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Overview
Plan your perfect visit to Shonan Family Course - Kanagawa with this comprehensive destination guide, Covering everything from must-see attractions to practical travel tips, this guide helps you make the most of your time in Shonan. Whether you have a single day or an entire week, discover the best that this Kanagawa destination has to offer.
Why Shonan Works for Families
Shonan's appeal for families lies in its variety and accessibility. Within a 5 km stretch of coastline, you can visit a world-class aquarium, ride a historic train along the ocean, explore a small island with a lighthouse and caves, play on sandy beaches, and eat fresh seafood — all without long transfers or complicated logistics. The Enoden train connects all the major spots, and the area is compact enough that even a short walk between attractions feels manageable.
The ocean breeze keeps temperatures moderate even in summer, and the abundance of ice cream shops, snack stands, and rest areas means you never have to go far for a break.
The Perfect Family Day in Shonan
9:00 AM — Start at Kamakura Station
Begin your day at Kamakura Station. Take the Enoden train from Kamakura Station to Enoshima Station (20 minutes, ¥300). Sit on the right side of the train for ocean views — children love spotting the waves as the train runs along the coast near Inamuragasaki.
9:30 AM — Enoshima Aquarium
Alight at Enoshima Station and walk 5 minutes to the Enoshima Aquarium (新Enoshima (江ノ島)水族館), one of Japan's best medium-sized aquariums and a highlight of any family trip to Shonan.
Highlights:
- Main tank: A massive 1,000-ton tank with tuna, rays, and schools of sardines that perform synchronized swimming patterns
- Jellyfish gallery: A darkened room with illuminated jellyfish tanks — mesmerizing for children and adults alike
- Dolphin show: Held three times daily (10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM), with shaded seating
- Touch pool: Children can touch starfish and sea cucumbers under supervision
- Penguin feeding: Feedings happen at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Admission: ¥2,500 for adults, ¥1,200 for children (ages 4–6), ¥600 for toddlers (ages 1–3). Family discounts available (2 adults + 2 children: ¥6,800). Time needed: 2–2.5 hours
12:00 PM — Lunch on Enoshima
Walk across the Enoshima Bridge (5 minutes) to Enoshima Island. The main approach street is lined with restaurants offering fresh seafood. For families, Uomitei offers set meals starting at ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for children, with a kids' menu including omurice (omelet rice) and fried shrimp. For a quick lunch, try shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) from a street stall — ¥800–¥1,000 and a local specialty.
1:30 PM — Enoshima Sea Candle and Samuel Cocking Garden
Take the escalator (¥360 one-way for adults, ¥180 for children) up to the Enoshima Sea Candle — a 60-meter observation tower with panoramic views of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji (on clear days), and the entire Shonan coast. The adjacent Samuel Cocking Garden features seasonal flowers — roses in spring, succulents in summer, cosmos in autumn. Admission: Sea Candle + Garden: ¥500 for adults, ¥250 for children
3:00 PM — Shonan Beach Play
Descend back to the mainland and head to Shonan Beach (the area near Enoshima Station). The beach is wide and gently sloping, with lifeguards on duty from July to August. Even outside swimming season, children enjoy running on the sand, flying kites, and watching windsurfers.
4:30 PM — Enoden Ride to Kamakura
Take the Enoden back toward Kamakura. If you have energy, stop at Hase Station to visit the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in, ¥300, open until 5:30 PM). Otherwise, ride directly to Kamakura Station and spend the last hour exploring Komachi-dori for souvenirs and snacks.
5:30 PM — Dinner
For a family-friendly dinner, Kamakura-yama Soba near Kamakura Station serves soba noodles and tempura sets (¥1,500 per adult, ¥800 children's portion). Alternatively, the station building has several casual restaurants including sushi and ramen.
When to Visit
- Golden season: May–June and September–October offer the best weather for both the aquarium and the beach
- Summer (July–August): Full beach season, but crowds are heavy and the aquarium gets packed by 11:00 AM
- Winter (December–February): The aquarium is quieter, and clear winter days offer the best Fuji views from the Sea Candle, but the beach is not usable
Location
The entire course is connected by the Enoden train line, which runs from Kamakura Station to Fujisawa Station via Enoshima.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost (per family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Enoden round trip (2 adults + 2 children) | ¥1,200 |
| Enoshima Aquarium | ¥6,800 |
| Lunch | ¥4,000 |
| Sea Candle + Garden | ¥1,500 |
| Snacks and drinks | ¥2,000 |
| Dinner | ¥4,600 |
| Total | ¥20,100 |
Practical Family Tips
- Stroller: The Enoden train is narrow — fold strollers before boarding. The Enoshima Island escalator is stroller-friendly (carry your stroller up the stairs). The aquarium is fully accessible with elevators.
