There are two very different ways to enjoy a train journey around Kamakura and Enoshima. One follows the coastline in traditional green-and-cream carriages, passing beaches, narrow streets and historic neighbourhoods. The other hangs beneath an elevated track, sweeping around curves and through the hills above the suburbs.
Both are attractions in their own right, but choosing between the Enoden and Shonan Monorail depends on where you are travelling from and what you want to experience.
The Enoden is the famous local railway connecting Kamakura and Fujisawa, with stops at popular sightseeing destinations including Hase, Shichirigahama and Enoshima. The Shonan Monorail runs between Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima, offering a shorter but more unusual journey in suspended carriages.
For most first-time visitors, the Enoden is the better choice for coastal scenery and traditional Kamakura sightseeing. However, the Shonan Monorail is well worth considering if you enjoy unusual transport or want a convenient route between Ofuna and Enoshima.
There is also a third option: ride both railways as part of a day trip combining Kamakura’s temples, the Shonan coastline and Enoshima Island.
This guide compares the routes, fares, travel times, scenery and sightseeing opportunities, including the best way to experience both without unnecessary backtracking.
Quick Answer: Enoden or Shonan Monorail?
Choose the Enoden if you want beautiful coastal scenery, traditional Japanese railway atmosphere and convenient access to Kamakura’s main attractions. Choose the Shonan Monorail if you want a short, distinctive suspended railway ride or are travelling between Ofuna and Enoshima.
If you have enough time, we recommend combining both.
An excellent route is to arrive at Kamakura, explore the temples, ride the Enoden along the coast to Enoshima, then take the Shonan Monorail to Ofuna for your return journey towards Tokyo.
The two local railway journeys cost just ¥600 per adult at current 2026 fares, excluding your JR connections and any additional stops.
Enoden vs Shonan Monorail: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Enoden | Shonan Monorail |
|---|---|---|
| Full route | Kamakura–Fujisawa | Ofuna–Shonan-Enoshima |
| Railway type | Traditional electric railway | Suspended monorail |
| Route length | Approximately 10 km | 6.6 km |
| End-to-end journey | Approximately 34 minutes | Approximately 14 minutes |
| Main scenery | Beaches, ocean, residential streets | Hills, roads, tunnels, elevated views |
| Best sightseeing access | Kamakura, Hase, coastal stops | Enoshima via Ofuna |
| Ocean views | Yes, on selected sections | Not a main feature |
| Adult full-route fare | ¥310 | ¥340 |
| Adult one-day pass | ¥800 | ¥750 |
| Best for | Coastal sightseeing | Unusual railway experience |
| Overall recommendation | First-time visitors | Railway enthusiasts |
The most important difference is geographical.
The Enoden and Shonan Monorail do not operate along the same corridor.
The Enoden follows a route through Kamakura and the coastal districts before turning towards Fujisawa. The monorail travels inland through the hills between Ofuna and Enoshima.
That makes them complementary rather than direct competitors.
What Is the Enoden Railway?
The Enoden, officially the Enoshima Electric Railway, is one of Japan’s most recognisable local railway lines.
Its roughly 10-kilometre route connects Kamakura and Fujisawa, travelling through neighbourhoods that feel far removed from Tokyo’s large stations and high-speed rail network.
Part of its charm comes from the railway’s close relationship with the surrounding streets.
In some sections, trains pass remarkably close to houses and small shops. Near Koshigoe, they even travel along a section of road shared with other traffic, creating a scene that feels more like a traditional tramway.
Elsewhere, the railway approaches the coast, giving passengers views across Sagami Bay towards Enoshima.
These changes in scenery are what make the Enoden special. Rather than remaining within one type of landscape, the train passes through residential streets, wooded sections and seaside neighbourhoods over a relatively short journey.
It is also a practical sightseeing railway.
Unlike the Shonan Monorail, the Enoden stops near several of Kamakura’s most important attractions, making it easy to combine transport with visits to temples, beaches and viewpoints.
For a station-by-station breakdown, see our 👉 Enoden Guide: Best Stops Between Kamakura and Enoshima.
The Best Enoden Stops for Sightseeing
For most visitors, the greatest advantage of the Enoden is the freedom to get off and explore.
