The Enoden, short for Enoshima Electric Railway, is the picturesque way to travel the Kamakura coast. It runs about ten kilometres from Kamakura Station to Fujisawa with fifteen stops, in short, boxy cars that squeeze between houses and sway along the shoreline, with Sagami Bay on one side and the hills on the other. The line passes Hase for the Great Buddha, Gokurakuji for a quiet temple town, the Kamakurakokomae stop beside a well-known sea-view crossing, Shichirigahama for the beach, Koshigoe, where the train runs along the street, and Enoshima for the island. Ride in the daytime for views, and expect crowds at weekends. A one-day pass offers unlimited rides along the line, and major IC cards such as PASMO and Suica are accepted, so you can tap in and out.
The sensible plan is to buy the one-day pass, sold in the main stations, and hop on and off. Start at Kamakura Station, ride to Hase for the Great Buddha and Hase-dera, then continue to Kamakurakokomae for the crossing and the sea, then on to Enoshima. Trains are frequent, but they are small, so a crowded Saturday means standing room only. Seats on the sea side are best on the stretch after Kamakurakokomae.
A few practical points
Several stations are unstaffed, so keep your ticket or card handy. Coin lockers are available at Kamakura, Hase, Enoshima and Fujisawa stations if you do not want to carry bags. Luggage allowance is limited and large cases are discouraged, and folded bicycles are allowed only in a bag, so travel light. The line is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Be a considerate visitor at the Kamakurakokomae crossing, which is a residential area and a hotspot for photographers: stay behind the lines, do not block the street and keep noise down. Morning and late afternoon are the calmest times, and a guided day that includes the ride can handle logistics if you prefer. The Enoden is slow, so on a short trip use JR for the longer hops and the Enoden for the scenic ones.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided ride on a small coastal tram-like train with optional hop-on, hop-off stops at temples and beaches.
Best time
Weekday mornings and late afternoons, avoiding the weekend rush hour.
How long
About thirty-five minutes end to end, or a full day with stops.
Tips
Buy the one-day pass if you plan three or more stops, carry an IC card, use lockers for bags and give way at the crossing.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone linking the temples with the beach and Enoshima.
- Families
- Children love the little train, but stand carefully on crowded cars.
- Couples
- Sit on the sea side and get off at Shichirigahama for a sunset walk.
- Pair with
- Hase-dera, the Great Buddha, Enoshima Island and the aquarium.
- Time needed
- Half a day with a few stops.
Good questions
How long is the Enoden journey?+
The line runs about ten kilometres with fifteen stops from Kamakura to Fujisawa, and takes roughly a half hour end to end.
Is there a day pass?+
Yes, a one-day pass gives unlimited rides on the whole line and is worth it if you make three or more stops.
Can I use my IC card?+
Yes. PASMO, Suica and other major transport cards are accepted, and you can charge them at the machines.
Does the Japan Rail Pass work on the Enoden?+
No. The railway is a private line and the rail pass is not valid.
Where can I leave luggage?+
Coin lockers are available at Kamakura, Hase, Enoshima and Fujisawa stations.
