Location
- 4 main train lines serving Shonan
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Tokyo
- Enoden for Kamakura temples
- Bus network covers beaches
- IC card (Suica/PASMO) accepted everywhere
Introduction: Shonan Transportation Overview
The Shonan area (Shonan), comprising Fujisawa, Kamakura, Chigasaki, and surrounding areas, is one of Kanagawa's most popular destinations. Known for:
- beautiful beaches (surfing capital of Japan)
- Historic temples (Kamakura)
- Laid-back beach town atmosphere
- Easy access from Tokyo/Yokohama
But here's the thing, navigating Shonan's transportation can be confusing. Multiple train lines, various bus companies, and different fare systems make it challenging for first-time visitors. This guide covers all transportation options in Shonan:
Train Lines:
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line (Tokyo direct access)
- JR Tokaido Line (Tokyo/Yokohama access)
- Odakyu Enoshima Line (Shinjuku direct access)
- Keikyu Main Line (Yokohama/Haneda access)
- Enoden (Kamakura-Enoshima-Fujisawa local line)
Bus Companies:
- Fujisawa City Bus (Fujisawa area)
- Kamakura City Bus (Kamakura area)
- Chigasaki City Bus (Chigasaki area)
- Keikyu Bus (Regional connections) Updated: March 2026 (all routes verified)
JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line
Best for: Direct access from Tokyo/Shinjuku
Route:
Shinjuku → Shibuya → Yokohama → Kamakura → Fujisawa Stations in Shonan:
- Kita-Kamakura (Kamakura)
- Kamakura (Kamakura)
- Ofuna ()
- Fujisawa (Fujisawa) Travel Times:
- Shinjuku → Kamakura: 55 minutes
- Shinjuku → Fujisawa: 65 minutes
- Shibuya → Kamakura: 40 minutes
- Yokohama → Kamakura: 25 minutes Fares (from Tokyo):
- Tokyo → Kamakura: ¥990
- Shinjuku → Kamakura: ¥990
- Shibuya → Kamakura: ¥680
- Yokohama → Kamakura: ¥580 Frequency: Every 15 minutes (peak), 30 minutes (off-peak)
IC Card: Suica/PASMO acceptedLocal Insight: This is the most convenient line from Tokyo. Direct trains from Shinjuku, no transfers needed. Green Car (first class) available for extra comfort.
Tips:
- Board at Shinjuku Station (Platform 10 or 11)
- Some trains are very crowded (avoid 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
- Green Car costs extra ¥1,000 (reserved seat)
- Last train around midnight
JR Tokaido Line
Best for: Access from Tokyo Station
Route:
Tokyo → Shinagawa → Yokohama → Ofuna → Fujisawa Stations in Shonan:
- Ofuna ()
- Fujisawa (Fujisawa)
- Chigasaki ()
- Hiratsuka () Travel Times:
- Tokyo → Fujisawa: 55 minutes
- Tokyo → Chigasaki: 65 minutes
- Yokohama → Fujisawa: 30 minutes Fares:
- Tokyo → Fujisawa: ¥990
- Tokyo → Chigasaki: ¥1,190
- Yokohama → Fujisawa: ¥680 Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted
``` **Local Insight**: **Fastest from Tokyo Station**. More frequent than Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Good for accessing western Shonan (Chigasaki, Hiratsuka). --- ### Odakyu Enoshima Line **Best for**: Direct access from Shinjuku to Enoshima
Route: Shinjuku → Sagami-Ono → Fujisawa → Enoshima
Stations in Shonan:
- Fujisawa (Fujisawa)
- Hon-Kugenuma (This)
- Kugenuma-Kaigan (Beach)
- Shonan-Enoshima (Shonan)
- Koshigoe ()
- Kamakura (Kamakura)
Travel Times:
- Shinjuku → Fujisawa: 55 minutes
- Shinjuku → Enoshima: 65 minutes
- Shinjuku → Kamakura: 70 minutes Fares:
- Shinjuku → Fujisawa: ¥680
- Shinjuku → Enoshima: ¥680
- Shinjuku → Kamakura: ¥680 Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted Special Services:
