Shonan Monorail Attractions Guide | Aerial Views of Kamakura + Enoshima Attractions! Sky Walk Strategy

The Shonan Monorail is the perfect way to experience the stunning aerial views of Kamakura and Enoshima. This unique route takes you through forest tunnels, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the landscape. The monorail runs without tracks beneath it, providing an unobstructed view that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Shonan sky and streets. The Kinnso editorial team has prepared a comprehensive guide for your sky walk adventure!

(Image Source: @Shonan Monorail, @Klook)

The Shonan Monorail is a suspended monorail line connecting Ofuna Station and Enoshima Station. It is the only monorail system in Japan that utilizes a hanging design, stretching a total length of 6.6 kilometers. Unlike traditional trains, the Shonan Monorail runs "upside down" beneath the tracks, providing passengers with an unparalleled sensation of floating. In just 14 minutes, you can travel from Ofuna Station to Enoshima Station, passing through forest tunnels and enjoying a 360-degree panoramic view without any railings obstructing your sight!

As the train glides slowly over cherry blossom treetops, residential rooftops, and winding streets, you will feel as if you are aboard a moving observation deck, relishing a 360-degree unobstructed view.

Basic Information about the Shonan Monorail:

• Operating Company: Shonan Monorail Co., Ltd.
• Track Type: Straddle-type suspended monorail
• Maximum Speed: 75 km/h
• Number of Cars: 4-car train configuration

Ofuna Station serves as the launch pad for this aerial adventure and is a crucial transfer hub for switching from the JR line to the Shonan Monorail. The station features a modern design that exudes a futuristic vibe. While waiting on the platform, you'll notice the distinctive appearance of the suspended train: the front boasts a streamlined design, with the entire body hanging beneath the tracks. As the train glides into the platform, the sci-fi ambiance is sure to compel you to whip out your camera and snap away!

After departing from Ofuna Station, the monorail begins to ascend gradually, making this experience particularly exciting, as you can truly feel like you are "taking off." The view outside transitions from a horizontal perspective to a bird's-eye view, with cars on the streets shrinking to the size of toy vehicles and pedestrians appearing like tiny ants moving below. This gradual change in elevation builds a sense of anticipation.

Before embarking on your aerial adventure with the Shonan Monorail, take a moment to visit the Ofuna Kannon Temple located near Ofuna Station. This impressive white Kannon statue stands at 25 meters tall and is a well-known landmark in Kanagawa Prefecture, just a five-minute walk from Ofuna Station.

The Ofuna Kannon is particularly popular for worship during the New Year period. The Kannon enshrined in the temple is believed to alleviate disasters and misfortunes, blessing devotees with good health and harmonious families. During the New Year, many visitors come specifically to pray for peace, success in work, and academic achievements in the coming year.

Types of Amulets and Blessing Items:

• Health and Safety Amulet: Praying for good health and protection from illness.
• Traffic Safety Amulet: Ideal for travelers who frequently drive or use public transportation.
• Academic Achievement Amulet: A blessing for students or those preparing for exams.
• Home Safety Amulet: Ensuring family harmony and safety at home.

As the name suggests, Fujimicho Station offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji on clear days. It is also the first segment of the Shonan Monorail where you can truly experience the sensation of flying. The short journey from Ofuna Station to Fujimicho Station is enough to leave first-time passengers exhilarated.

This segment provides a relatively gentle flying experience, making it suitable for those who may have a slight fear of heights but still wish to try something thrilling. The monorail passes through residential areas, allowing you to glimpse the everyday lives of the Japanese people—balconies with clothes hanging out to dry, small garden yards, and even children playing in their backyards.

Interestingly, the local residents seem quite accustomed to the monorail gliding overhead. Occasionally, you might see children excitedly waving at passengers on the train. Be sure to wave back, as this is a cherished tradition of interaction on the Shonan Monorail!

At Shonan Machiya Station, you enter the most enchanting forest section of the Shonan Monorail, affectionately dubbed the “Sky Green Tunnel” by locals. From this station onward, the suspended train takes you deep into the lush forest, allowing you to experience the exhilarating sensation of soaring through the treetops.

