Fujisawa
Introduction
Fujisawa is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering a total area of just under 70 square kilometres. It sits within easy reach of the wider Tokyo-Yokohama region, making it a practical stop for travellers exploring Kanagawa.
Before you go
Before you go, it helps to know that Fujisawa has a local tourist association with a multilingual guide site. Checking that site ahead of your trip is a practical first step for planning what to see and do in the city.Getting there
Most visitors reach Fujisawa by train, arriving at Fujisawa station. The Odakyu line runs from Shinjuku and Machida in Tokyo, and also connects from Hakone to the west. The Odakyu trip from Shinjuku takes under an hour on the Rapid-express, or a little longer on the Express. Japan Rail Pass holders may prefer the JR route, which takes roughly the same time from either Tokyo or Shinjuku. On arrival, travellers typically change straight to the Enoden Line and continue onward to Enoshima and Kamakura, making Fujisawa a natural transfer point rather than a final destination for many.Getting around
Fujisawa's transport life revolves around Fujisawa Station, the central interchange where the JR, Odakyu and Enoden lines all meet. Most visitors arrive on the Odakyu line from Shinjuku and Machida, or from Hakone to the west; the JR Tokaido Line also links the station to Tokyo and Yokohama and suits Japan Rail Pass holders. From there you can change to the Enoden and continue to Enoshima and Kamakura. There is no metro or tram within the city — the Enoshima Electric Railway, known as the Enoden, serves as the local railway, running along small roads, near Shichirigahama Beach, and on roads shared with cars like a tram. The Shonan Monorail, a suspended monorail, connects Ofuna Station to Shonan-Enoshima Station, the other main access point for the island. One quirk to remember when changing trains: you catch the Enoden at Fujisawa Station by the Odakyu department store, but you catch the Odakyu Line across the plaza underneath the JR station.
IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo work on all rail and bus services, and paper tickets are sold at station vending machines with fares based on distance. The Enoden One-Day Pass gives unlimited rides on the Enoden, and the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass combines round-trip Odakyu travel from Shinjuku or Fujisawa with unlimited rides on the Enoden and Odakyu Enoshima Line. Enoden Coach and Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus run extensive local networks; hours vary by route, so check ahead, and route maps are available at stations and bus stops. On Enoshima Island, the Enoshima Escar is a paid outdoor escalator system that ascends much of the hill to the shrine complex and assists those who need it, while small locally operated boats connect the island to the mainland. Trains generally run from early morning until roughly late night, busiest at weekday morning and late-afternoon rush hours. Taxis show the characters "空車" when available, can be hailed or picked up at stands, and often have rear doors that open automatically; Uber and DiDi operate by partnering with licensed local taxi companies. The city centre around the station is walkable, with interconnected shopping streets, and Enoshima Island is mainly pedestrian-friendly. The Shonan Coast has sidewalks, promenades and dedicated cycling paths such as the Shonan Beach Cycling Road, and bicycle rentals are popular near the island and along the coast. Some older stations, especially on the Enoden, have stairs, and parts of Enoshima have stairs or uneven terrain, so plan accordingly.
Where to stay
For convenience, base yourself near Shonandai Station, where you'll find a hotel just a two-minute walk from the station itself. Its location makes it a practical choice if you want quick access to the trains, and you can book online if you prefer to arrange your stay in advance.Food & drink
For a high-end hamburger, head to Burger Park near Chogo Station, where the milkshakes are also worth your attention. When you want to keep the evening going, Free Culture in central Fujisawa draws both expats and locals and stays open until midnight from Tuesday through Sunday.What to see and do
Enoshima is administratively part of Fujisawa and only a short train ride away, making it an easy excursion from the city. The nearby coastline also offers several beaches, including Kugenuma Beach and Shichirigahama Beach. Each August the city holds a festival where you can try kingyo sukui, the game of scooping goldfish with a paper scoop. The festival's version is notable for its scale.Festivals & events
Fujisawa's festival calendar centres on August, when the city holds its festival.Three days in Fujisawa
Day one: Arrive in Fujisawa, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, easily reached from Tokyo or Yokohama. Before checking in, most travellers arrive via the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku or Machida, or by JR. The Odakyu Rapid Express continues toward Hakone, and the Japan Rail Pass covers JR services. On arrival at Fujisawa Station, get to know the Odakyu, Enoden and JR Tokaido Line connections. From there, ride the Enoshima Electric Railway, also called the Enoden Line, toward Enoshima and Kamakura.
- Fujisawa Station
- Odakyu Line
- Enoden Line
- JR Tokaido Line
Day two: Use the Enoden Line to reach Shichirigahama Beach and Enoshima. The Shonan Monorail links Ofuna Station with the Shonan area, and Enoshima Station sits on the Enoden. One useful tip: an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo works on the Odakyu Line and the Enoden, and the Enoden One is a pass for the line.
- Shichirigahama Beach
- Enoshima
- Enoshima Station
- Shonan Monorail
- Ofuna Station
- Enoden One
Day three: Continue by Enoden to Kamakura, or head back toward Tokyo or Yokohama. If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, JR services from Fujisawa Station are covered. Before leaving, check connections on the Odakyu, Enoden and JR Tokaido Line.
- Kamakura
- Tokyo
- Yokohama
- Japan Rail Pass