Hase Station is particularly useful because it provides access to two of Kamakura’s most famous attractions.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura stands within Kotoku-in Temple, while nearby Hase-dera is known for its gardens, religious statues and elevated views towards the coast.
Both are worthwhile stops, although visiting them properly takes considerably longer than simply stepping off the train for photographs.
If you are planning to explore this part of Kamakura, our 👉 Hase Kamakura Guide explains how to combine the area’s attractions.
Further along the line, Shichirigahama provides one of the most enjoyable coastal experiences.
The station is close to the beach and several cafés, making it appealing for travellers who want to pause, enjoy the sea breeze and spend time beside the water.
On a clear day, the coastline can offer views towards Enoshima and Mount Fuji.
Kamakura-Koko-Mae is another famous stop, particularly among fans of the basketball manga and anime Slam Dunk.
The nearby railway crossing appears in the series’ opening animation and has become one of the area’s most recognisable photography locations.
However, the crossing can become extremely crowded.
Visitors should remain in designated public areas, avoid obstructing traffic and never enter the tracks for photographs.
Our 👉 Kamakura-Koko-Mae Station Guide explains where to visit and how to enjoy the location respectfully.
Does the Enoden Have Ocean Views the Entire Way?
No, and this is an important expectation to get right.
Although the Enoden is famous for its seaside scenery, most of the approximately 10-kilometre line does not run directly beside the ocean.
Large sections pass through residential neighbourhoods, narrow streets and inland areas.
The best-known coastal views are around Shichirigahama and Kamakura-Koko-Mae.
If you are travelling from Kamakura towards Enoshima, look out towards the left side of the train as you approach the coastal section.
However, a window seat is not guaranteed, and crowded carriages can make sightseeing from the train more difficult.
If photography is important, we recommend getting off at Shichirigahama and spending time near the waterfront rather than relying entirely on views through the carriage window.
The Enoden is especially enjoyable when treated as a sightseeing route rather than a train journey you must complete as quickly as possible.
What Is the Shonan Monorail?
The Shonan Monorail is one of the most unusual local railways near Tokyo.
Instead of travelling on wheels along rails beneath the carriage, the train hangs from a substantial elevated guideway.
This is known as a suspended monorail.
The railway runs for 6.6 kilometres between Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima, passing through eight stations in approximately 14 minutes.
Although it is a normal public transport service used by commuters and local residents, the experience can feel surprisingly different from a conventional railway.
The carriages travel above roads, negotiate sharp curves and move through tunnels in the surrounding hills.
There are also noticeable changes in elevation.
From inside, passengers can watch buildings and streets pass below the windows while the train follows its suspended track.
The line’s unusual design has earned it a reputation as a jet coaster, or roller-coaster-like railway.
That nickname describes the sensation of travelling around curves and through changing terrain, rather than implying that the train operates like an amusement park attraction.
For travellers who enjoy trains, engineering or unusual transport systems, the monorail can be a highlight of a visit to the area.
Our 👉 Shonan Monorail Guide: Japan’s Suspended Railway to Enoshima covers the experience in more detail.
What Makes the Shonan Monorail Special?
The most memorable feature is the feeling of travelling through the landscape from an elevated position.
On an ordinary train, you generally look out from a carriage supported by tracks below.
On the Shonan Monorail, the guideway is above your head and the carriage hangs underneath it.
This creates a different perspective, particularly where the line curves around buildings or passes above local roads.
The journey also feels quite dynamic.
You may notice more lateral movement as the carriage negotiates curves, although the service is designed and operated as regular public transport.
The combination of tunnels, hills and elevated sections makes the journey interesting even though it is relatively short.
One important distinction is that the monorail does not provide the same classic coastal views as the Enoden.
Its route is primarily inland, and the experience is more about the railway itself than sightseeing across the ocean.
Is the Shonan Monorail Scary?
For most travellers, no.
Although the suspended design can look dramatic from the street, the Shonan Monorail is an established public transport system.
The movement around corners may feel unusual if you are accustomed to conventional trains, but that is part of its appeal.
Passengers who are especially sensitive to motion or uncomfortable with elevated transport may find the experience less relaxing.
However, for many visitors, including families with children interested in trains, the suspended railway is an enjoyable and memorable attraction.