This segment of the journey is particularly magical, as you will feel as if you are truly flying "within" the forest rather than just above it. The monorail's tracks cleverly weave through the trees, and at times, branches almost brush against the windows, creating an illusion of swinging through the forest.

In spring, this spot becomes a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing. When the cherry blossoms bloom, the entire train seems to glide through pink clouds, with petals occasionally drifting onto the windows, elevating the romance to new heights. During summer, the dense green leaves form a natural canopy, providing a cool and comfortable ride even in the heat.

Photography Tips:
This section is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. It is recommended to use burst mode to capture the interplay of light and shadow among the trees. Since the train moves at a leisurely pace, even your smartphone can take great photos.

Shimizu Station serves as a vital entry point into the Kamakura attraction area. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the charming ancient city of Kamakura. The geographical location of this area is quite unique, featuring both pristine mountain landscapes and a rich collection of historical architecture.

As you glide above Kamakura on the suspended monorail, you'll notice the city’s layout is impressively layered. Particularly fascinating is the ability to spot small shrines and temples hidden among the trees—these secret spots, often overlooked from ground level, become easily visible from the air. Some travelers even choose to disembark at the next station to explore the intriguing places they discover from the monorail.

On particularly clear days, Shimizu Station offers stunning views of Sagami Bay, where the horizon merges seamlessly with the sea. This harmonious blend of mountains and ocean exemplifies the unique allure of the Shonan region.

The area surrounding West Kamakura Station offers an excellent opportunity to experience the charm of Kamakura, an ancient capital. The suspended monorail here provides a delightful sensation of traveling through time. From this aerial vantage point, you can simultaneously admire ancient temple complexes, traditional Japanese houses, and modern residential areas, all harmoniously coexisting in a single frame.

One of the most fascinating experiences here is "aerial archaeology" – from the perspective of the suspended monorail, you can clearly observe the overall layout and street planning of the ancient city of Kamakura. The winding alleys, hidden ancient temples nestled among the trees, and the network of pathways connecting various attractions create a three-dimensional historical map when viewed from above.

Cultural Tidbit:
During the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period, Kamakura served as Japan's political center. Aerial views provide a better understanding of why ancient people chose this geographically strategic location, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea, as their capital.

Kataseyama Station marks the turning point of the Shonan Monorail as it transitions from the mountainous forest to the coastline. This elevated experience is particularly thrilling, as you can distinctly feel the gradual shift from a forest environment to an oceanic one. The air begins to carry a hint of sea salt, and the views become increasingly expansive.

The Kataseyama area is situated at a higher elevation, allowing passengers on the suspended monorail to gaze down at both the forested mountains and the distant ocean. This combination of dual landscapes is quite spectacular. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the entire silhouette of Enoshima clearly outlined against the sea!

Viewing Tips:
Be sure to have your camera ready during this segment, as the transition from mountains to sea is truly captivating and worth capturing.

Mebuki Mountain Station is the closest inland station to the Enoshima attractions. From this point, the suspended monorail offers a perfect preview experience of the Enoshima sights. This vantage point and distance are ideal for capturing panoramic photographs of Enoshima, making it an absolute must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

From the viewpoint at Mebuki Mountain Station, the charm of the Enoshima attractions begins to fully unfold. You can clearly see the overall outline of Enoshima, the surrounding coastline, the Enoshima Bridge connecting the island, and the famous Enoshima Lighthouse on the island. This bird's-eye view provides a comprehensive and three-dimensional understanding of the Enoshima attractions you are about to explore.

On particularly clear days, you may also catch a glimpse of the iconic view of Mount Fuji alongside Enoshima from this location. The majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji can be faintly seen on the horizon, creating a perfect foreground and background relationship with the nearby Enoshima, representing one of the most quintessential postcard scenes of the Shonan area.

Shonan Enoshima Station marks the final stop of this aerial adventure and serves as the primary gateway to the attractions of Enoshima. The station's design exudes a coastal resort vibe, featuring a blue and white color scheme and walls adorned with ocean-themed artwork. Large glass windows within the station offer direct views of the stunning Enoshima and Sagami Bay.

