Why Enoshima and Kamakura Work Perfectly Together
Kamakura and Enoshima are both about 50km south of Tokyo on the Shonan coast — and they’re connected by the famous Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway), a single-track tram that runs along the coast between the two. The natural day trip route starts in Kamakura (ancient temples, giant Buddha), rides the Enoden west to Enoshima (island shrine, sea caves, ocean views), and returns to Tokyo via Fujisawa. Total walking and sightseeing: 6–8 hours.
This is consistently rated one of the best day trips from Tokyo — the combination of coastal scenery, cultural history, and natural beauty is hard to beat within 90 minutes of the city.
Kamakura: What to See
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
The 13.35-metre bronze Amida Buddha is Kamakura’s most iconic sight — an enormous seated figure that has sat in this valley since 1252. Unlike Nara’s Great Buddha (which is housed inside a hall), Kamakura’s Buddha sits outdoors, its expression serene and its back hollow — visitors can enter the interior of the statue for ¥50. Admission ¥300. See our Kamakura Buddha guide.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Kamakura’s central shrine, connected to the main shopping street (Komachi-dori) by a long approach avenue lined with cherry trees and lotus ponds. Excellent views of the sea from the upper shrine terrace. Free admission. The surrounding Komachi-dori street is lined with shops selling traditional Kamakura crafts and excellent street food.
Kamakura-Kokomaemae Crossing (Slam Dunk Crossing)
Fans of the manga/anime Slam Dunk will recognise the Enoden railway crossing at Kamakura-Kokomaemae Station — the iconic opening credits scene. Now a major pilgrimage site for anime fans worldwide. See our dedicated guide. Best visited early morning before queues form.
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The Enoden: Japan’s Most Scenic Tram Ride
The Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) is a 10km narrow-gauge tram line connecting Kamakura and Fujisawa, stopping at Enoshima Station en route. It runs along clifftops with sea views, through residential streets so narrow the tram passes within arm’s reach of house windows, and past a beautiful coastal stretch with views toward Izu Peninsula and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
Ride from Kamakura Station to Enoshima Station (24 minutes, ¥260). A 1-day Noriorika Pass covering unlimited Enoden rides costs ¥800 — worthwhile if you plan to hop on and off.
Enoshima: The Island Shrine
Enoshima is a small island (about 4km circumference) connected to the mainland by a causeway. It’s dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, beauty, and good fortune, and has been a pilgrimage site since the 12th century.
- Enoshima Shrine complex — Three linked shrines climbing the island’s central hill. Admission free for outer areas; ¥200 for the inner shrine. The approach through the Nakamise shopping street has excellent food: fresh shirasu (whitebait) dishes are Enoshima’s speciality.
- Enoshima Sea Candles (observation tower) — 60-metre lighthouse tower with views of Sagami Bay, Mt. Fuji (clear days), and the Izu Peninsula. ¥500 admission including garden access.
- Iwaya Caves — Natural sea caves at the far end of the island, carved by wave erosion over thousands of years and historically used for Buddhist rituals. ¥500 admission. Bring a candle or use the provided ones — sections are lit only by candlelight. Low ceiling — tall visitors need to duck.
The Recommended Day Trip Route
- 8:00am — Depart Shinjuku or Tokyo by Odakyu Romance Car or JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Kamakura (1h–1h20min)
- 9:30am — Kamakura-Kokomaemae Crossing (Slam Dunk shot while quiet)
- 10:00am — Kotoku-in Great Buddha
- 11:30am — Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi-dori lunch
- 1:00pm — Board Enoden from Kamakura to Enoshima Station
- 1:30pm — Enoshima Shrine and Sea Candles
- 3:00pm — Iwaya Caves
- 4:30pm — Sunset from the causeway, dinner in Fujisawa or Enoshima
- 6:00pm — Return to Tokyo from Fujisawa (Odakyu or JR)
Getting There: Train Options
- JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (1h, ¥940, JR Pass valid)
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku to Kamakura (55 min, ¥930, JR Pass valid)
- Odakyu Romance Car (Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima, 1h, ¥1,270) — reserved seating, scenic, arrives at Enoshima rather than Kamakura; reverse the route if using this
Driving is also excellent — especially for the stretch along Route 134 (the coastal highway between Kamakura and Enoshima), one of Kanagawa’s most scenic drives. The road runs parallel to the Enoden track with sea views and surf breaks on one side. If you’re renting from Samurai Car Japan in Shibuya, this coastal route is 50 minutes of outstanding driving.
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Related Guides
🏯 Kamakura Day Trip Guide
⛩️ Kamakura Great Buddha
🏀 Kamakura Slam Dunk Crossing
🚂 All Day Trips from Tokyo
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Visit the Great Buddha, Enoshima Island, and coastal temples on a guided day trip from Tokyo. Scenic train ride included. Free cancellation.