The Most Famous Anime Crossing in Japan
The railway crossing near Kamakura-Kokomae Station (鎌倉高校前駅) on the Enoden Line is arguably the single most visited anime pilgrimage spot in Japan. It appears in the opening sequence of Slam Dunk, where Sakuragi Hanamichi sees Akagi Haruko for the first time, with the Enoden train passing and the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretching behind her. After the 2022 film The First Slam Dunk became a global hit, visitor numbers surged to levels that required crowd management.
Getting to the Enoden Line
From Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Fujisawa Station (about 55 minutes on the express, ¥630). At Fujisawa, transfer to the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway). Alternatively, take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (55 minutes) and board the Enoden from there.
Enoden 1-Day Pass
Purchase the Noriorikun (のりおりくん) 1-day pass at either Fujisawa or Kamakura station for ¥800. This covers unlimited rides on the Enoden and is essential if you plan to hop on and off at multiple stops. The pass pays for itself after just two rides.
Stop 1: Kamakura-Kokomae Crossing — Arrive Before 8 AM
Why Early?
This is not optional advice — it is essential. By mid-morning, the crossing attracts dense crowds of tourists, many waiting to recreate the opening sequence photo. Local authorities and volunteers now manage foot traffic, and standing in the road is prohibited. Arriving before 8 AM gives you a window of 30 to 60 minutes with manageable crowds and better light for photography.
The Exact Spot
Exit Kamakura-Kokomae Station and turn left (east). The crossing is about 50 meters from the station. Stand on the sidewalk on the uphill (north) side of the crossing for the classic angle: the road descending toward the ocean with the Enoden tracks crossing perpendicular.
Photo Tips
- Wait for an Enoden train to pass through the crossing for the most authentic shot
- Trains pass roughly every 12 minutes in each direction
- Morning light (before 10 AM) illuminates the ocean without harsh backlight
- Do not step into the road — this is a functioning crossing with car traffic
Stop 2: The Alternative Crossing — 300 Meters East
A Local Secret
About 300 meters east of the famous crossing, there is another railway crossing that offers a similar ocean-backdrop view with far fewer visitors. While not the exact Slam Dunk location, this crossing provides excellent Enoden-meets-ocean photos without the crowds. Walk east along the tracks from the main crossing, staying on the inland side of the road.
This alternative crossing is especially useful on weekends and holidays when the main crossing becomes unmanageable. The angle is slightly different but the atmosphere is equally photogenic.
Stop 3: Shichirigahama and Inamuragasaki
Coastal Scenery from the Series
The stretch of coastline between Shichirigahama and Inamuragasaki stations features in multiple Slam Dunk episodes and the film. The beach, the sea wall, and the views toward Enoshima Island all appear as background scenery during the characters' daily commutes.
Ride the Enoden one or two stops east and walk along the coastal path. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible across Sagami Bay — a bonus photo opportunity that even the anime depicts in certain scenes.
Stop 4: Enoshima Island
A Natural Extension
While not a direct Slam Dunk location, Enoshima Island is visible from many of the series' backgrounds. The island is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from the mainland near Enoshima Station. Climbing to the top of the island takes about 30 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views of the coast and Mount Fuji.
Route Summary
- 7:30 AM — Arrive at Kamakura-Kokomae Station
- 7:45 AM — Photograph the famous crossing (spend 30 to 45 minutes)
- 8:30 AM — Walk 300m east to the alternative crossing
- 9:15 AM — Take Enoden to Shichirigahama, walk the coastal path
- 10:30 AM — Continue to Enoshima for island exploration and lunch
- 12:30 PM — Return to Kamakura for temples and shopping
Important Etiquette Reminders
- The crossing is in a residential neighborhood — residents live in the houses on both sides
- Multilingual signs ask visitors to stay on the sidewalk and not block traffic
- Do not use tripods in the road or on the narrow sidewalk where they obstruct pedestrians
- If a local volunteer or police officer asks you to move, comply immediately and politely
- The Enoden train itself is a working commuter line — do not delay trains by standing on tracks