- Sun protection: The beach and Enoshima Island have limited shade, Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water — especially from June to September.
- Nursing and changing: The aquarium has a dedicated nursing room with chairs and a sink. Public restrooms at Enoshima Station have changing tables.
- Rain plan: If the weather is poor, spend more time at the aquarium (it is fully indoors) and skip the Sea Candle. The Enoden train ride itself is enjoyable even in rain.
This family course covers the best of Shonan in a single, manageable day. The combination of the aquarium, the island, the train ride, and the beach creates a varied itinerary that keeps children engaged from morning to evening — and gives parents plenty of moments to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Kamakura Area
|---|---|---|---|---| | Kamakura Menman | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-21:00 | ¥900-1,200 |
Pro Tips
Pro Tip: Visit popular destinations early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Pro Tip: Check the official tourism website for seasonal events, temporary closures, and special exhibitions before your visit.
Practical Tips
- Early start: Begin your visit by 9 AM to see the main attractions before the midday crowds.
- Lunch timing: Popular restaurants fill up between 12:00-1:30 PM. Eat early or late to avoid waits.
- Photo spots: The best lighting for photography is during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset).
- Hidden gems: Walk 5-10 minutes off the main tourist path to discover quieter local spots.
- Souvenirs: Local specialty shops near stations offer the best selection of regional products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit this area? A: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is mild but many outdoor attractions may have reduced hours.
Q: How do I get there from Tokyo? A: From Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, take the JR Tokaido Line or Odakyu Line respectively. Most destinations in Kanagawa are within 60-90 minutes by train.
Q: Is English signage available? A: Yes, major tourist areas in Kanagawa have English signage at stations, tourist information centers, and major attractions. Smaller local spots may have limited English.
Q: Can I visit on a day trip? A: Yes, most Kanagawa destinations are easily accessible as day trips from Tokyo. Consider arriving early (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds.
Q: Are credit cards widely accepted? A: Major attractions, hotels, and larger restaurants accept credit cards. Smaller shops and local eateries may be cash-only. Carry ¥5,000-10,000 in cash.
The Shonan coast — stretching from Kamakura through Enoshima to Fujisawa — is one of Kanagawa's most family-friendly regions. With its broad beaches, the fascinating Enoshima Aquarium, the charming Enoden train, and a wide range of outdoor activities, Shonan offers a full day of entertainment for families with children of all ages. This guide presents a complete family course that combines the best attractions into a stress-free, enjoyable itinerary.
Kanagawa is a fantastic destination for families, with attractions and activities that engage visitors of all ages without the crowds of central Tokyo.
Access
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Family Activities I Tried in Shonan
I organised a weekend trip to Shonan for my cousin's family (two adults, two kids aged 6 and 9), and the experience taught me what works for families. The highlight was Enoshima Aquarium — the kids spent three hours there and did not want to leave. The dolphin show is timed perfectly for young attention spans (15 minutes), and the touch pool where children can handle starfish and sea cucumbers was a hit. Admission is ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,200 for children.
For outdoor fun, we rented bicycles at Kugenuma Beach (¥2,000 per adult bike, ¥1,000 for kids' bikes for half a day). The dedicated cycling path along the coast is wide and safe, with plenty of spots to stop for ice cream. We cycled from Kugenuma to Enoshima and back — about 8 kilometres each way — and the kids managed the distance without complaints.
Lunch was at a family-friendly restaurant called Sunshine Terrace, which has a kids' menu (¥800 for pasta, juice, and ice cream) and high chairs. My most useful discovery was the Shonan Family Pass (¥3,500) from the Enoshima Electric Railway, which includes one-day train rides plus discounts at 15 family attractions including the aquarium and the Enoshima Sea Candle. We saved about ¥2,000 compared to buying everything separately.
Conclusion
From must-see landmarks to hidden local treasures, Shonan Family Course - Kanagawa is a destination that rewards exploration. Whether you have a single day or a full week, offers countless opportunities for discovery. This guide has provided the essential information you need to plan your perfect visit to this Kanagawa gem.
