Kamakura and nearby Enoshima are just about an hour from Tokyo, but they feel like a world away – making a great get away from the big city. Kamakura was one of Japan’s ancient capitals and is filled with history and temples. In contrast, Enoshima and nearby beaches have a relaxed beach-town vibe. Think of it as a mix between Kyoto and a coastal surf spot. It’s a popular getaway for both locals and foreign tourists.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by taking the Enoden train.
The Enoshima Electric Railway, or Enoden, is a small local train that runs between Kamakura and Fujisawa. It goes through several popular spots including Hase and Enoshima, with great views of the ocean – and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day – as well as just fitting between houses as it cuts through the city. The train itself feels nostalgic, like stepping back in time, and can be a draw in itself.
Using the Enoden with a Wheelchair
The Enoden is generally accessible, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
At most stations, you can ask the station workers for a ramp to help you board, as like anywhere else in Japan. 
A Few Things to Watch Out For
The Enoden is very popular, and the trains can get crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays. The train cars are narrow, so try to avoid busy times if you can, or at least be ready for getting a bit squished. If possible, try to get the staff to let you on before other passengers to make it easier to get into the wheelchair space. Getting on at one of the end stations can be easier.
As a small local line, there are stations without staff. If the station is unstaffed, there’s usually an intercom near the ticket machines. Press it and let them know where you’re going. They will let the coming train you are waiting and when the train arrives, the conductor will watch for you and get a ramp out of a locker on the platform. Be sure to situation yourself near to the front of where the train will stop to ensure the conductor notices you.
Some stations like Kamakura and Fujisawa are fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible toilets. Others, like Hase and Enoshima, are mostly accessible but may require crossing the tracks at ground level. 
A few smaller stations, like Shichirigahama, only have stair lifts to get to the platform. These lifts have weight limits – usually around 180 to 200 kg – so they might not work for people using heavy power wheelchairs. It’s best to check in advance, and the Enoden home page has accessibility information for each station, so be sure to use it to plan.
What You Can See Along the Way
There’s a lot to explore. Near Kamakura Station, you can go to the bottom area of Tsuragaoka Hachimangu shrine, then board the train to Hase and visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. The temple is mostly flat and has an accessible toilet.
Further along, you a great view of the coast. At Enoshima Station, you can roll across the bridge to the island and enjoy local seafood delicacies. While many parts of the island, like the caves and upper area, aren’t accessible, the bridge view is still lovely. Again, on a clear day you can get incredible views of Mount Fuji.
Final Thoughts
The Enoden is a great way to see Kamakura and Enoshima. While not every station is perfectly accessible, with a little planning, it’s a very doable and enjoyable trip. The scenery, the city’s historic yet young vibes, and the charm of the train itself make it a worthwhile daytrip from Tokyo.
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