Overtourism in Kamakura: When a Railroad Crossing Falls Victim to Fame

In Kamakura, south of Tokyo, an ordinary railroad crossing now draws crowds of tourists every day, all eager to photograph the iconic scene from the anime Slam Dunk. But the enthusiasm has turned into a headache: clogged sidewalks, blocked traffic, and exasperated residents. For the first time, the city is testing measures to channel this fervor.

A bell rings, barriers descend, and the small Enoden train rattles along the coast. Visitors raise their smartphones, capturing the moment when the legendary Slam Dunk opening sequence seems to come alive. Yet the postcard is spoiled by honking horns and dense crowds. Some tourists step dangerously into the road, while others block the sidewalks. Locals sigh: “We can’t even leave our homes without being photographed.”

First published in the 1990s, Takehiko Inoue’s manga Slam Dunk sold over 170 million copies worldwide. Its anime adaptation marked a generation, and the level crossing at Kamakura-Kōkōmae became iconic thanks to a fleeting shot in the opening sequence. For thousands of fans, visiting the spot has become a true seichi junrei—a pilgrimage to sites featured in fiction.

The price of fame is paid daily: clogged streets, cars forced into dangerous maneuvers, and litter piling up. The Enoden line, a century-old local railway running along beaches and temples, is overwhelmed by the influx of visitors. Train drivers sometimes must wait until photographers clear the tracks before proceeding.

In September 2025, Kamakura city began deploying twelve municipal officers around Kamakura-Kōkōmae station to redirect visitors toward a dedicated photo area in a nearby park. Trash bins, awareness campaigns, and encouragement to use park-and-ride facilities complement the initiative. Officially described as experimental, the move has sparked concern: some residents fear that an “official photo spot” could attract even more tourists.

Kamakura’s experiment highlights a broader issue. With over 36 million visitors in 2024, Japan is grappling with the strains of overtourism: overcrowded alleys in Kyoto, new restrictions in Miyajima, shuttle systems introduced in Nikko. Kamakura, less than an hour from Tokyo, is facing the same pressures.

For local businesses, tourism is a boon. For residents, it is a burden. Between fan devotion and community fatigue, the city is seeking a delicate balance. The central question remains: how to welcome visitors without destroying the very charm that drew them here?

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