Surrounding the station is the vibrant Enoshima beachside shopping district, filled with unique restaurants, souvenir shops, and seafood eateries. After experiencing the panoramic views from the suspended monorail, exploring the Enoshima attractions from ground level provides a completely different perspective. You can first take in the overall scenery from above, then delve deeper to experience the intricate details.

Facilities Near the Station:

• Enoshima Escalator Entrance (3-minute walk)
• Kitaenoshima Beach (5-minute walk)
• Enoshima Attractions Entrance (7-minute walk)
• Numerous seafood restaurants and cafes

The hanging design of the Shonan Monorail offers photography enthusiasts excellent opportunities for stunning shots, but capturing great photos requires some techniques. Below is a practical photography guide compiled by Kinnso, helping you capture the most beautiful aerial perspective photos.

Seating Strategy:
When heading towards Enoshima, it is recommended to sit on the right side (the right side facing the direction of travel) to capture more sea views and scenes of Enoshima. On the return trip towards Ofuna, the left side offers more beautiful sights of mountains and Kamakura. If you want to photograph the exterior of the train, the station platform is the best opportunity.

Techniques to Overcome Glass Reflection:
Reflections on the train windows pose a significant challenge for photography. It is advisable to press your camera or phone against the glass while shooting or to use a polarizing filter to reduce glare. Additionally, you can creatively use reflections to create unique light and shadow effects, enhancing the artistic quality of your photos.

Dynamic Shooting Techniques:
As the train moves, it may have slight shakes; therefore, it is recommended to use a faster shutter speed (at least 1/250 seconds) to avoid blurriness. If you are using a smartphone, you can enable the anti-shake feature or use burst mode to increase your chances of getting a good shot.

Best Times for Photography:

• Morning: Soft morning light is perfect for capturing mountain scenery
• Noon: Under the strong sunlight, the sea appears especially blue
• Evening: The combination of Enoshima and Mount Fuji at sunset is the most beautiful
• Night: The brightly lit cityscape at night has its own charm

If you want to fully experience the charm of the Shonan Monorail attractions, Kinnso editors have crafted the perfect one-day itinerary for you. This plan combines breathtaking aerial views, exploration of ancient towns, and stunning coastal scenery, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of mountains and the sea all in one day!

Morning Itinerary: Starting Exploration at Ofuna Station (9:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
9:00 AM Arrive at JR Ofuna Station and enjoy a station bento for breakfast.
9:30 AM Walk to Ofuna Kannon Temple to pray for blessings and purchase an omamori.
10:30 AM Return to Ofuna Station and prepare to board the Shonan Monorail.
11:00 AM Take the suspended monorail to Shonan Enoshima Station (approximately a 14-minute ride).
11:30 AM Disembark at Shonan Enoshima Station and walk towards Enoshima.

Midday Itinerary: Enoshima Sightseeing Tour (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM)
11:45 AM Take the Enoshima escalator to ascend the island.
12:00 PM Visit Enoshima Shrine and immerse yourself in the island's mystical atmosphere.
1:00 PM Enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant on Enoshima, savoring fresh seafood dishes.
2:00 PM Climb to the Enoshima Lighthouse for a 360-degree view of the Shonan coastline.
2:30 PM Walk to Katase Enoshima Station.

Afternoon Itinerary: Exploring the Ancient Capital of Kamakura (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
2:45 PM Take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) to Kamakura Station.
3:15 PM Arrive at Kamakura Station and begin your tour of the ancient capital.
3:30 PM Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and feel the historical ambiance of Kamakura.
4:30 PM Stroll through Komachi Street, where you can purchase unique Kamakura souvenirs.
5:30 PM Board the JR Yokosuka Line at Kamakura Station to return to Tokyo.

The Shonan Monorail is not just a means of transportation; it serves as the perfect vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking views of Kamakura and Enoshima! Its elevated design allows you to take in unobstructed aerial vistas, capturing the stunning beauty of Shonan in its entirety. It is recommended to visit on a clear day, as the sunset views over the ocean during dusk are truly mesmerizing! Don’t forget to check the timetable to plan your journey, ensuring that this sky-high adventure becomes one of your most unforgettable memories of Shonan!