You do not need to be a railway enthusiast to appreciate it.
The short journey means you can try something quite different without sacrificing a large portion of your sightseeing day.
Which Railway Has Better Scenery?
For traditional Japanese travel photography, the Enoden is the clear winner.
The coastal section offers a combination of blue water, beaches, residential streets and traditional railway scenery that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
On clear days, the views around Shichirigahama can be especially beautiful.
Mount Fuji is sometimes visible across Sagami Bay, although visibility varies considerably depending on weather conditions.
The Shonan Monorail offers a completely different kind of scenery.
Instead of expansive sea views, you look down towards roads, buildings and wooded hills as the carriage moves along the elevated track.
The landscape is less conventionally picturesque, but the sensation of travelling through it is unusual.
For photography enthusiasts, the choice depends on your subject.
If you want landscapes, beaches and classic Japanese railway photographs, prioritise the Enoden.
If you enjoy photographing trains, unusual infrastructure and elevated transport systems, the Shonan Monorail may be more interesting.
For specific coastal viewpoints, see our 👉 Best Mount Fuji Views from Enoshima and Kamakura.
Enoden vs Shonan Monorail Ticket Prices in 2026
Both railways are relatively affordable, so the difference in price is unlikely to be the most important factor in choosing between them.
However, travellers should compare the actual journeys they intend to take rather than simply looking at full-line fares.
Enoden Fares in 2026
The Enoden operates between Kamakura and Fujisawa, with fares determined by the distance travelled.
Selected adult one-way fares include:
| Route | Adult Fare |
|---|---|
| Kamakura to Hase | ¥200 |
| Kamakura to Enoshima | ¥260 |
| Fujisawa to Enoshima | ¥220 |
| Kamakura to Fujisawa | ¥310 |
For a straightforward journey between Kamakura and Enoshima, an ordinary ticket costs ¥260.
That makes the Enoden a relatively inexpensive way to travel between two of the region’s most popular sightseeing areas.
Enoden Noriorikun One-Day Pass
The Enoden also offers an unlimited-travel day ticket called Noriorikun.
The current prices are ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.
The pass allows you to get on and off the Enoden as many times as you like during its day of validity.
It can also provide benefits at participating attractions, including selected discounts around Kamakura and Enoshima.
However, it is not automatically the best-value option.
If you only travel from Kamakura to Enoshima, paying ¥260 for an ordinary ticket is much cheaper than purchasing an ¥800 pass.
Even a simple round trip between Kamakura and Enoshima costs ¥520 in ordinary fares.
Noriorikun becomes more appealing if you plan several stops, particularly when the combined individual fares reach or exceed ¥800.
For example, visiting Hase, Shichirigahama, Kamakura-Koko-Mae and Enoshima on separate train journeys may justify the pass depending on your exact route.
Before buying, calculate the individual fares for your planned stops.
Shonan Monorail Fares in 2026
The Shonan Monorail updated its fares on 14 March 2026.
The current adult fare between Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima is ¥340 one way.
Children pay ¥170 for the same journey.
This means a simple adult return journey costs ¥680.
The operator also offers a one-day unlimited-travel ticket, priced at ¥750 for adults and ¥380 for children.
As with the Enoden pass, it is important to consider how many times you intend to travel.
For a single trip between Ofuna and Enoshima, an ordinary ¥340 ticket is the sensible choice.
Even one complete return trip costs less than the ¥750 day pass.
The pass becomes more relevant if you intend to ride the line repeatedly or explore several intermediate stations.
Which Railway Is Cheaper?
The Enoden costs less for many of the sightseeing journeys visitors commonly make, but this is not a direct like-for-like comparison.
The two railways start from different stations and take different routes.
A ¥260 Enoden journey from Kamakura to Enoshima serves a different purpose from a ¥340 monorail journey from Ofuna to Shonan-Enoshima.
If you are already in central Kamakura, the Enoden is generally more convenient.
If you are arriving at Ofuna, the Shonan Monorail provides a direct connection to the Enoshima area.
Choosing based entirely on the small fare difference would overlook the practical advantages of each route.
Which Is Faster: Enoden or Shonan Monorail?
The Shonan Monorail has the shorter end-to-end journey.
