How to Get to Shonan and Enoshima: Best Access by Train or Car & Money-Saving Tips

Just a short trip from Tokyo, Shonan Enoshima in southern Kanagawa offers a perfect seaside getaway with a relaxed resort vibe. There are several ways to reach the island, each with its own charm. This guide introduces easy access options and money-saving tips for visiting Enoshima, a popular destination that both kids and adults will love.

• Kanagawa

How to Get to Enoshima: The Ultimate Guide

Enoshima in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, is a popular destination for dates and day trips, famous for the iconic Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower and its sacred spiritual spots. The area is lively throughout the year, featuring beautiful beaches, Enoshima Aquarium (known locally as Enosui), and trendy pancake and burger shops. With several ways to reach the island, this guide helps you choose the best access route to match the season and your travel style.

Travel Time to Enoshima

Enoshima is about 60 minutes from Shinjuku or Tokyo by train, and 60 to 90 minutes by car. Even from Saitama or Chiba, it’s about a two to two-and-a-half-hour trip, making it a perfect day-trip destination from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Leave in the morning to enjoy lunch on the island, and even if you stay for dinner, it’s still easy to return home the same day.

Access from Odawara

From Odawara, Enoshima is about 60 minutes away by car or train. From Hakone, it takes about 60 minutes by car or about 90 minutes by train, while the trip from Atami takes around 90 minutes by either car or train. Many visitors also combine a trip to Enoshima with other popular destinations in western Kanagawa or Shizuoka.

Option 1: Money-Saving Travel Passes

Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass

The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass offers unlimited travel on the Odakyu Line between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima, as well as on the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway). It also includes a round-trip ticket between your starting station on the Odakyu Line and Fujisawa. The pass provides discounts and special offers at attractions like the Enoshima Escar (outdoor escalators), Enoshima Iwaya Caves, and the Enoshima Sea Candle. Prices vary by departure station, making it a convenient and money-saving option for those traveling from areas along the Odakyu Line.

Enoden One-Day Pass “Noriorikun”

The Enoden One-Day Pass “Noriorikun” provides unlimited travel on the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) for one day. It costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children and is available at ticket machines at all Enoden stations. The pass also offers discounts at various facilities along the line, including reduced admission to Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui).

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Option 2: By the Odakyu Line

The nearest station to Enoshima on the Odakyu Line is Katase-Enoshima Station. Its iconic red architecture, inspired by the legendary Ryugu-jo (Dragon Palace), gives visitors a taste of Enoshima as soon as they exit the gates. Limited Express Romancecar trains run directly from Shinjuku and Sagami-Ono, offering a convenient trip without transfers. From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the island, making it the closest station to Enoshima compared with the Shonan Monorail or the Enoden.

Option 3: By the Shonan Monorail

The Shonan Monorail is a suspended monorail connecting Ofuna Station and Shonan-Enoshima Station. With its thrilling ups and downs, sharp curves, and tunnels at speeds of up to 75 km/h, the ride is often called an “urban roller coaster.” The trip from Ofuna Station to Shonan-Enoshima Station takes about 15 minutes, followed by about a 20-minute walk to Enoshima.

Option 4: By the Enoden

The trip to Enoshima on the Enoden takes about 23 minutes from Kamakura Station and about 10 minutes from Fujisawa Station. The line is famous for its unique route, squeezing past residential houses, running along streets in some sections, and offering stunning ocean views. These iconic tracks and stations often appear in movies and anime, attracting fans from around the world. Because it is such a popular route, trains can become very crowded, especially on summer weekends.

Option 5: By Bus

Buses are the only public transportation that goes directly onto the island by crossing Enoshima Bridge. The trip takes about 15 minutes from the south exit of Fujisawa Station and about 30 minutes from the east exit bus terminal of Ofuna Station. However, buses run less frequently than trains, typically every 30 to 60 minutes, and can get caught in traffic on weekends or in summer. In these cases, taking the train and walking may be a faster alternative.

Option 6: By Bicycle

You can also reach Enoshima using bike-sharing or rental services in Fujisawa and Kamakura. The coastal route is mostly flat and avoids traffic jams, offering a refreshing ride along the coast. Some shops even offer one-way rentals, allowing you to drop off your bike in Enoshima. Additionally, a popular cycling route runs south along the Sakaigawa River from Hachioji and Sagamihara to Enoshima, making it a favorite course for road bike enthusiasts.

