Getting Your Bearings
Fujisawa is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture on Japan's Shonan coast, and its transport life revolves around Fujisawa Station, the central interchange where the JR, Odakyu and Enoden lines all meet. For most visitors the city is both a destination and a gateway: people arrive from Tokyo or from Hakone, then change trains to continue on to Enoshima and Kamakura. Understanding that one hub — and the handful of lines and buses that radiate from it — is enough to move around confidently.
Arriving by Train
Most visitors reach Fujisawa Station on the Odakyu line from Shinjuku and Machida in Tokyo, or from Hakone to the west. The JR Tokaido Line also connects Fujisawa Station to Tokyo and Yokohama, and is a good choice for Japan Rail Pass holders. On arrival, many travellers immediately change to the Enoden Line and continue onward to Enoshima and Kamakura.
Rail, Monorail and the Enoden "Tram"
There is no metro or tram system operating within Fujisawa. Instead, the Enoshima Electric Railway — universally known as the Enoden — functions as the local railway, and it is one of the pleasures of a visit here.
- JR Tokaido Line — links Fujisawa Station to Tokyo and Yokohama.
- Odakyu Enoshima Line — links Fujisawa Station to Shinjuku and to Katase-Enoshima, one of the two main access points for Enoshima Island.
- Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) — a small, scenic train connecting Kamakura and Fujisawa Station. It runs along small roads, near Shichirigahama Beach, and on roads shared with cars like a tram. Railfans consider it one of the famous lines of the Kamakura area.
- Shonan Monorail — a suspended monorail connecting Ofuna Station to Shonan-Enoshima Station, the other main access point for Enoshima Island.
One quirk is worth remembering when you change 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.
Tickets and Passes
- IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo are accepted on all rail and bus services, and are purchased with a refundable deposit.
- Paper tickets are available from vending machines at all train stations, with fares based on distance.
- Enoden One-Day Pass ("Noriorikun") — unlimited rides on the Enoden line, handy if you plan to hop on and off along the coast.
- Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass (Odakyu) — round-trip travel from Shinjuku or Fujisawa on the Odakyu Line plus unlimited rides on the Enoden and the Odakyu Enoshima Line.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Enoden Coach and Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus operate extensive local networks covering the city and its vicinity. Bus hours vary by route and time of day, so check ahead for the service you need. Route maps are available at train stations and bus stops, and navigation apps are a reliable way to plan a trip. IC cards work on the buses as well as the trains.
A couple of specialised options round out the network. The Enoshima Escar is a paid outdoor escalator system that ascends much of Enoshima Island's hill to reach the shrine complex, and it also assists access for those who need it. Small locally operated boat services connect Enoshima Island to the mainland.
When Trains Run
Trains generally run from around early morning until roughly 1:00 AM, with high frequency at peak hours. If you can, avoid the weekday rush hours in the morning and again in the late afternoon and early evening, when services are at their busiest.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
- Taxis are identifiable by colour and roof lights; the characters "空車" (kūsha) indicate an available cab. You can hail one on the street or pick one up at designated stands, and the rear passenger doors often open automatically.
- Fares start with an initial charge covering the first stretch of the journey, then increase in increments. Cash is always accepted, and many taxis also take credit cards and IC cards.
- Uber and DiDi operate in Japan by partnering with licensed local taxi companies, so app booking with electronic payment is possible. Taxis are highly regulated, and these ride-sharing apps use licensed taxis rather than private cars.
Walking and Cycling
Fujisawa is a rewarding place to explore on foot. The city centre around the station is walkable, with interconnected shopping streets, and Enoshima Island itself is mainly pedestrian-friendly with maintained paths. The Shonan Coast has sidewalks and coastal promenades, and dedicated cycling paths exist along parts of the coast, including the Shonan Beach Cycling Road — flat, scenic routes that suit a leisurely ride.
Bicycle rentals are popular near Enoshima Island and along the Shonan Coast, available by the hour or the day. If you do cycle, follow traffic laws, use lights at night, and watch for pedestrians. Narrow temple paths and crowded shopping streets are better for strolling than cycling.
Accessibility
Many newer train stations have elevators and wheelchair-accessible toilets, but some older stations — especially on the Enoden — have stairs, and parts of Enoshima Island have stairs or uneven terrain. Some newer buses have ramps, though accessibility varies by vehicle. The Enoshima Escar helps visitors reach the hilltop shrine complex without climbing the full slope.
Getting In from the Airport
The reference material for this guide does not specify airport transfer routes into Fujisawa, so the practical approach is to plan your arrival around the rail network described above: Fujisawa Station is the central interchange for the JR, Odakyu and Enoden lines, and the JR Tokaido Line connects it to Tokyo and Yokohama while the Odakyu line links it to Shinjuku. From central Tokyo, those are the connections to aim for when travelling onward to Fujisawa.
Practical Notes
- Car rental requires a valid driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your passport. Motorcycle or scooter rental requires a motorcycle licence endorsed on an IDP and is uncommon for visitors.
- There are no specific no-go areas for pedestrians or cyclists, but take care on busy roads.
- Emergency numbers: police 110; ambulance and fire 119.