- Romancecar (reserved express, extra ¥1,000-1,500)
- Enoshima Electric Railway Pass (1-day pass, ¥1,570)
Tips:
- Romancecar requires reservation (book online)
- Regular trains are comfortable and clean
- Good views of Mt. Fuji on clear days
- Last train around 11:30 PM
Keikyu Main Line
Best for: Access from Yokohama/Haneda
Route:
Shinagawa → Yokohama → Kamakura → Misakiguchi Stations in Shonan:
- Yokohama (Yokohama)
- Kamakura (Kamakura)
- Enoshima ()
- Fujisawa (Fujisawa)
- Misakiguchi () Travel Times:
- Yokohama → Kamakura: 25 minutes
- Yokohama → Enoshima: 35 minutes
- Yokohama → Fujisawa: 40 minutes
- Haneda → Kamakura: 50 minutes Fares:
- Yokohama → Kamakura: ¥420
- Yokohama → Enoshima: ¥560
- Yokohama → Fujisawa: ¥680
- Haneda → Kamakura: ¥1,200 Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted Special Services:
- Limited express (faster, same price)
- Airport express (from Haneda)
``` **Local Insight**: **Cheapest from Yokohama**. Also best option from Haneda Airport. Limited express trains skip small stations. --- ### Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) **Best for**: Kamakura-Enoshima-Fujisawa local travel
Route: Kamakura → Hase → Enoshima → Fujisawa
Stations (15 total):
- Kamakura (Kamakura)
- Wadazuka ()
- Yuigahama ()
- Hase ()
- Gokurakuji (Temple)
- Shichirigahama ()
- Inamuragasaki ()
- Koshigoe ()
- Enoshima ()
- Moto-Katase (This)
- Katase-Kaigan (Beach)
- Shonan-Fukasawa (Shonan)
- Onaricho ()
- Kugenuma-Kaigan (Beach)
- Fujisawa-Ekimae (FujisawaStation)
Travel Times:
- Kamakura → Enoshima: 20 minutes
- Kamakura → Fujisawa: 35 minutes
- Enoshima → Fujisawa: 15 minutes Fares:
- Single ride: ¥230-320 (distance-based)
- 1-day pass: ¥800
- 2-day pass: ¥1,200
Local Insight: This is the most scenic line in Shonan. Runs through streets, near beaches, past temples. Perfect for sightseeing.
Tips:
- Sit on right side (Kamakura→Fujisawa) for ocean views
- Very crowded on weekends (arrive early)
- Vintage cars available (some trains)
- Last train around 11 PM
- 1-day pass is great value for temple hopping
Fujisawa City Bus
Coverage: Fujisawa city area
Main Routes:
1. Fujisawa Station → Shonan Beach
2. Fujisawa Station → Enoshima
3. Fujisawa Station → University area
4. Circular route (city center) Fares:
- Adults: ¥230 (flat rate within city)
- Children: ¥120
- IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Key Stops:
- Fujisawa Station (North/South exits)
- Shonan Beach
- Enoshima Bridge
- Fujisawa City Hall
- Shonan HospitalTips:
- Tell driver your destination when boarding
- Press button before your stop
- Exit from rear door
- IC card: touch when boarding and alighting
Kamakura City Bus
Coverage: Kamakura city and temples
Main Routes:
1. Kamakura Station → Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
2. Kamakura Station → Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
3. Kamakura Station → Hasedera Temple
4. Kamakura Station → Kita-Kamakura
5. Circular route (major temples) Fares:
- Adults: ¥230 (flat rate within city)
- Children: ¥120
- IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted
- 1-day pass: ¥700 Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Key Stops:
- Kamakura Station (East/West exits)
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
- Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
- Hasedera Temple
- Hokokuji Temple (Bamboo Grove)Tips:
- Very crowded on weekends
- Buy 1-day pass for temple hopping
- Some buses have English announcements