Option 7: By Car

Access from Tokyo

From Tokyo, one common route is to take the Shuto Expressway to Hodogaya IC, then exit the Yokohama Shindo (Yokohama New Road) at the Totsuka Exit. From there, follow Route 1, Route 467, and Route 134 to reach Enoshima. Alternatively, take the Tomei Expressway to Ebina JCT, then follow the Ken-O Expressway toward Chigasaki and exit at the Chigasaki Kaigan Toll Gate on the Shin-Shonan Bypass. From there, take Route 134 to Enoshima.

Access from Odawara

From Odawara, one common route is to take the Seisho Bypass, then follow Route 1 before heading east on Route 134 from Hiratsuka toward Enoshima. Both the Seisho Bypass and Route 134 run along the coast, offering a refreshing seaside drive on clear days. From the Shizuoka area, the main route is to take the Tomei Expressway, then continue onto the Ken-O Expressway and the Shin-Shonan Bypass toward Enoshima.

Parking

Parking lots are available both on Enoshima Island and along the nearby coast. While several large lots can accommodate hundreds of vehicles, they often reach full capacity by the morning on weekends during busy periods such as Golden Week and the summer vacation season. There are no free parking options, and many lots charge higher rates in July and August. Parking on the island or along the coast usually has higher parking fees, while more affordable options can be found slightly inland if you don't mind a short walk.

Traffic Congestion

The areas around Totsuka on routes from the Tokyo area and Route 134 are notorious traffic bottlenecks in Kanagawa. Once parking lots on Enoshima reach capacity, lines of waiting cars often extend back onto Enoshima Bridge, leading to gridlock. Since there are few shortcuts in this area, it can be difficult to get out once you get stuck in traffic. Congestion is particularly severe during major holidays, such as the vacation season in early May and summer, so consider using public transportation or allowing plenty of extra travel time.

Option 8: By Taxi

Enoshima and the surrounding area offer many attractions, and getting around on foot can sometimes be tiring. In such cases, a taxi tour is a convenient option. These services are fully customizable, allowing you to choose your schedule, duration, route, and pickup location. Knowledgeable drivers can also suggest the best itineraries. Whether it’s a scenic tour around Fujisawa and Kamakura or a visit to local "power spots," a taxi tour can help you enjoy a comfortable trip.

Getting Around Enoshima

By Walk

Exploring Enoshima is primarily explored on foot. The island has many steep stairways, and there are few roads accessible by bus or bicycle. In particular, the route from Enoshima Shrine to the Samuel Cocking Garden, where the Enoshima Sea Candle (lighthouse) stands, takes about 20 minutes and involves climbing hundreds of steps. From the garden, it is another 20-minute walk along a path of flat paths and stairs to reach the Enoshima Iwaya Caves at the far end of the island.

By Enoshima Escar

The Enoshima Escar, one of the island’s famous attractions, is an ascending-only escalator system. It allows visitors to conveniently skip the long climb from the entrance of Enoshima Shrine to Samuel Cocking Garden. Consisting of four escalators, the ride takes you to the top in just four minutes. The full fare is 360 yen for adults and 180 yen for children, with discounted rates available if you ride only part of the route. Since there is no descending service, visitors return on foot via the stairs.

By Benten-Maru

The Benten-maru Sightseeing Boat connects the midpoint of Enoshima Benten Bridge with Chigogafuchi, near the Enoshima Iwaya Caves. This about 10-minute cruise offers a wonderful way to experience the coastal charm of the island, with the chance to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The fare is 400 yen for junior high school students and older, 200 yen for children aged six and above, and free for preschool children. Service depends on weather and sea conditions, and the daily operating status can be checked through the Enoshima Tourist Association.

Best Lunch and Dinner Around Enoshima

PIZZERIA & DINING PICO

This authentic pizzeria prepares each pizza by hand and bakes it to order. The dough is stretched individually and baked in a custom stone oven at 500°C, creating Neapolitan pizzas that are crispy on the outside and chewy inside. The menu also features dishes made with local ingredients such as Shonan whitebait (shirasu) and fresh local seafood. The restaurant reopened after renovation in April 2017.

iL CHIANTI BEACHE

This Italian restaurant boasts panoramic 180-degree ocean views. The interior, true to its name as an Italian trattoria, is cheerful and full of energy. Its inviting atmosphere makes it easy to see why it is frequently used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.