It takes approximately 14 minutes to travel from Ofuna to Shonan-Enoshima.
The Enoden takes approximately 23 minutes from Kamakura to Enoshima or 34 minutes from Kamakura to Fujisawa.
However, this does not mean the monorail is always the faster way to reach Enoshima.
The total journey depends on where you begin.
If you are already in Kamakura, travelling directly to Enoshima by Enoden is generally more practical than going inland to Ofuna just to board the monorail.
If you are at Ofuna, the suspended railway is a convenient way to reach the Enoshima area without travelling through central Kamakura.
Travellers coming from Tokyo should compare the entire journey, including the first train, transfers and walking time after arrival.
Neither railway stops on Enoshima Island itself.
You will still need to walk towards the coast and cross the bridge to reach the island.
Important: Enoshima Has Three Different Railway Stations
This is one of the most useful things to understand before visiting Enoshima.
There are three different stations serving the area, and they belong to separate railway operators.
| Station | Railway | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Enoshima | Enoden | Kamakura and coastal sightseeing |
| Shonan-Enoshima | Shonan Monorail | Connections from Ofuna |
| Katase-Enoshima | Odakyu | Travel from Shinjuku and island access |
Enoshima Station on the Enoden and Shonan-Enoshima Station on the monorail are located close together.
Walking between them usually takes only a few minutes.
This makes changing from the Enoden to the monorail particularly straightforward.
Katase-Enoshima Station is located farther towards the coastline, nearer the pedestrian bridge leading to Enoshima Island.
It is often the most convenient choice for visitors travelling from Shinjuku who only want to see Enoshima.
Which Station Is Closest to Enoshima Island?
Katase-Enoshima is generally the closest of the three stations to the bridge leading onto the island.
Enoden’s Enoshima Station and the monorail’s Shonan-Enoshima Station are both farther inland.
For a practical planning allowance, expect roughly 15–25 minutes of walking from the Enoden or monorail stations towards the island entrance, depending on your pace and where you consider the island visit to begin.
Reaching attractions higher up Enoshima, such as Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle, takes additional time.
If your main purpose is to explore the island rather than enjoy the railway journey, our 👉 Tokyo to Enoshima Guide compares the most practical complete routes.
Best Option: Ride Both Railways on One Kamakura and Enoshima Day Trip
For visitors who want to enjoy the experience rather than simply choose the quickest transport, combining both railways is our preferred approach.
You can create a route that includes traditional Kamakura sightseeing, the coast, Enoshima Island and the suspended monorail before returning towards Tokyo.
The key advantage is that you do not need to retrace the same railway journey.
Step 1: Begin Your Day in Kamakura
Start at Kamakura Station, ideally in the morning.
If travelling from Tokyo, JR services connect Kamakura with several major stations, including Tokyo and Shinagawa, while direct or connecting services are available from other parts of the city.
Central Kamakura is an excellent place to begin because you can explore traditional streets and historic attractions before the coastal part of your trip.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most significant landmarks in the town, while nearby Komachi Street offers shops, cafés and snacks.
If you have limited time, prioritise one or two attractions rather than trying to see everything before boarding the Enoden.
Our 👉 Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo provides a more detailed sightseeing plan.
Step 2: Take the Enoden to Hase and the Coast
From Kamakura Station, board an Enoden train towards Fujisawa.
Your first optional stop is Hase, where you can visit the Great Buddha and Hase-dera.
Allow enough time to explore rather than treating the temples as quick photo stops.
Afterwards, continue towards Shichirigahama.
This is where the journey begins to feel noticeably more coastal, with beaches and views across Sagami Bay.
If you enjoy photography, you may also want to get off at Kamakura-Koko-Mae.
However, the surrounding roads and railway crossing can be busy, so allow additional time and avoid obstructing traffic.
For travellers who prefer a relaxed day, choosing Hase and just one coastal stop is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Explore Enoshima Island
Continue on the Enoden to Enoshima Station and walk towards the island.
Enoshima is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge, with views across the surrounding water.
Once on the island, you can explore Enoshima Shrine, browse the shops around the entrance and climb towards Samuel Cocking Garden.
Sea Candle, the island’s observation lighthouse, is particularly worthwhile on clear days because it offers views over the surrounding coast.
