The history and future of the Enoden Railway

The Enoshima Electric Railway is the sixth electric railway to open in Japan, and it is a very historic railway that celebrated its 120th anniversary on September 1, 2022. At that time, Japan had won the First Sino-Japanese War and was experiencing an unprecedented economic boom due to industrial development, and it is said that there were plans to lay railways all over the country (the first railway boom).
Amidst these circumstances, the Enoshima Electric Railway Company was established in 1900, but initially, construction was slow due to opposition from rickshaw associations and local residents. Nevertheless, through persistent persuasion and land donations from volunteers, construction began in 1902 (Meiji 35).
It opened on September 1st with a 3.42km operating section between Fujisawa and Katase.

The line, which connected Enoshima, a place where people would break their fast after making a pilgrimage to Mt. Oyama, with Fujisawa on the Tokaido Main Line, which had already been extended to Kobe, could be said to have been both a commuter line and a tourist line from the time it opened. From there, it was extended several times, and in 1910 the entire line (approximately 10 km) was opened to Komachi (near present-day Kamakura Station). When the entire line first opened, there were 39 stations on the 10.27 km line, more than double the number of stations there are today.

Furthermore, stations have since been relocated, merged, and renamed to meet the needs of tourists and beachgoers (the current Enoshima Station was renamed from Katase in the early Showa period). Currently, there are 15 stations along the 10.0 km line.

Where do you think the Enoden train originates?
Many people might associate the Enoden railway with its starting point in Kamakura. However, learning about its history reveals that Fujisawa is actually the starting point. (Therefore, Fujisawa to Kamakura is referred to as "downbound," and Kamakura to Fujisawa as "upbound.")
The Enoshima Electric Railway, which runs between Fujisawa and Kamakura, is a 10.0km stretch that includes some of Japan's most popular tourist spots, including Kamakura, its terminus, as well as Enoshima, Shichirigahama, Gokurakuji, and Hase, and is used by many tourists every year.

Furthermore, there are many residences and schools along the line, and it is also used as a daily commuter route by local residents. (The sight of the train weaving through residential areas is already a distinctive feature of the Enoden line.)

The Enoden railway, popular both domestically and internationally, reportedly had around 20 million passengers annually before the pandemic.
We spoke with Yoichi Ariyoshi of the General Affairs Department, General Affairs Section, Enoshima Electric Railway Co., Ltd., about how they plan to contribute to the development of the local community in the post-COVID era, after experiencing the challenging circumstances of operating under the pandemic.

Q: Before the pandemic, this route was used by a large number of customers, approximately 20 million per year. I understand that the number of passengers decreased by more than 50% during the pandemic. To what extent have passenger numbers recovered since the easing of restrictions on foreign visitors to Japan and the relaxation of travel restrictions for domestic tourists?

- This represents a 20% increase when comparing fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
This represents a 30% decrease compared to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Compared to the same period last year (January), the number has increased.

Q. What infection prevention measures is Enoden taking to ensure that customers can use its services with peace of mind?

The main activities will be as follows:
- Thorough health management of all station staff and train crew, mandatory mask-wearing during work, and temperature checks before coming to work.
- Disinfection of ticket vending machine screens and handrails at all stations, and disinfection of train and bus interiors.
- Announcements urging passengers to ventilate crowded train cars, and staff opening windows for ventilation.
- Announcements to customers via our website, station premises, and announcements on trains and buses.

Q. The Enoden line has two distinct characteristics: it serves as both a tourist line and a local transportation line. However, it is expected that the number of tourists will increase after the pandemic. What measures do you think are necessary to maintain convenience for both tourists and local residents in the future?

We will continue to take all necessary safety measures and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we look forward to welcoming many customers.

Q. What role do you think the Enoden railway should play in order to further develop the Enoshima and Kamakura area in the future?

We want to work together with you to consider and build the ideal form of the community, taking into account its role as a public transportation system and the changing times.

Q. Do you have a message for 2024?

The Enoden railway line, spanning a total distance of 10.0 km, is full of charm and history.
All of our staff look forward to welcoming you to the Shonan area.

Why not go and see the Enoden train, which has a retro atmosphere unique to Kanagawa Prefecture?

Fun Fact: We asked Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway)!

Q. Please tell me the 39 stations that were there when the station first opened!
A. The 39 stations are as follows:
1. Fujisawa 2. Ishigami 3. Kawabukuro 4. Fujigaya 5. Kugenuma 6. Shinyashiki 7. Nishikata
8. Hamasuka 9. Yamamotobashi 10. Katase 11. Tatsunokuchi 12. Nakahara 13. Tsuchibashi
14. Kobe Bridge 15. Yato 16. Manpukuji-shita 17. Koshigoe 18. Tamotogaura
19. Hisaka 20. Yazawa 21. Shichirigahama 22. Minegahara 23. Tanabe 24. Yukiai
25. Oiba 26. Ubagaya 27. Muonbashi 28. Inamuragasaki 29. Sunagozaka
30. Gokurakuji Temple 31. Gongoro Shrine 32. Hase 33. Yuigahama 34. Kaigandori
35. Haranodai 36. Gakkoura (behind the school) 37. Omachi 38. Kurayashiki 39. Komachi

The only four stations that have not changed in the 120-year history are Kugenuma, Inamuragasaki, Gokurakuji, and Hase.

Q. Please tell me about the history of the Enoden railway!
A. The changes to the station from its opening to the present day are as follows:
39 stations at the time of full line opening
Early Taisho period: 40 stations
39 stations in the early Showa period
13 stations in 1948
1950- 15 stations

The reasons for the reduction in the number of stations include the fact that the distance between stations (stops) was too short and numerous, which interfered with on-time operation, and rationalization measures due to a shortage of staff.

A. History leading up to the full opening of the line
Opened on September 1, 1902 (Meiji 35) between Fujisawa and Katase.
June 20, 1903: Katase - Yukiai section opens.
July 17, 1903: The line between Yukiai and Oiba opens.
April 1, 1904: The Oiba-Gokurakuji section opened.
February 1907: The tunnel (the only tunnel) opens. Total length: 209m
August 16, 1907: The Gokurakuji-Omachi section opened.
November 4, 1910: The section between Ōmachi and Komachi opens (the entire line opens).
*The entire line, spanning 10.27 km from Fujisawa, is now open.