If you want one of the easiest ways to get from Shinjuku to Enoshima for a Kamakura and Enoshima day trip, the Odakyu Romancecar is a comfortable and convenient option. You can take a direct Romancecar to Katase-Enoshima, but not every train on the Enoshima route goes all the way there, so always check the final destination before you book.
For most travelers, the Romancecar is worth paying extra for if you want a guaranteed seat, no transfers, and a smoother trip on a busy weekend or holiday. If you are traveling on a tight budget and do not mind standing or changing trains, a regular Odakyu train is still the cheaper option.
Quick Answer: Is the Romancecar to Enoshima Worth It?
- Direct train: Yes, some Romancecar services run directly from Shinjuku Station to Katase-Enoshima Station.
- Travel time: About 65 to 70 minutes.
- Total one-way cost: 1,400 JPY (650 JPY base fare + 750 JPY limited express surcharge).
- Seat reservation: Required. All Romancecar seats are reserved.
- Best for: Travelers who want a direct ride, a guaranteed seat, and a more comfortable day trip to Enoshima.
- Not ideal for: Strict budget travelers or visitors heading first to central Kamakura instead of Enoshima.
At a Glance: Taking the Romancecar to Enoshima
The Romancecar is a comfortable way to travel from Shinjuku to the Shonan coast. It is especially useful if you want to avoid crowded commuter trains, travel without transfers, and start your Enoshima day trip with a reserved seat.
- Route: Shinjuku Station to Katase-Enoshima Station
- Direct service: Available, but check the train’s final destination before booking
- Travel time: Approximately 65 to 70 minutes
- Total cost: 1,400 JPY one way
- Seats: All reserved
- Onboard features: Reclining seats, tray tables, luggage space, and restrooms
Regular Train vs. Romancecar: Which One Should You Take?
Quick verdict: Take the Romancecar if you want the simplest and most comfortable route to Enoshima. Take the regular Odakyu train if saving money matters more than having a reserved seat or avoiding a transfer.
From Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima, the main choice is between a regular Odakyu train or the Limited Express Romancecar. The regular train costs less, but it is usually slower, can be crowded, and often requires a transfer. The Romancecar costs more, but it gives you a direct ride, a guaranteed seat, and a much easier trip overall.
| Feature | Regular Train | Romancecar |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | About 70 to 80 minutes | About 65 to 70 minutes |
| Transfers | Usually 1 | Direct on eligible services |
| Total Fare | 650 JPY | 1,400 JPY |
| Seating | Standard commuter seating, often crowded | Reserved reclining seat |
| Comfort | Basic commuter train | Quieter, more spacious, restrooms onboard |
If you are visiting Enoshima on a weekend, during a holiday period, or with children or bags, the upgrade is usually worth it. If you are traveling alone on a weekday and want the cheapest possible route, the regular train is fine.
Ticket Prices: What You Actually Need to Pay
One reason this route confuses first-time visitors is that the Romancecar fare has two parts. You need both the regular train fare and the limited express surcharge.
- Base Fare: 650 JPY
This is the standard Odakyu fare from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima. You can pay it with a paper ticket, an IC card such as Suica or PASMO, or a qualifying regional pass. - Limited Express Surcharge: 750 JPY
This is the extra fee for riding the Romancecar. It covers your reserved seat and the limited express service.
Total one-way cost: 1,400 JPY.
If you use an IC card for the base fare, remember that you still need to buy the separate limited express ticket before boarding. Tapping in with Suica or PASMO alone is not enough for the Romancecar.
How to Book the Romancecar to Enoshima
Because Enoshima-bound Romancecar services are less frequent than the Hakone trains, popular departures can sell out. It is a good idea to book ahead if you plan to travel on a weekend, holiday, or during cherry blossom and summer beach season.
- Check the destination carefully.
Before you book, make sure the train you choose goes to Katase-Enoshima if that is your final stop. - Book online in advance if possible.
The easiest option is the official Odakyu online booking system. This is usually the simplest method for international visitors. - Buy the limited express ticket and cover the base fare.
You need both parts of the fare. The limited express ticket reserves your seat, while the base fare covers the actual train ride. - Use your phone or station purchase confirmation on travel day.
If you book digitally, you can usually use the ticket on your smartphone without printing it.
If you prefer to buy in person, you can also purchase tickets at Odakyu ticket machines or counters in Shinjuku Station. The downside is that the next departure may already be full.