Travellers with extra time may also enjoy the Iwaya Caves near the island’s western end, although reaching them requires additional walking and stairs.
You should allow at least two to three hours for a reasonably relaxed visit to Enoshima, and more if you intend to see several attractions.
This is where the route becomes more than a railway excursion.
You are combining two interesting transport experiences with one of the best coastal day trips near Tokyo.
For a realistic walking route and advice on what to prioritise, see our 👉 Enoshima Day Trip from Tokyo.
Step 4: Walk to Shonan-Enoshima Station
After exploring Enoshima, return across the bridge towards the mainland.
Head to Shonan-Enoshima Station, which is only a short walk from the Enoden’s Enoshima Station.
There is no need to return to Kamakura or Fujisawa.
This is one of the main reasons the loop works so well.
You finish the island sightseeing portion of the day close to the monorail’s southern terminus.
Step 5: Take the Shonan Monorail to Ofuna
Board the monorail for the approximately 14-minute journey from Shonan-Enoshima to Ofuna.
The contrast with the Enoden is immediately apparent.
Instead of running beside beaches and through traditional neighbourhoods, the carriage hangs below its elevated track as it passes above roads and through the hills.
The scenery may be less famous, but the journey provides a distinctive conclusion to the day.
Once you arrive at Ofuna, transfer to a JR service towards Yokohama, Tokyo or your next destination.
This avoids retracing the coastal route and gives you the opportunity to experience both railway systems.
How Much Does the Enoden and Shonan Monorail Loop Cost?
For an adult travelling directly from Kamakura to Enoshima and then from Shonan-Enoshima to Ofuna:
| Journey | Adult Fare |
|---|---|
| Kamakura → Enoshima, Enoden | ¥260 |
| Shonan-Enoshima → Ofuna, Monorail | ¥340 |
| Total | ¥600 |
That is the cost of experiencing both railways without additional intermediate train journeys.
It excludes JR travel to Kamakura and from Ofuna, attraction admission fees, food and any extra Enoden stops.
If you get off the Enoden at Hase or Shichirigahama, the final total will be higher because you must pay for the individual segments or use a suitable pass.
For most first-time visitors, that extra expense is worthwhile because the stops are a major part of the railway’s appeal.
Our 👉 Kamakura and Enoshima One-Day Itinerary provides a more complete plan for combining both destinations.
Is It Better to Take the Enoden or Shonan Monorail from Tokyo?
The best route depends largely on where in Tokyo you are staying.
From Shinjuku: Consider Odakyu First
If you are staying around Shinjuku and only want to visit Enoshima Island, the Odakyu railway to Katase-Enoshima is often simpler than either the Enoden or Shonan Monorail.
Many journeys involve travelling to Fujisawa and changing to a local service towards Katase-Enoshima.
The advantage is that Katase-Enoshima Station is close to the coast and the bridge leading to the island.
You do not need to ride a separate sightseeing railway just to reach the destination.
However, if you want to visit Kamakura as well, travelling by JR towards Kamakura and then using the Enoden may provide a more rewarding day.
From Tokyo or Shinagawa: Kamakura or Ofuna Both Work
From Tokyo or Shinagawa, JR services provide convenient connections towards Kamakura and Ofuna.
If you want temples, coastal scenery and sightseeing stops, begin at Kamakura and use the Enoden.
If you mainly want to experience the Shonan Monorail, travel to Ofuna and board it there.
Both routes are practical, but their appeal is different.
For first-time visitors who want to see the region properly, we generally favour Kamakura followed by the Enoden.
From Yokohama: Ofuna Is Particularly Convenient
Travellers staying in Yokohama can reach Ofuna using JR services.
That makes the Shonan Monorail a convenient option for visiting Enoshima without first travelling through Kamakura.
However, if you also want to visit the temples and coastline, the Enoden may still be the more suitable sightseeing railway.
The simplest way to decide is to establish whether Kamakura is part of your plans.
If it is, prioritise the Enoden or the combined loop. If not, the monorail becomes more attractive.
Which Railway Is Better for Families?
Both can be enjoyable with children, but they offer different advantages.
The Enoden is more useful for a varied family sightseeing day.
Children can enjoy the railway journey before visiting beaches, temples or other attractions along the route.
