Yokohama and Kamakura access guide. Find the right deal and route from your place to stay.

Kanto Area
Red Brick Warehouse is very popular shopping site in Yokohama Waterfront Area. (C) Y.Shimizu / JNTO
Red Brick Warehouse is very popular shopping site in Yokohama Waterfront Area. (C) Y.Shimizu / JNTO

Yokohama and Kamakura are very popular places to visit from Tokyo as day trip. Of course you can visit these places from other places, like Osaka and Kyoto. But there are several routes to get Yokohama and Kamakura from Tokyo. If you visit these places from Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, you will consider to drop by these places on the way to Tokyo. But do you think that it is a right way? Should we go to Tokyo first and then go back to Yokohama?

In this post, I show you the major access to Yokohaama and Kamakura from Tokyo. And I show you how to get Yokohama and Kamakura on the way to Tokyo from Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya.

Access to Yokohama

There are four railways running between Yokohama and Tokyo. But most of you will visit waterfront district, such as Yokohama Minato-Mirai. You need to think about access to not Yokohama station but the station where is closed to waterfront area.

Please see the map below:

Access map to Yokohama and Kamakura (click to view large)
Access map to Yokohama and Kamakura (click to view large)

Yokohama Minato-Mirai line goes along waterfront area. This is most convenient route to get this area. Sakuragicho, Kannai and Ishikawacho are closed to waterfront area too.

When you think about the plan of trip to Yokohama, find the route to get these area from the location to stay.

I tell you the railways that run between Tokyo and Yokohama next.

JR East lines

JR East Rapid train of Ueno Tokyo line and Shonan Shinjuku line
JR East Rapid train of Ueno Tokyo line and Shonan Shinjuku line

Many trains run between Tokyo and Yokohama by JR East. The fare is calculated by the distance. If you take the train from Tokyo to Yokohama, Sakuragicho, Kannai and Ishikawacho, the fare is 550 yen. If you depart from Shinjuku, the fare is 640 yen. So you can expect the fare is around 500 to 700 yen if you start your trip in downtown Tokyo.

Keihin Tohoku line

Trip time 40 minutes (Tokyo – Kannai)
Trip time 35 minutes (Tokyo – Yokohama)

This train runs beside Yamanote line between Akabane and Shinagawa. This train stops all stations on this segment during peak hours. And it skips several station in day time. Keihin Tohoku line’s train runs through Negishi line from Yokohama. Negishi line takes you to Sakuragicho, Kannai and Ishikawacho. These stations are gateway to Yokohama Waterfront District. You can walk from these stations.

This train runs every 3 to 10 minutes from 5:30 to midnight. You do not need to check the timetable.

Ueno Tokyo line

Trip time 25 minutes (Tokyo – Yokohama)
Trip time 16 minutes (Shinagawa – Yokohama)

This train runs almost same route as Keihin Tohoku line, but this is a sort of rapid train and it stop at major stations only, like Ueno, Tokyo, Shinbashi, Shinagawa. This is faster than Keihin Tohoku line but it does not go through Negishi line. Even though you have to change the train at Yokohama, this train is still faster than Keihin Tohoku line because 5 minutes is enough to change the train at Yokohama and it takes less than 10 minutes to access to Sakuragicho, Kannai and Ishikawacho. But if you do not want to change the trains at Yokohama, Keihin Tohoku line is your choice even though it runs slower than this line.

This train has Green car seat. If you use Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) Green, you can have a seat on Green car without any extra. This may be the reason why you take this train. Please see the link below to find more information about this train.

Train to Shonan, Odawara and Atami with no surcharge from Tokyo. Rapid train on Tokaido line (a.k.a. Ueno Tokyo line)

This train runs mostly every 10 to 15 minutes from 5:30 to midnight.

Shonan Shinjuku line

Trip time 30 minutes (Shinjuku – Yokohama)

This is a rapid train that is same type of Tokyo Ueno line. But this train runs west side of downtown Tokyo, like Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya. This train has Green car too. Please see the link below to find more information about this train at the link below:

Direct access from Shinjuku to Yokohama and Kamakura. Rapid train on Shonan-Shinjuku line

This train runs mostly every 10 to 15 minutes from 5:30 to midnight.

The Limited Express trains

Trip time 24 minutes (Tokyo – Yokohama)

Several limited express trains, Limited Express Odoriko and Narita Express run on this segment. Those trains have much nicer accommodation. If you use Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass (both Tohoku, and Niigata and Nagano) and Tokyo Wide Pass, you can take these following trains without any extra charge. But if you buy a single ticket, you have to pay at least 510 yen for express surcharge on top of base fare. It is not a good idea to pay additional for such a short transfer.

