Any die-hard fan of "Slam Dunk" knows that Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture, specifically the Kamakura area, is hallowed ground for the series. The railway crossing near the Enoden Kamakura Koko-mae Station is practically a mandatory stop for any pilgrimage.
However, ever since the movie hit theaters a few years back, the surge in visitors has turned this scenic spot into a nightmare for local residents. The sheer volume of people, coupled with some seriously unruly tourist behavior, has become a major headache that the community is still struggling to solve.
The explosion in tourist numbers has spawned a host of problems. The railway crossing is right next to a busy main road, and tourists frequently trespass onto the tracks or ignore warnings, stepping into the street to get their perfect shot, causing massive traffic jams. On top of that, littering is rampant, and some even wander into private homes, much to the distress of nearby residents.
Kamakura City has tried everything from deploying security guards to setting up multilingual warning signs, but nothing has fully fixed the issue.
So, the city decided to get creative. They cleaned up a nearby park, tore down fences and trees, and designated it as a "photo-exclusive zone." City staff now guide tourists there for their snapshots.
Some visitors are all for it, saying it's much safer and allows them to get great photos without breaking rules: "You don't have to stand in the exact same spot as in the anime; it's awesome to get good photos with your own style." Others admitted they still secretly wished they could get that iconic opening scene shot from the front, but appreciated the clear guidance for safe photo-taking.
Residents also support the new approach, believing that if tourists simply follow the rules, the environment will improve significantly.
But here's the kicker: the problem hasn't entirely vanished. When city staff aren't around, many tourists flock right back to the original railway crossing, snapping photos directly in the middle of the road, sometimes narrowly avoiding being hit by cars. It just goes to show that without supervision, dangerous behavior quickly resurfaces.
While it's clear how much this spot means to both Japanese and international fans, the railway crossing and the adjacent road see a lot of traffic. Following the rules isn't just a suggestion; it's a necessity. So, if you're planning a trip to Japan and have this iconic spot on your pilgrimage itinerary, please be mindful of the local residents. Having a blast at the expense of others' peace and safety is definitely not cool.
via： TBS NEWS DIG