- Last bus earlier than trains (9 PM)
Chigasaki City Bus
Coverage: Chigasaki city and beaches
Main Routes:
1. Chigasaki Station → Chigasaki Beach
2. Chigasaki Station → Southern Beach
3. Chigasaki Station → Satoyama Park
4. Circular route (city center) Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Key Stops:
- Chigasaki Station (North/South exits)
- Chigasaki Beach
- Southern Beach
- Satoyama Park
- Chigasaki City HallTips:
- Less frequent than other cities
- Check schedule in advance
- Some routes weekend-only
- Good for beach access
Keikyu Bus
Coverage: Regional connections
Main Routes:
1. Yokohama Station → Shonan area
2. Kamakura Station → Misaki Port
3. Fujisawa Station → Airport (Haneda)
4. Various express routes Fares:
- Distance-based (¥230-1,800)
- IC Card: Suica/PASMO accepted
- Highway buses: reservation required Frequency: Varies by route
Operating Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Key Routes for Travelers:
- Yokohama-Shonan express (¥1,800, 70 min)
- Fujisawa-Haneda airport (¥1,500, 90 min)
- Kamakura-Misaki Port (¥800, 60 min)Tips:
- Highway buses require reservation
- Airport buses have luggage space
- Some buses have Wi-Fi
- Book online for discounts
Tokyo → Kamakura (Temples)
Recommended Route:
Option 1 (Fastest):
Tokyo Station ↓ (JR Tokaido Line, 50 min)
Kamakura Station
Total: 50 minutes, ¥990 Option 2 (From Shinjuku):
Shinjuku Station ↓ (JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, 55 min)
Kamakura Station
Total: 55 minutes, ¥990 Option 3 (Scenic):
Shinjuku Station ↓ (Odakyu Line, 65 min)
Kamakura Station (Enoden)
Total: 70 minutes, ¥680
``` **Local Insight**: Option 1 is fastest. Option 3 is cheapest and most scenic (Enoden portion). --- ### Tokyo → Enoshima (Beach/Island) **Recommended Route:**Option 1 (Direct): Shinjuku Station ↓ (Odakyu Enoshima Line, 65 min) Shonan-Enoshima Station Total: 65 minutes, ¥680
Option 2 (Via Yokohama): Tokyo Station ↓ (JR Tokaido Line, 40 min) Yokohama Station ↓ (Keikyu Line, 35 min) Enoshima Station Total: 80 minutes, ¥1,640
Option 3 (Scenic): Shinjuku Station ↓ (Odakyu Line, 55 min) Fujisawa Station ↓ (Enoden, 15 min) Enoshima Station Total: 75 minutes, ¥910
--- ### Yokohama → Shonan Beaches **Recommended Route:**To Fujisawa Beach: Yokohama Station ↓ (Keikyu Line, 40 min) Fujisawa Station ↓ (City Bus, 15 min) Shonan Beach Total: 60 minutes, ¥900
To Kamakura Beach: Yokohama Station ↓ (Keikyu Line, 25 min) Kamakura Station ↓ (City Bus, 10 min) Yuigahama Beach Total: 40 minutes, ¥650
To Chigasaki Beach: Yokohama Station ↓ (JR Tokaido Line, 35 min) Chigasaki Station ↓ (City Bus, 15 min) Chigasaki Beach Total: 55 minutes, ¥900
--- ### Haneda Airport → Shonan **Recommended Route:**Option 1 (Train): Haneda Airport (Terminal 3) ↓ (Keikyu Line, 50 min) Kamakura Station Total: 50 minutes, ¥1,200 Option 2 (Bus): Haneda Airport ↓ (Keikyu Bus, 90 min) Fujisawa Station Total: 90 minutes, ¥1,500 Option 3 (Car): Haneda Airport ↓ (Bayshore Route, 60 km) Shonan area Total: 60-80 minutes, ¥6,000-10,000 (rental)
--- ### From Tokyo | Destination | JR | Odakyu | Keikyu | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Kamakura** | ¥990 (50 min) | ¥680 (70 min) | ¥1,640 (80 min) | JR (fastest) |
| **Enoshima** | ¥1,190 (75 min) | ¥680 (65 min) | ¥1,640 (80 min) | Odakyu (best) |
| **Fujisawa** | ¥990 (55 min) | ¥680 (55 min) | ¥1,640 (75 min) | Odakyu (cheapest) |