Please find more information about these express trains at the links below:

Limited Express Super View Odoriko, Limited Express Odoriko
Narita Express

But these trains do not run very frequently, like Keihin Tohoku line, Ueno Tokyo line and Shonan-Shinjuku line. You have to check the timetable before you go.

All above JR trains are covered by Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass (both Tohoku, and Niigata and Nagano) and Tokyo Wide Pass.

The Tokaido Shinkansen

Tokaido Shinkansen
Shinkansen is as known as Bullet train.

You may think about using the Shinkansen (a.k.a. Bullet train). I would like to show you that it is a right choice or not.

*The Tokaido Shinkansen is covered by JR Pass. But other JR deals, such as JR East Pass and Tokyo Wide Pass do not cover this “Tokaido” Shinkansen line.

Access from Tokyo

Shinkansen can take you to Yokohama but it goes to Shin-Yokohama station. It is not located in downtown Yokohama. You have to take Yokohama line local train to get Yokohama. Shinkansen is faster than any other trains. It takes 18 minutes from Tokyo to Shin-Yokohama. But you will spend your time to transfer at Shin-Yokohama station and spend another 13 minutes to get Yokohama by local train.

Tokyo (18 minutes) Shin-Yokohama
transfer time at Shin-Yokohama (10 minutes)
Shin-Yokohama (13 minutes)

Total approximate trip time 40 minutes

This is slower than even Keihin Tohoku line. If you want to have Shinkansen experience, you can go for it. Otherwise this is wrong choice.

Access from Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto or other places in west part of Japan

If you get Yokohama from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and many other areas in western part of Japan, Shinkansen is only option to get Yokohama. You have to get off the train at Shin-Yokohama and need to take Yokohama line local train to get Yokohama.

If you think about dropping by Yokohama on the way to Tokyo from Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, you may go to Tokyo first. Because you can drop off your luggage at your accommodation. And you can enjoy the trip to Yokohama without luggage. It depends on the location to stay in Tokyo. But you may get Tokyo, drop off your luggage at your hotel and come back to Yokohama in 1 to 1.5 hours.

Keihin Kyuko Railway (a.k.a. Keikyu Railway)

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Trip time 17 minutes (Shinagawa – Yokohama)
Trip time 40 minutes (Asakusa – Yokohama)

This is one of major private railways. It runs between Sengakuji and Misakiguchi via Shinagawa, Kawasaki, Yokohama. It runs almost same route as JR line between Shinagawa and Yokohama. But this railway has station at Haneda airport. This is most convenient train to get Yokohama from Haneda airport.

Keihin Kyuko Railway also connect with Toei Subway Asakusa line. Keihin Kyuko train shares the tracks with this subway train. Many Keihin Kyuko trains go through this subway line. So you can get Yokohama from Asakusa and Ginza by this subway and Keihin Kyuko directly without any transfer at either Sengakuji and Shinagawa.

However you cannot connect waterfront district by Keihin Kyuko train directly. You need to change to either Minato-Mirai ine or JR line.

This train is not covered by any JR deals since this is not JR train.

Tokyu Railway

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Trip time 27 minutes (Shibuya – Yokohama)
Trip time 34 minutes (Shibuya – Minatomirai)

This is also one of major private railways. It runs between Shibuya and Motomachi-Chukagai. Technically the segment between Yokohama and Motomachi-Chukagai belong to different train company, Yokohama Minato-Mirai line. But in train operation. this segment is a part of Tokyu Railway. You can get Yokohama waterfront district directly without transfer at Yokohama. Actually this train is most convenient way to get Yokohama waterfront district, such as Minato-Mirai, Yamashita Park, China town. If you stay in western part of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro. This is the best way to get Yokohama.

This train is not covered by any JR deals since this is not JR train. But Tokyu Railway has own deal for trip to Yokohama. I will tell you later.

Deals for the trip to Yokohama

If you use JR deals, Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass (both Tohoku, and Niigata and Nagano) and Tokyo Wide Pass, JR train is your choice. But if you do not use these deals, you have to compare the deals and single ticket.

I tell you some deals for the trip to Yokohama.

Tokyu Railway Yokohama Minato Mirai Ticket

Price 860 yen (from Shibuya, child rate 440 yen)

Tokyu Railway official site, Discount tickets

This is only deal for return trip to Yokohama from downtown Tokyo and unlimited ride of Yokohama Minatomirai line. You have to get Shibuya station. But as I explained above, Tokyu Railway and Minatomirai line are operated as one railway line operation. You can get Yokohama Waterfront line without changing trains. One way fare from Shibuya to Minatomirai is 450 yen. So if you just make a round trip between Shibuya and Minatomirai, it is paid off. This is obviously most recommended deal.