However, its popularity can be a disadvantage.
During weekends and school holiday periods, carriages may be crowded, and travelling with a stroller can become less comfortable.
The Shonan Monorail offers a shorter and more distinctive transport experience.
For children interested in trains or unusual vehicles, the suspended carriages may be particularly exciting.
The 14-minute journey is also manageable for families who do not want to spend a long time on public transport.
One important detail is accessibility.
Individual stations on both networks have different facilities, and you should not assume every platform is completely step-free.
Travellers using wheelchairs or strollers should check their intended stations before travelling.
Enoshima Island itself also has numerous hills and stairways, so selecting the right railway is only one part of planning a family visit.
For a gentler island route, our 👉 Enoshima With Kids Guide covers family-friendly attractions and practical walking considerations.
Can You Use Suica, PASMO or a JR Pass?
Both the Enoden and Shonan Monorail accept compatible Japanese transport IC cards, including Suica and PASMO.
For most travellers, this is the simplest way to pay individual fares.
You can tap in and out using a supported card rather than purchasing a separate paper ticket for every journey.
The Shonan Monorail also supports eligible contactless credit or debit card payments at designated readers.
However, the Enoden and monorail are separate operators.
A day pass purchased for one railway does not automatically cover the other.
This is important if you intend to follow the combined loop.
Does the Japan Rail Pass Cover Either Railway?
No.
The nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover ordinary travel on the Enoden or Shonan Monorail because neither is operated by JR.
You must pay the relevant fare separately or use an eligible operator-specific ticket.
JR trains can still be useful for travelling to Kamakura, Fujisawa or Ofuna, subject to the conditions of your JR ticket or pass.
If you are unfamiliar with Japanese transport cards, our 👉 Suica and PASMO Guide explains how they work.
Is There a Single Day Pass for Both Railways?
The Enoden Noriorikun and Shonan Monorail one-day pass are separate products.
Neither covers the other line.
Some regional passes, including Odakyu’s Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, include unlimited Enoden travel within their conditions, but the Shonan Monorail is not included.
For a straightforward Kamakura–Enoshima–Ofuna loop, individual fares are usually simpler than buying multiple day passes.
Is the Enoden Better in the Morning or Afternoon?
Both times can be enjoyable, but the experience depends on your priorities.
For sightseeing, earlier in the day is generally preferable.
You have more time to explore Kamakura’s temples, which typically close earlier than restaurants and outdoor attractions.
Starting in Kamakura also allows you to move gradually towards the coast and reach Enoshima later in the afternoon.
For photography, the direction and quality of light can make a difference, particularly around the exposed coastline.
However, the weather is more important than any single recommended hour.
A clear afternoon can provide wonderful views across Sagami Bay, while cloudy or hazy conditions may obscure Mount Fuji completely.
Weekend crowds are another consideration.
The Enoden is popular with visitors, especially during cherry blossom season, hydrangea season and busy holiday periods.
If you have flexibility, a weekday is generally a better choice for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
The Shonan Monorail is less dependent on perfect weather because its appeal comes mainly from the ride itself.
Can You Combine the Railways with Enoshima Illuminations?
Yes, and winter is an interesting time to ride both.
Enoshima’s Jewels of Shonan festival takes place around Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden during the winter season.
For 2026–2027, the official illumination dates are 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027.
This makes it possible to spend the day exploring Kamakura, ride the Enoden along the coast and enjoy Enoshima’s illuminated garden after sunset.
However, there is a practical issue.
If you remain on the island late into the evening, you will need to check the final Shonan Monorail services and onward JR trains before setting out.
The sightseeing loop works just as well in reverse, so visitors can adjust the order to suit their preferred evening location.
For winter event details and current tickets, see our 👉 Enoshima Illuminations 2026–2027 Guide.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between the Two Railways
The most common mistake is assuming the Enoden and Shonan Monorail are two competing services between the same stations.
They are not.
The Enoden links Kamakura and Fujisawa through the coastal districts, while the monorail connects Ofuna with Shonan-Enoshima.
Another mistake is choosing the monorail expecting uninterrupted ocean views. Although it finishes near Enoshima, most of its journey is through inland suburbs and hills.
Visitors can also underestimate the amount of walking involved after reaching Enoshima.
