Shonan Monorail SMR08:Shonan-Enoshima

The Shonan Monorail links Ofuna in the north of Kamakura to the little island of Enoshima. It opened in 1970 & was the first monorail of its kind in Japan. It’s a pretty fun way to cruise on down to Enoshima, and the stations along its route are the final components of my final daft list from Japan – for the forseeable future, at any rate.

Shonan What Now?

The Shonan Monorail is, perhaps, the most fun rail line in Japan that you’ve never heard of. (Although I’ve certainly mentioned it a couple of times in the past.)

It’s a suspended monorail that connects Ofuna to Enoshima, running about 7km up, down and through hills.

It opened in 1970 and, while the practicality of the route is a little questionable, and I’m also pretty unimpressed with the havoc the pylons that support the tracks wreak with the streets and views below, it’s an absolute blast to ride.

Just look –

Since I lived so close to the route I decided I’d add the eight stations along it to a new list and explore the lesser known side of Kamakura.

(Turns out it’s mostly just residential areas, so there’ll be a fair few doubled up posts.)

This will be my last daft list from Japan for some time, since I’m now in Yorkshire for the forseeable…

… but I’d hesitate to say it’ll be the last ever Japanese daft list. Sagami stations anybody?

All About SMR08 Shonan-Enoshima Station

Shonan-Enoshima station claims to have one of the highest passenger platforms in the country, but I assume that must be some creative marketing – surely there are mountain stations that are actually higher?

Either way, there is an amazing view to be had if you venture out onto the viewing deck next to the ticket gates:

Local Sights

As Shonan-Enoshima is right across the street from the Enoden station serving the island, I’m going to be super lazy and just point you in the direction of the post about that station should you wish to learn more about the local environs.

You can find that post by clicking here.