Visiting and Current Congestion Status
Serious Manners Issues
After the release of the movie “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK,” the area around Kamakura High School Station’s crossing experienced massive congestion with visitors from around the world, resulting in various manners problems.
Main Issues:
- Entry into the railroad tracks
- Running into the roadway
- Loud noise
- Littering
- Impact on nearby residents’ lives
- Traffic congestion
These issues led to serious friction with local residents, and the matter was covered extensively in the news.
Efforts to Improve Manners
Since 2023, Kamakura City, Enoshima Electric Railway, local residents, and police have worked together to improve manners.
Specific Initiatives:
- Installation of multilingual warning signs
- Placement of security guards (during peak times)
- Manners promotion on social media
- Information provision at tourist information centers
Through these efforts, manners have significantly improved as of 2024, and the location is reclaiming its appeal as a “premier photography spot.”
Manners Visitors Should Follow
Rules That Must Be Followed:
- Do not enter the railroad tracks: When the crossing gates come down, never cross.
- Do not go into the roadway: Be careful not to enter the roadway while absorbed in photography.
- Do not speak loudly: Remember that this is a residential area.
- Always take garbage with you: There are almost no trash cans nearby.
- Avoid occupying the space for extended periods: Show consideration for other tourists.
- Do not trespass on private property: Areas other than photography spots are residential.
- Avoid visiting at night: It would inconvenience residents.
Current Congestion Status
Congested Times:
- Weekends from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- National holidays
- High seasons such as spring break, Golden Week, summer vacation, and year-end holidays
Relatively Uncrowded Times:
- Weekday early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM)
- Weekday mornings (8:00–11:00 AM)
- Rainy days
If you want to avoid crowds, early morning visits on weekdays are recommended. In particular, in summer, it’s bright enough by 6:00 AM to take beautiful photos.
Recommended Nearby Tourist Attractions and Dining
bills Shichigahama
“bills Shichigahama,” a popular cafe located 2 minutes on foot from Shichigahama Station, one station away by Enoden from Kamakura High School Station, is a spot you’ll want to visit in combination with your SLAM DUNK crossing visit.
Recommended Menu Items:
- Ricotta Pancakes – Fresh Banana, Honeycomb Butter (2,000 yen): The signature menu of bills, famous as the world’s best breakfast
- Scrambled Eggs: Incredibly fluffy texture
- Organic Coffee: Carefully selected coffee for a moment of rest
The interior is entirely glass-walled, allowing you to enjoy meals while gazing at the Shonan sea spreading out before you. Especially the terrace seats offer an open and expansive feeling, and dining while feeling the ocean breeze is exceptional.
Operational Information:
- Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Reservations: Not accepted (First come, first served)
On weekends and holidays, lines often form before opening, so visiting early is recommended.
Shichigahama Beach
Shichigahama Beach, spreading out right in front of bills Shichigahama, is a beautiful beach representative of Shonan. The roughly 4-kilometer sandy shore is bustling with people enjoying walks and surfing.
At dusk, you can see the spectacular sight of Mount Fuji and the silhouette of Enoshima merging with the sunset. Combined with a visit to the SLAM DUNK crossing, you can fully enjoy Shonan’s seascape.
Enoshima
About 10 minutes by Enoden from Kamakura High School Station, Enoshima is a standard destination for Shonan tourism.
Main Attractions:
- Enoshima Shrine: A power spot for matchmaking
- Enoshima Sea Candle (Observation Lighthouse): 360-degree spectacular panorama
- Enoshima Iwaya (Sea Caves): Mystical sea caves
- New Enoshima Aquarium: Recommended for families
At Enoshima, you can also enjoy Shonan cuisine such as fresh seafood and shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl).
Kamakura Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)
About 15 minutes by bus from Kamakura Station stands the Kamakura Great Buddha, a 11.3-meter-tall bronze Amida Buddha statue designated as a National Treasure.
An iconic symbol of Kamakura tourism, you can also enter inside the Buddha (20 yen additional charge). Many famous sites such as Hasedera Temple surround the area, making it a place where you can feel Kamakura’s history and culture.
Kamakura Komachi Street
“Komachi Street,” a shopping street approximately 360 meters long connecting Kamakura Station’s east exit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, is a popular spot for enjoying Kamakura souvenirs and street food.
Popular Dining:
- Kamakura croquettes
- Kamakura vegetable smoothies
- Whitebait crackers
- Matcha sweets
With around 250 shops lining the street, it’s also ideal for souvenir shopping.
Other SLAM DUNK Holy Land Spots
Besides Kamakura High School Station’s crossing, several locations throughout the Shonan area are connected to SLAM DUNK.
Shonan Kaigan Park
The location is said to be the model for the scene where Sakuragi practices basketball with Haruko by the seashore. The park features basketball courts by the sea where you can actually play basketball.
Koshigoe Fishing Port
Near Koshigoe Station on the Enoden, this fishing port is said to be the model for beachside scenes in the work. A quiet fishing port landscape spreads out, and you can also purchase fresh seafood.
Kamakura High School
The actual Kanagawa Prefectural Kamakura High School is said to be the model for “Shohoku High School” that appears in the work. However, as this is an actual school facility, please refrain from entering the grounds or taking photographs. It’s important to limit yourself to viewing the exterior from a distance.
