KAMAKURA, Oct 01 (News On Japan) - Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture has begun new measures to control crowds at a railway crossing near Kamakura High School, a site that has become a pilgrimage destination for fans of the popular anime 'Slam Dunk.'
The move comes as China’s National Day holidays bring an influx of foreign tourists to Japan, raising concerns over safety and overtourism.
Even on weekday afternoons, large numbers of visitors gather at the crossing near Enoden’s Kamakura High School Mae Station. The site gained fame as the backdrop for a scene in the anime’s opening sequence, where the protagonist meets the heroine on her way to school. Tourists have flocked to the location to take photos replicating the iconic composition, but the surge has created congestion and safety risks.
Sidewalks are frequently packed, and some visitors step into the roadway to take pictures. In August, a collision occurred when a tourist came into contact with a vehicle. With the holiday period expected to further increase visitor numbers, the city has introduced new measures starting this week.
A nearby park has been cleared and equipped with handrails to serve as a designated “photo area,” guiding tourists away from the road. Security staff, previously limited to two, have been increased to more than five, directing visitors to the safer location. “It makes sense from a safety perspective and avoids disturbing local residents,” one tourist from China said, though others expressed a preference for shooting directly at the crossing.
City officials emphasized the importance of preserving local residents’ quality of life. “It was not a situation where nearby residents could live in peace. By stationing security staff, we hope to restore order and ensure the community can live safely,” one official said.
The measures will remain in place until March, with the city planning to assess their effectiveness before deciding on further steps after April.
Source: TBS