The menu features original dishes based on authentic Italian cuisine, with pasta and pizza available in various sizes to suit different group sizes. Guests can choose from more than 110 menu items, including local Shonan whitebait (shirasu) dishes and a variety of unique appetizers.

ALOHA TABLE Shonan

This Hawaiian dining restaurant is located along the Shonan coastal road, just steps from Enoshima Beach. In addition to tropical-style wooden table seating, the restaurant offers terrace seating equipped with air conditioning.

The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as the juicy "Aged Cube Roll Steak" with pepper ginger sauce and "Soft Shell Shrimp," known for its crispy texture. Desserts include acai bowls and pancakes with a variety of toppings. The "Black Salt Soft Serve Ice Cream," made with bamboo charcoal and Hawaiian black salt to enhance its sweetness, is also available for takeout.

RESTAURANT GARB Enoshima

This restaurant boasts a spectacular location with views of the sea, the sky, and Enoshima. The two-floor dining space offers a variety of seating options depending on the occasion, including a breezy open-air terrace, comfortable tables, bench seats reminiscent of a living room in a second home, and semi-private rooms for groups.

The menu highlights the natural flavors of fresh local seafood and seasonal Shonan vegetables, enhanced with carefully selected salt and beautifully presented. Wood-fired pizza is also one of the signature items. From breakfast and brunch to dinner and bar time, guests can enjoy a special dining experience and atmosphere depending on the occasion.

iL CHIANTI CAFE Enoshima

Opened in March 2012 near the Enoshima Sea Candle, iL CHIANTI CAFE Enoshima is a sister restaurant of iL CHIANTI BEACHE in Katasekaigan. The restaurant was designed with the image of a cliffside cafe in Sicily.

Guests can enjoy more than 100 varieties of original Italian dishes while taking in views of the ocean below and beautiful sunsets. The cafe also offers a wide selection of desserts, including gelato, homemade cakes, and Italian-style pancakes.

Enjoy a luxurious moment savoring cuisine with wine while admiring the spectacular scenery.

Best Places to Visit Around Enoshima

Enoshima Aquarium

Enoshima Aquarium is located along the coast of Sagami Bay, near Enoshima—one of the Shonan area’s most popular tourist destinations. The original Enoshima Aquarium opened in 1954, founded by Kyusaku Hori, then president of the Nikkatsu film company, and was visited several times by members of the Imperial Family.

The facility was renewed as Enoshima Aquarium in 2004. Today it is known for its distinctive initiatives, including deep-sea exhibits developed in cooperation with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and efforts in dolphin breeding.

Tsuchinokodo

This pottery workshop is conveniently located near Enoshima Station on the Enoden line. Visitors can try their hand at using an electric potter’s wheel—an experience that is usually difficult to try—to create items such as teacups, beer glasses, and rice bowls. The owner, a professional ceramic artist, provides careful and thorough instruction, so even beginners can participate with confidence.

The process takes about one hour, and the finished pieces are shipped to you at a later date, making it easy to stop by while sightseeing in Enoshima. The studio features a clean, white-themed interior that is popular with women and has been visited by many celebrities and well-known figures.

Enoshima 3E

This windsurfing school in Enoshima is known for its attentive instruction and is especially recommended for those looking to take it up as a long-term hobby. The school also offers lessons in SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Lessons are designed to be short and affordable so that beginners can easily get started, and lesson time can be extended if desired.

Windsurfing can be enjoyed year-round while experiencing the scenery and atmosphere of each season. With many famous sights and leisure spots nearby, the location in Enoshima makes it easy to stop by between sightseeing activities.

Find Your Favorite Way to Get to Enoshima

This guide introduced several ways to get to Enoshima. The island offers different charms depending on the season, from a tropical beach atmosphere in summer to beautiful illuminations in winter.
Each visit can also be an opportunity to try a different route. Depending on the train line or route you choose, you may discover unique views of the Shonan area.
Be sure to find your favorite way to get there.