"Slam Dunk" Landmark Has Locals Fed Up with Tourists!

The railroad crossing where Sakuragi Hanamichi and Haruko locked eyes captivated countless teenagers back in the day. (Image source: YouTube)

The childhood memory of those born in the '60s and '70s, "Slam Dunk," gets hearts racing just from its opening theme melody. The story’s setting—Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture—has become a must-visit pilgrimage site for anime fans. Among its iconic spots, the railroad crossing that Sakuragi Hanamichi and Haruko pass every day on their way to school is considered a "must-see once in a lifetime" attraction.

Kamakura, of course, isn’t just about Sakuragi Hanamichi. The city also boasts beautiful sights like Enoshima Island, the shimmering Shonan Coast, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Just strolling along the railway line is enough to soothe the mind and body. As a result, Kamakura has seen a surge in tourists, with visitor numbers reaching as high as 20 million annually. For a city with a population of only 170,000, this is a huge burden, and locals have been voicing many complaints about the resulting chaos.

In recent years, locals have begun to resent tourists, with the biggest issue being the overcrowding of public transportation. Sometimes, just running an errand like grocery shopping can mean waiting over an hour for a bus or train. Another major problem is at the iconic "Kamakura High School Railroad Crossing." Whenever a train passes, the area is often packed with tourists from Taiwan and mainland China, all imitating Sakuragi Hanamichi for commemorative photos. However, these visitors sometimes disregard traffic rules, leading to congestion and even accidents.

The local government is now considering solutions to the problem. To address the shortage of public transport, they may prioritize local residents when boarding. They are also urging tourists to visit Kamakura with proper etiquette and avoid becoming a public nuisance in the eyes of the locals.