Model for Ryonan High School
Rival school “Ryonan High School” is said to be modeled after Kanagawa Prefectural Shichigahama High School. This is also an actual school, so please be mindful of manners in your visit.
Model Courses for SLAM DUNK Crossing Visits
Half-Day Course (Morning Departure)
9:00 AM Arrive at Kamakura Station
↓ Travel by Enoden (approximately 9 minutes)
9:15 AM Arrive at Kamakura High School Station, photograph at crossing (1 hour)
↓ Travel by Enoden (1 station)
10:30 AM Arrive at Shichigahama Station, breakfast at bills Shichigahama
↓ Walking
12:00 PM Stroll along Shichigahama Beach
↓ Travel by Enoden
1:00 PM Enoshima sightseeing
3:00 PM Return trip
Full-Day Course
8:00 AM Arrive at Kamakura Station
8:30 AM Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
9:30 AM Street food along Komachi Street
11:00 AM View Kamakura Great Buddha
↓ Travel by bus/Enoden
1:00 PM Photograph at Kamakura High School Station crossing
2:00 PM Lunch at bills Shichigahama
3:30 PM Stroll along Shichigahama Beach
4:30 PM Enoshima sightseeing
6:00 PM Sunset viewing at Enoshima
7:00 PM Return trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can you visit the Kamakura High School Station crossing 24 hours a day?
A1. While physically accessible 24 hours, the surrounding area is residential, so visiting at night inconveniences nearby residents. We recommend limiting visits to daytime (around 6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Additionally, the Enoden’s first train departs around 5:30 AM, with the last train around 11:30 PM.
Q2. Is it worth visiting on rainy days?
A2. Rainy days have the advantage of fewer people, allowing you to photograph at your leisure. Additionally, rain-soaked crossings and sea mist offer a unique atmosphere, allowing you to capture photographs with a different charm than clear days. However, the ground becomes slippery, so caution is needed.
Q3. Is the Enoden all-day pass worth it?
A3. The Enoden all-day pass “Noriori-kun” costs 800 yen and allows unlimited boarding between Kamakura and Fujisawa. Since regular one-way fares range from 220 to 310 yen, it’s economical if you ride three or more times. It’s recommended if visiting with surrounding attractions.
Q4. I heard many foreign tourists visit. Is English spoken?
A4. English-speaking staff is limited around Kamakura High School Station, but multilingual support is advancing at major tourist attractions. Additionally, smartphone translation apps are sufficient to manage. Surrounding signs and manners reminder displays have been made multilingual.
Q5. Can you enjoy it in winter?
A5. Winter offers clear air, increasing the probability of seeing Mount Fuji. Additionally, there are fewer tourists than in summer, allowing for unhurried photography. With proper cold-weather preparations, you can enjoy the unique beauty of winter scenery.
Q6. Can you access it by wheelchair?
A6. Kamakura High School Station is an unmanned station with limited barrier-free accessibility. The station lacks elevators and has stairs. However, if you can reach the area along National Route 134 by car, the area around the crossing is flat, making it accessible to the photography spot by wheelchair.
Q7. Is drone photography possible?
A7. There are strict regulations regarding drone flight within Kamakura City. Especially in densely populated areas and around railroad facilities, drone operation is restricted by aviation law, and flying without permission is prohibited. If you wish to photograph with a drone, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits beforehand.
Practical Information to Know Before Visiting
Packing Checklist
- Camera/Smartphone: Don’t forget to charge
- Spare Batteries/Mobile Battery: Photography will consume power
- Sunscreen: The sun is strong near the sea
- Hat/Sunglasses: Essential, especially in summer
- Beverages: Few vending machines nearby
- Garbage Bag: Always take your trash with you
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring the surrounding area
Nearby Restroom Information
- Kamakura High School Station: No restrooms at the station
- Shichigahama Station: Restrooms available at the station
- bills Shichigahama: Restrooms available for customers
- Shichigahama Beach: Public restrooms available (may only open in summer)
We recommend using the restroom before visiting.
Wi-Fi Environment
There are almost no public Wi-Fi options around Kamakura High School Station. Considering social media posts and map app use, it’s recommended to prepare mobile data communication.
Emergency Contacts
- Kamakura City Tourism Association: 0467-23-3050
- Enoshima Electric Railway Customer Center: 0466-24-2713
- Kamakura Police Station: 0467-23-0110
- Emergency/Fire: 119
Conclusion: To Fully Enjoy the SLAM DUNK Holy Land
The crossing at Kamakura High School Station in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a special place for “SLAM DUNK” fans. The experience of standing at the actual location where protagonist Sakuragi Hanamichi stood in the anime opening scene and waiting for the Enoden to pass moves the hearts of many people across generations.
The beautiful Shonan sea, the vintage Enoden, and memories of SLAM DUNK intersect at this location, truly deserving to be called a “holy land.” However, with its popularity comes congestion and manners issues.
When visiting, remember to show consideration for local residents, pay attention to safety, and practice consideration for other tourists. By each person following proper manners, this wonderful location can be preserved for the future.
The surrounding area is rich with attractive tourist spots, including bills Shichigahama, Enoshima, and Kamakura’s historical landmarks. With a pilgrimage to the SLAM DUNK crossing as your starting point, enjoy the full appeal of the Shonan and Kamakura area.
We hope this article helps make your SLAM DUNK holy land pilgrimage a memorable and wonderful experience. Create your own special memories at the site where a page of youth history was written.
