Anime Pilgrimage Road Trip: Yuru Camp, Slam Dunk & Initial D

Anime pilgrimage road trip around Tokyo: 3 destinations

Visiting real places that appear in anime and manga, known in Japan as "seichi junrei" (pilgrimage), often means going far from train stations, so a car makes it much easier. Here we compare three classic destinations around Kanto that you can reach on a day trip from Haneda Airport, with distances and winter notes. This is an unofficial guide.

Times vary a lot with traffic and weather.

SLAM DUNK: Kamakurakokomae crossing (Kamakura and Enoshima)

The crossing next to Kamakurakokomae Station on the Enoden line is an ordinary railway crossing in a residential area. Kamakura City has set up a photo area in the park in front of the crossing, and guards direct people from the road into the park (2025 news reports). Do not stop your car near the crossing; park at a coin car park or park-and-ride car park around Kamakura Station and take the Enoden. Do not use illegal taxis (unlicensed "shirotaku" drivers). For details, see how to get to the Kamakurakokomae crossing by car.

Initial D: Mt Haruna, Ikaho and Shibukawa Station (Gunma)

Shibukawa City started a collaboration with the series in 2020 and installed Initial D manhole covers at seven spots around Shibukawa Station and Ikaho Onsen (at the time of the announcement). You can find them while walking the stone steps of Ikaho. On mountain passes, keep to the speed limit and never race or drive recklessly on public roads. Our terms also prohibit use for competition, including circuit driving. Manhole locations and card handouts are covered in our Initial D Mt Haruna and Shibukawa guide.

Laid-Back Camp: Lake Motosu and the Minobu area (Yamanashi)

Yamanashi Prefecture's tourism site lists the places used as models for official Laid-Back Camp illustrations: Koan Campground on Lake Motosu, Utsubuna Station on the JR Minobu Line, Minobu Bridge over the Fuji River, and Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, known for its night view.

• Lake Motosu: one of the component parts of the Mt Fuji World Cultural Heritage site. The prefecture's tourist map says that from the public car park you can see almost the same view of Mt Fuji as on the 1,000 yen note.
• Koan Campground: a paid campground. If you are not staying, do not wander onto the grounds; follow the site's rules.
• Minobu town (Utsubuna Station, Minobu Bridge): along the Fuji River, down from Lake Motosu towards Routes 300 and 52.

Lake Motosu and the Fuji Five Lakes are at high altitude, and roads can freeze or get snow in winter. Driving on snowy roads without our prior consent is prohibited, and snowy roads require winter tyres. If you might visit a snowy area, contact us before booking. For routes towards Mt Fuji, see Haneda to Mt Fuji and Hakone by car, and for winter driving, our winter driving guide.

Farther afield: ONE PIECE statues in Kumamoto and the DRAGON BALL STORE in Tokyo

In Kumamoto Prefecture, the "ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project", which supports recovery from the Kumamoto earthquakes, has placed statues of the 10 Straw Hat Pirates around the prefecture (official site). Kumamoto is not a drive from Haneda, so this would be a trip where you fly to Kumamoto and arrange transport there. Go on Rent-a-Car pick-up and return is at Haneda Airport only.

For DRAGON BALL, we could not confirm any place officially presented as a "pilgrimage spot". Toei Animation announced that it opened the official store "DRAGON BALL STORE TOKYO" on the 1st floor of Tokyo Station Ichibangai on 14 November 2025. Parking around Tokyo Station is scarce and expensive, so we recommend going by train.

Pilgrimage etiquette

• In residential areas and near stations, do not park on the street. Use a car park.
• Do not step onto the road or tracks to take photos. Do not enter private property.
• Take your rubbish home and keep the noise down. Remember these are places where people live.
• Do not make or sell unofficial goods using character images.
• Racing, reckless driving and excessive noise on public roads are illegal. Also read our road rules for visitors.

Routes, distances and drive times from Haneda

One destination per day is realistic. If you want to see two or three, plan a night around Ikaho or the Fuji Five Lakes so you do not drive dark mountain roads.

The car is a Volkswagen Golf Variant TSI Lounge (5 seats, automatic, premium petrol), picked up and returned on the 8th floor of the P5 car park at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (9:00-20:00). Prices start from 14,650 yen per day (tax and the Peace of Mind Pack included; they can vary by date). Check the price for your dates on the booking screen and book at Haneda.

Titles, logos and other rights belong to their respective owners. This is an unofficial guide and is not affiliated with the rights holders.