Metro of Kamakura

Shonan Monorail

Introduction

The system is very popular. It carries daily commuters to Yokohama or Tokyo and tourists to Enoshima. The monorail gives you a fun and convenient ride. The panoramic views of Ōfuna and the Enoshima seaside are the bonuses.

Currently, the system consists of a single line, called Enoshima Line and 8 stations along it. The total track length is 6.6 km. Shonan Monorail Co. Ltd operates the line. It runs from Enoshima Station in Fujisawa city to Ōfuna Station in Kamakura city.

Historical Background

Kamakura and Fujisawa are both important cities of Kanagawa Prefecture. People come here for sights and landmarks, temples, shops and restaurants. Easy to understand, the opening of the Shonan Monorail was a great relief for daily commuters and tourists alike. The first set of stations was opened on March 7, 1970 and the rest on July 1, 1971. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have constructed the system.

Hours of Operation

The operation starts around 5:30 in the morning and continues till midnight. Trains come every 7 to 8 minutes. There are around 8 trains per hour.

Lines and Stations

The route partly lies in Kamakura, partly in Fujisawa city. It takes about 14 minutes to complete a full journey on this line. Multiple transfers are possible at the two terminal stations, namely, Enoshima and Ōfuna. At the Ōfuna Station, passengers can interchange to the Negishi Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Yokosuka Line and Tokaido Main Line. At Enoshima Station, interchanges are possible to Odakyu Enoshima Line and Enoshima Electric Railway Line.

5000 Series 3 car trains are running on this line. There are a driver and a conductor on board. The maximum speed of the trains is 75 km/hour.

The stations on this line are:

Shōnan-Enoshima

The station is operational since July 1, 1971. After the opening of the station, the southern terminus of the system was shifted from Shōnan-Fukasawa Station. It is elevated and has a single platform. It is attended by station employees and has public toilets. Enoshima Sea Candle, Enoshima Island Spa and Enoshima Aquarium are the attraction in the nearby.

Mejiroyamashita

The station is located in Fujisawa. It was opened simultaneously with Shōnan-Enoshima station as a part of the second phase of expansion. It is an elevated station with a single platform.

Kataseyama

The station in located in the Kamakura city. It was opened as a part of the second phase construction of Shonan Monorail. It is 5.5 km distant from the northern terminus of the system. It is elevated, unattended and has a single platform.

Nishi-Kamakura

This station is also located in the Kamakura city. It was opened on March 7, 1970. When the line first started operation, this station acted as one of the terminus stations. It is also elevated, unattended and has a single platform to serve both the tracks.

Shōnan-Fukasawa

This station was opened during the first phase of construction. It is located in Kamakura city, 2.6 km away from the northern terminus. Like most of the stations of the Shonan Monorail, it is also elevated, unattended and has a single platform. This station is located close to multiple bus routes. Shonan bowl is the main attraction near the station.

Shōnan-Machiya

The station was opened on March 7, 1970. In 2005, it was again completely renovated. It is located exactly 2 km away from the northern terminus. The station is elevated, unattended with a single platform serving a single track.

Fujimichō

The station is physically located in Kamakura and was opened during the first phase of construction of the system. It is only 0.9 km away from the northern terminus station. The station is elevated and unattended. However, unlike the other stations, it has 2 side platforms for 2 tracks. The platforms are not interconnected.

Ōfuna

The northern terminus, Ōfuna station is a major junction station in Kamakura. The station is attended, has public toilets and free Wi-Fi connection. It is elevated. It has five island platforms for 11 tracks. The monorail station is connected to the main station by a passageway. The monorail station started operation on March 7, 1970. This station is close to famous hotels, restaurants and shops.

Expansion

No information on system expansion is available at this moment.

Fare and Ticket

The fare in Shonan Monorail is calculated on the basis of distance traveled. One Day Free Tickets are the best for those who are interested in visiting nearby attractions. The price of this ticket for an adult is 600 Yen and for a child is 300 Yen. Children aged 12 years or more must pay the adult fare. Child fare applies to children from 6 to 11 years.

You can buy the ticket from any station ticket vending machine. Japan Rail Pass cannot be used in Shonan Monorail. As an alternative, there is the one-way ticket.

Get the details on ticketing and fare system here.

Facilities and Services

For the convenience of the passengers, the monorail authority makes available the following services:

• Two stations, namely, Nishi Kamakura Station and Shōnan-Machiya Station have elevators.
• The stations have multifunctional toilets suitable for elderly and disabled persons. The toilets are equipped with baby seat etc.
• The ticket vending machines have instructions also in English.
• Shonan-Machiya Station, Ofuna Station, and Shonan-Enoshima Station have restrooms.

Rules

Before riding the trains, it’s better to get familiar with the Shonan Monorail rules.

• Tickets can be purchased only using cash. No credit card is allowed.
• Round trip tickets are valid for only 2 days from the date of issue.
• Passengers are not allowed to get on the trains with large size baggage.

Tips

Following tips make your ride more enjoyable.

• If you have a stroller and you are riding from an unattended station, contact the monorail authority in advance. They can arrange assistance for you.
• Monorail souvenirs e.g. Hello Kitty Strap or Pla-Rail are available at the Ōfuna Station. These are the ideal gifts for a child.

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