Famous scenes in Kamakura can only be viewed, not photographed—new local regulations ban dangerous photography

By MOOK Scenic Spots, compiled and reported
 
Attention to travelers who love visiting Japan: Kamakura's most popular sightseeing spot, the "Enoden train in Kamakura," is one of the must-visit attractions in the city, drawing large crowds of tourists every year for photos and check-ins, but it has seriously affected local residents and traffic. Therefore, in April 2019, the city of Kamakura passed new regulations banning dangerous photography and similar behaviors in the area, hoping that visitors will comply with the rules.

The ancient city of Kamakura, just an hour away from Tokyo, boasts many popular attractions, among which the "Kamakura Enoden" is a famous scene from the manga "Slam Dunk," also referred to as the "Slam Dunk level crossing." However, due to its immense popularity, many tourists crowd the roads on both sides trying to grab the best shot, leading to severe congestion. Just getting into the station can involve at least an hour of queuing, and some even trespass into nearby schools and cemeteries, causing inconvenience and distress to local residents.

Recently, the city of Kamakura passed new regulations, which officially took effect on April 1, urging tourists not to occupy lanes for photography, obstruct vehicle traffic, or engage in risky photography behaviors such as taking photos on railway tracks. Hiromasa Hirokawa, chief of the Kamakura City Tourism Division, stated that the new regulations are soft guidelines rather than bans or restrictions, and no penalties have been set. However, he hopes that tourists will exercise self-discipline to create a better tourism environment for everyone.

In addition, the new regulations remind visitors that when strolling through local shopping streets, they should avoid eating while walking in crowded areas to prevent soiling other people’s clothes or store merchandise. Everyone is encouraged to be mindful of their etiquette. Aside from Kamakura, other tourist areas in Japan, such as Asakusa and Kyoto, have long had bilingual signs in Chinese and English saying “No eating while walking” to avoid disturbing others and keep streets clean.

Following protests from many local residents about the inconvenience and street litter caused by tourists’ dangerous photography and eating while walking, the city of Kamakura decided to enact these new regulations. When traveling anywhere in the world, regardless of the country, visitors should be mindful of their manners, follow local rules, and avoid causing trouble for local residents—be quality tourists.


 

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