🎌 Anime Pilgrimage in Kamakura & Shonan – July 18 Special Guide

🗾 Discover the Real-Life Settings of Your Favorite Anime!

The Kamakura & Shonan region isn’t just known for its beaches, temples, and local delicacies — it’s also a real-life anime wonderland. If you’re an anime fan visiting Japan, don’t miss this chance to explore the iconic scenes from your favorite shows. This guide introduces anime pilgrimage spots you can visit today (July 18), along with access tips and travel hacks.

🚃 1. Slam Dunk – Kamakurakōkōmae Station（鎌倉高校前駅）

Anime: Slam Dunk
Scene: The famous railway crossing near the ocean where Hanamichi Sakuragi walks.

This location has become legendary among anime fans worldwide. Even decades after the anime aired, you’ll find tourists (especially from Asia) lining up to take pictures in front of the iconic crossing gate with the sea in the background.

📍 Address: Kamakurakōkōmae Station, Enoden Line
📸 Best photo time: 4–5 PM for golden hour lighting
⚠️ Safety tip: Do not block traffic or step on the tracks when taking photos

Travel Tip: Buy the Enoden 1-day pass to easily hop on and off the train for more anime spots.

⛩️ 2. Elfen Lied – Enoshima Island（江の島）

Anime: Elfen Lied
Scene: The shrine stairs and seaside caves

Elfen Lied fans will recognize Enoshima Shrine and Iwaya Caves, both featured in the series. Today, you can climb the very same steps Lucy did — and enjoy views of Sagami Bay along the way.

🕯️ Bonus: Lanterns will be tested tonight (July 18) ahead of Saturday’s Toro Festival — magical at dusk!
🐾 Don’t miss the island’s cats, often seen lounging in the sun (they even appeared in the anime!)

🏖️ 3. Tsuritama – Enoshima & Katase

Anime: Tsuritama
Scene: Fishing, quirky aliens, and Shonan summer vibes!

This anime captures the unique feeling of summer in Enoshima — fishing boats, lighthouses, beachside ramen, and festivals. Visit Katase-Enoshima Station and stroll across the bridge for the full experience.

🐟 Activity tip: Join a beginner’s fishing tour (available at Enoshima Pier)
🍜 Food tip: Try the “Shirasu-don” (whitebait rice bowl), featured in the anime!

🏯 4. March Comes in Like a Lion – Kamakura Temples

Anime: 3-gatsu no Lion
Scene: Quiet temple walks and emotional healing

The melancholic, beautiful temple backdrops in the anime are based on Hasedera Temple and surrounding paths in Kamakura. If you’re looking to relax and reflect, this is the ideal anime-inspired walk.

🌿 Peaceful walk: From Hase Station to Hasedera and then to Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
📝 Bring a small journal — perfect for quiet sketching or reflection, just like Rei Kiriyama

🏞️ 5. Weathering with You – Kamakura Seaside (Inspired Settings)

Anime: Tenki no Ko (Weathering With You)
Scene: Although not directly named, several seaside town scenes evoke Kamakura’s vibe.

Try walking along the coast from Koshigoe to Shichirigahama — the ocean, cloudy skies, and train crossings feel straight out of Makoto Shinkai’s films.

📷 Tip: Use a camera with a wide-angle lens at twilight — great for “Shinkai-style” shots
☁️ If it rains today — even better. You’ll feel like you’re inside the movie!

📍 Map Access & Route Suggestion

🕗 Suggested Day Route (All by Enoden):

Start at Fujisawa Station
Ride Enoden to Kamakurakōkōmae Station (Slam Dunk spot)
Stop at Enoshima Station (Elfen Lied / Tsuritama)
End in Hase (3-gatsu no Lion + Great Buddha)

Travel Time: About 4 hours, including photo and snack stops
Total Cost: ¥800 with Noriorikun Day Pass
English Support: Tourist info centers at Fujisawa, Enoshima, and Kamakura stations

🛍️ Bonus: Anime Merch Spots

T-Stage Enoshima (Katase Station): Small shop with anime goods & beachwear
Kamakura Komachi Street: Look for Ghibli-style handcraft stores
Animate Yokohama (if heading north): One train stop away from Fujisawa on JR Line

📢 Important Notes for Pilgrims

Be respectful at shrines and temples — no loud cosplay or shouting
Don’t film in restricted areas or block pathways
July is hot — bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least 1L of water
Need help? Ask staff at tourist centers (they speak English)

Enjoy your anime pilgrimage in Kamakura & Shonan!
Post your favorite scenes with #AnimePilgrimageJapan or #KamakuraAnimeTrip
Who knows — your next favorite anime might be set right where you stand today.