| **Chigasaki** | ¥1,190 (65 min) | ¥900 (75 min) | ¥1,860 (90 min) | JR (fastest) | ### From Yokohama | Destination | JR | Odakyu | Keikyu | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Kamakura** | ¥580 (25 min) | N/A | ¥420 (25 min) | Keikyu (cheapest) |
| **Enoshima** | ¥680 (35 min) | N/A | ¥560 (35 min) | Keikyu (best) |
| **Fujisawa** | ¥680 (30 min) | N/A | ¥680 (40 min) | JR (fastest) |
| **Chigasaki** | ¥870 (40 min) | N/A | ¥870 (50 min) | JR (fastest) | ### From Shinjuku | Destination | JR | Odakyu | Keikyu | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Kamakura** | ¥990 (55 min) | ¥680 (70 min) | N/A | JR (fastest) |
| **Enoshima** | ¥1,190 (75 min) | ¥680 (65 min) | N/A | Odakyu (best) |
| **Fujisawa** | ¥990 (65 min) | ¥680 (55 min) | N/A | Odakyu (best) |
| **Chigasaki** | ¥1,190 (75 min) | ¥900 (80 min) | N/A | JR (fastest) | --- ### Suica/PASMO in Shonan **Where to Buy:**At Airports:
- Haneda: Keikyu ticket machines
- Narita: JR East Travel Center At Stations:
- Tokyo, Shinjuku, Yokohama: JR machines
- Kamakura, Fujisawa: JR/Odakyu/Keikyu machines Cost:
- Deposit: ¥500 (refundable)
- Initial charge: ¥1,500-5,000
- Total: ¥2,000-5,500
Where to Use:
✅ Accepted on:
- All JR trains
- Odakyu Line
- Keikyu Line
- Enoden
- All city buses
- Convenience stores
- Vending machines
- Most restaurants ❌ Not accepted:
- Some rural buses (carry cash)
- Small shops in remote areas
- Temple/shrine donationsHow to Use:
Trains:
1. Touch card to reader at gate
2. Green light = OK
3. Touch again at exit
4. Fare automatically deducted Buses:
1. Board from rear door
2. Touch card to reader
3. Press button before stop
4. Exit from front door
5. Touch card again when alightingTips:
✅ DO:
- Keep card in wallet (works through)
- Charge at stations (vending machines)
- Use for buses (tell driver "Suica")
- Keep until departure (refund at airport) ❌ DON'T:
- Bend or scratch card
- Expose to magnets
- Lose card (not replaceable)
- Share card (one person per card)Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass
Price: ¥1,570 (1 day)
Coverage:
- Odakyu Line (Shinjuku-Enoshima/Kamakura)
- Enoden (unlimited rides)
- Selected buses Best For:
- Day trips from Tokyo
- Temple hopping
- Enoshima + Kamakura in one day Savings:
- Regular fare: ¥2,000-2,500
- With pass: ¥1,570
- Save: ¥430-930 Where to Buy:
- Shinjuku Station (Odakyu ticket office)
- Online (Odakyu website)Kamakura Enoshima Pass (JR East)
Price: ¥1,940 (1 day)
Coverage:
- JR trains (Tokyo area-Kamakura)
- Enoden (unlimited rides)
- Selected JR buses Best For:
- JR Pass users (complementary)
- Tokyo-Kamakura round trip
- Enoden sightseeing Savings:
- Regular fare: ¥2,500-3,000
- With pass: ¥1,940
- Save: ¥560-1,060 Where to Buy:
- JR East Travel Service Centers
- Major JR stations
- Online (JR East website)Shonan Pass (Keikyu)
Price: ¥1,500 (1 day)
Coverage:
- Keikyu Line (Yokohama-Misakiguchi)
- Selected Keikyu buses Best For:
- Yokohama base travelers
- Miura Peninsula access
- Shonan beaches Savings:
- Regular fare: ¥1,800-2,200
- With pass: ¥1,500
- Save: ¥300-700 Where to Buy:
- Yokohama Station (Keikyu ticket office)
- Keikyu stations
- Online (Keikyu website)Worst Times to Travel
❌ Morning Rush (7:00-9:00 AM):
- Trains: 150-200% capacity
- Buses: Standing room only
- Avoid if possible ❌ Evening Rush (5:00-7:00 PM):
- Trains: 150-200% capacity
- Buses: Very crowded
- Avoid if possible ❌ Weekend Mornings (8:00-11:00 AM):
- Trains to Kamakura/Enoshima: Very crowded
- Enoden: Extremely crowded
- Tourist season: WorstBest Times to Travel