Should You Use a Rail Pass Instead?
If Enoshima is just one stop on a larger Kanagawa itinerary, a regional pass may save money. In that case, the pass can cover the base fare and you only pay the Romancecar surcharge separately when you want the upgrade.
If you are planning to visit both Hakone and the Enoshima-Kamakura area over several days, the Hakone Kamakura Pass is the more relevant option to compare against buying separate tickets.
Check Prices and Book a Regional Rail Pass
Important Tips Before Taking the Enoshima Romancecar
- Check the destination before you book: Not every Romancecar on the Enoshima route goes all the way to Katase-Enoshima. Some services terminate earlier, so confirm the final stop before buying your ticket.
- Remember that all seats are reserved: You cannot simply board with only a regular fare ticket or IC card. You also need the separate limited express ticket for your reserved seat.
- Book early for weekends and holidays: Enoshima is a popular day-trip destination, and the most convenient departures can sell out.
- Use Suica or PASMO carefully: Your IC card can cover the base fare, but it does not replace the limited express reservation.
- Get off at Katase-Enoshima Station: This is the best station for Enoshima Island, the beach, and Enoshima Aquarium.
Who Should Take the Romancecar to Enoshima?
The Romancecar is a good choice for:
- Travelers who want the easiest possible trip from Shinjuku to Enoshima.
- Visitors who want a guaranteed seat instead of taking their chances on a crowded commuter train.
- Families with children, couples on a day trip, and travelers carrying bags.
- Anyone visiting on a weekend or holiday, when local trains are more likely to be busy.
The Romancecar may not be the best choice for:
- Strict budget travelers who are happy to take a regular train and possibly make a transfer.
- Travelers whose first destination is central Kamakura rather than Enoshima.
- Visitors who care more about saving money than about seat comfort and convenience.
Should You Buy a Pass or Just a Ticket?
If you are only making a simple round trip from Shinjuku to Enoshima, buying regular tickets is often the simplest option. In that case, you just pay the base fare plus the Romancecar surcharge if you want the reserved-seat upgrade.
If you plan to explore more widely, a pass can make more sense. For example, travelers visiting both the Enoshima-Kamakura area and Hakone over multiple days may get better value from the Hakone Kamakura Pass. If you only want to explore Enoshima and Kamakura, it is also worth comparing that option with area-specific passes before booking.
Compare Pass Options for Enoshima, Kamakura, and Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for the Romancecar to Enoshima?
Yes. All Romancecar seats are reserved, so you need a limited express ticket with a seat assignment before boarding.
Can I use Suica or PASMO for the Romancecar?
Yes, but only for the base fare. You still need to buy the separate limited express ticket for the reserved seat.
Is the JR Pass valid on this route?
No. The Odakyu Romancecar is operated by Odakyu Electric Railway, not JR, so the JR Pass does not cover this trip.
Are all Romancecar trains to Enoshima direct to Katase-Enoshima?
No. Some Romancecar services on the Enoshima route do not continue all the way to Katase-Enoshima, so always check the train’s final destination before booking.
Do I need to print my online ticket?
Usually not. If you buy your ticket online, you can generally use the digital ticket on your smartphone. Keep the booking confirmation available in case a conductor asks to see it.
Does the Enoshima Romancecar have an observation deck?
Usually no. Unlike some Hakone-bound Romancecar trains, the Enoshima services are not the ones travelers typically choose for the front observation deck experience.
Final Verdict
The Romancecar to Enoshima is worth it for most travelers who want a direct ride, a guaranteed seat, and a smoother day trip from Shinjuku. It is especially useful on busy weekends, for families, and for anyone who wants to avoid transfers and crowded commuter trains.
If your top priority is keeping costs low, a regular Odakyu train is still a perfectly workable alternative. But if convenience matters, the extra fee for the Romancecar is usually money well spent.
Plan Your Enoshima and Hakone Trip with a Regional Rail Pass
Hi, I’m Kai. I’m a Tokyo-based travel writer, tourism industry insider, and the author of a published guidebook for international visitors to Japan. With over 10 years of professional experience at a leading Japanese tourism company, my mission is to help you skip the tourist traps and navigate Japan’s best destinations like a local. I believe the perfect day trip is like a traditional kaiseki meal: a beautiful balance of precise planning and unforgettable seasonal discovery. When I’m not out conducting field research, you’ll usually find me drafting new itineraries with one of my favorite fountain pens!