Neither railway takes you directly to Sea Candle or the island’s upper attractions.
Finally, day passes are not always a bargain.
Buying an unlimited-travel ticket for a single journey often costs considerably more than paying the ordinary fare.
A little route planning can help you enjoy the best of both services without spending unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Enoden and Shonan Monorail
Is the Enoden or Shonan Monorail better?
For most first-time visitors, the Enoden is better because it combines coastal scenery with convenient access to Kamakura’s main sightseeing areas.
The Shonan Monorail is more distinctive as a railway experience and is particularly useful for travellers arriving at Ofuna.
If you have enough time, riding both is our preferred option.
Which railway has the best ocean views?
The Enoden.
Its coastal section around Shichirigahama and Kamakura-Koko-Mae offers views across Sagami Bay.
However, much of the line travels inland, so do not expect to see the ocean throughout the journey.
How long does the Shonan Monorail take?
The full journey between Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima takes approximately 14 minutes.
The line is 6.6 kilometres long and has eight stations.
How long does the Enoden take from Kamakura to Enoshima?
The journey takes approximately 23 minutes.
Travelling the entire line between Kamakura and Fujisawa takes approximately 34 minutes.
Allow additional time if you intend to get off at sightseeing stops.
How much does the Shonan Monorail cost in 2026?
An adult one-way journey between Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima costs ¥340.
The one-day unlimited-travel pass costs ¥750 for adults.
These prices reflect the fare revision introduced in March 2026.
How much does the Enoden cost in 2026?
The adult fare between Kamakura and Enoshima is ¥260.
The full route between Kamakura and Fujisawa costs ¥310.
The Noriorikun unlimited-travel day pass costs ¥800 for adults.
Can you ride both railways in one day?
Yes.
A particularly convenient route is Kamakura to Enoshima on the Enoden, followed by Shonan-Enoshima to Ofuna on the monorail.
The two basic journeys cost ¥600 per adult, excluding additional stops and JR connections.
Are the Enoden and Shonan Monorail stations connected?
They are not within the same station building, but Enoden’s Enoshima Station and the monorail’s Shonan-Enoshima Station are located only a short walk apart.
This makes transferring between the railways easy.
Can you use Suica or PASMO on both?
Yes.
Both operators accept compatible Japanese transport IC cards, including Suica and PASMO.
You do not need to purchase separate paper tickets for ordinary journeys if you have a supported card with sufficient balance.
Does the JR Pass cover the Enoden or Shonan Monorail?
No.
Neither railway is operated by JR, so the nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not cover their normal services.
You must pay separately or use a valid operator-specific pass.
Is the Shonan Monorail worth riding?
Yes, especially if you enjoy distinctive transport experiences.
The suspended design, elevated views, curves and tunnels make it a memorable short journey.
It is also particularly easy to include when returning from Enoshima through Ofuna.
Which railway should you take if you only want Enoshima Island?
If travelling from Shinjuku, consider the Odakyu railway to Katase-Enoshima.
That station is closer to the bridge leading to Enoshima Island.
If arriving from Kamakura, the Enoden is generally most convenient. From Ofuna, the Shonan Monorail is a straightforward choice.
Final Verdict: Should You Take the Enoden or Shonan Monorail?
The Enoden and Shonan Monorail offer two very different experiences, and neither is automatically the better choice for every traveller.
For a first visit to Kamakura and Enoshima, we recommend the Enoden. It provides access to temples, beaches and coastal viewpoints while offering one of Japan’s most memorable local railway journeys.
The Shonan Monorail is the stronger choice if you are interested in unusual transport or are travelling through Ofuna. Its suspended carriages create an experience that is quite different from a conventional train.
However, if your schedule allows, there is little reason to choose just one.
Travelling from Kamakura to Enoshima on the Enoden and continuing to Ofuna on the Shonan Monorail combines the highlights of both railways into a practical route.
You get coastal scenery, traditional neighbourhoods, island sightseeing and a suspended railway journey without needing to backtrack.
For a day trip from Tokyo, that combination offers far more variety than simply travelling directly to Enoshima and returning along the same route.
If you are planning a trip to Enoshima or Kamakura, you will probably come across two unusual ways to travel around the area: the Enoden railway