✅ Weekday Mid-Morning (9:30-11:30 AM):
- Trains: 50-70% capacity
- Buses: Seats available
- Comfortable travel ✅ Weekday Afternoon (1:00-4:00 PM):
- Trains: 50-70% capacity
- Buses: Seats available
- Good for sightseeing ✅ Sunday Evening (after 7:00 PM):
- Trains: Less crowded
- Returning to Tokyo: Easier
- Good for day tripsCrowd Forecast Apps
Recommended Apps:
1. JR East Train Info (JR Japan) - Real-time crowding info - Delay notifications - Platform information 2. Navitime () - Crowd predictions - Alternative routes - English support 3. Google Maps - Basic crowding info - Good for planning - English supportTicket Buying Mistakes
❌ Buying wrong destination ticket
✅ Solution: Use fare charts or IC cards ❌ Not validating transfer tickets
✅ Solution: Insert all tickets at gate ❌ Losing ticket before exit
✅ Solution: Keep ticket safe, use IC card ❌ Buying adult ticket for child
✅ Solution: Check age requirements (6-11: child fare)Boarding Mistakes
❌ Boarding wrong platform
✅ Solution: Check destination boards ❌ Missing last train
✅ Solution: Check schedule in advance ❌ Boarding Green Car without ticket
✅ Solution: Purchase Green Car ticket ❌ Wrong direction on Enoden
✅ Solution: Check train direction (Kamakura/Fujisawa)Bus Mistakes
❌ Not pressing stop button
✅ Solution: Press button before your stop ❌ Exiting from wrong door
✅ Solution: Enter rear, exit front ❌ Not touching IC card when alighting
✅ Solution: Touch card at both boarding and alighting ❌ Missing last bus
✅ Solution: Last bus often earlier than trains (check schedule)Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best way to get from Tokyo to Kamakura?
A: JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku (55 minutes, ¥990) or JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station (50 minutes, ¥990). Both are direct, no transfers needed.
Q: Can I use JR Pass in Shonan?
A: Yes! JR Pass covers JR trains (JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, JR Tokaido Line). Not valid on Odakyu, Keikyu, or Enoden.
Q: Is Enoden covered by any pass?
A: Yes! Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass (¥1,570) includes unlimited Enoden rides. Kamakura Enoshima Pass (JR East, ¥1,940) also includes Enoden.
Q: How frequent are trains in Shonan?
A: Major lines (JR, Odakyu, Keikyu): Every 10-20 minutes. Enoden: Every 10-15 minutes. Buses: Every 20-30 minutes (varies by route).
Q: Are trains crowded on weekends?
A: Yes, especially Kamakura/Enoshima bound trains. Arrive early (before 9 AM) or travel mid-afternoon (1-4 PM) for less crowding.
Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team Verified: All routes tested February-March 2026
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Anaba OffJapan - Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Shonan Train Bus Guide A little rain should never stop you from exploring Kanagawa. With the right preparation, rainy days can offer some of the most atmospheric and memorable travel experiences.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Yokohama Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 |
| Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Ringer Hat Yokohama
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
- 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
- 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes
- 🏷️ Type: Cafe
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Conclusion
shonan train bus offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