JR Yokohama Minatomirai Pass

Price 520 yen (Child rate 260 yen)

JR East official site, Yokohama Minatomirai Pass

This JR deal covers Negishi line between Yokohama and Shin-Sugita, and Minatomirai line between Yokohama and Motomachi-Chukagai. However it does not include the trip to Yokohama. You need to add the fare to Yokohama from your departure point.

For example, if you travel from Tokyo, one way fare to Yokohama is 470 yen. The total cost is 1460 yen.

I have to tell you one more thing. This deal is sold in coverage area only. That means you need to exit Yokohama station to purchase this deal.

Let me compare this deal and Tokyu Railway’s Yokohama Minatomirai ticket. If you add the fare from Tokyo to Shibuya, one way fare is 200 yen.

Tokyo – Shibuya return 400 yen
Minatomirai ticket 860 yen
Total cost 1260 yen

It is 200 yen cheaper than JR’s Yokoyama Minatomirai Pass. Tokyu Railway’s Yokohama Minatomirai Ticket does not cover JR Negishi line. However it is not an issue. As long as you can take Minatomirai line, it is enough for sightseeing in Yokohama waterfront area. Even though you have to change the train at Shibuya, you need to exit at Yokohama station if you use JR Yokohama Minatomirai Pass. This is not a disadvantage of Tokyu Railway’s Yokohama Minatomirai Ticket.

It is no doubt which one is better. I highly recommend Tokyu Railway’s Yokohama Minatomirai Ticket.

How to get Kamakura

Great Buddha in Kamakura is located near Hase station of Enoshima Railway. (C) JNTO
Great Buddha in Kamakura is located near Hase station of Enoshima Railway. (C) JNTO

Now I would like to explain about trip to Kamakura. Some of you think about visiting Yokohama and Kamakura in one day. It is feasible and Yokohama is located on the way to Kamakura.

There are two railways to get Kamakura from Tokyo. Those are JR and Odakyu Railway. And also there are two local railways, Enoshima Railway and Shonan Monorail. I also explain about these two railways too.

JR East lines

Rapid train on Sobu Yokosuka line
Rapid train on Sobu Yokosuka line

You may take several trains.

Sobu Yokosuka line and Shonan Shinjuku line

Trip time 50-55 minutes (Tokyo – Kamakura)
Trip time 1 hour (Shinjuku – Kamakura)

There are two rapid trains taking you to Kamakura directly. Please see the link below:

Rapid Service Network in Greater Tokyo

Kamakura is not shown on the map in the link above. Kamakura is located between Ofuna and Zushi. Sobu Yokosuka line (shown by navy line) and Shonan Shinjuku line (shown by red line) stop at Kamakura station and those trains take you to Kamakura directly. If start to travel from Tokyo, Shinbashi or Shinagawa, you can take Sobu-Yokosuka line. If you start to travel from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya, Shonan Shinjuku line is your choice. If you want to access to Kamakura after Yokohama, you can catch either train.

Narita Express

0033

Trip time 45-50 minutes (Tokyo – Ofuna)
This limited express train connects Narita and Ofuna via Tokyo, Shinagawa and Yokohama.

Narita Express

If you use JR Pass, JR East Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass, you may take this train from Tokyo, Shinagawa and Yokohama. This train is not faster than rapid trains however the seat is comfy. Especially if you travel in peak hours, you can avoid But this train has reserved seat only. You must book a seat before on board. Reserved seat fee is included in your pass. But this train goes to Ofuna. You have to change the train to Kamakura there.

Odakyu Railway

Odakyu Railway Romancecar
Odakyu Railway Romancecar

Trip time by limited express “Romancecar” 65 minutes (Shinjuku – Katase-Enoshima)
Trip time by ordinary express train 75 minutes (Shinjuku – Katase-Enoshima with transfer twice)

Odakyu Railway is well known as train to Hakone from Shinjuku. This railway takes you Fujisawa and Enoshima too. Odakyu Railway operates limited express “Romancecar” between Shinjuku and Katase-Enoshima. Enoshima is located at Shonan beach. This coast area is very lovely and so popular among local tourists. Enoshima and Kamakura are connected by Enoshima Railway. If you want to visit both Kamkuara and Enoshima, this railway may suits your trip plan. Odakyu Railway has the deal that covers trip to Enoshima and Enoshima Railway to Kamakura. I will tell you about this deal later.

Enoshima Railway

The view is very scenic from Enoshima Railway in Enoshima area. (C) Odakyu Electric Railway / JNTO
The view is very scenic from Enoshima Railway in Enoshima area. (C) Odakyu Electric Railway / JNTO

Trip time Fujisawa (11 minutes) Enoshima (23 minutes) Kamakura
Fare 190 to 300 yen by the distance

This is called “Enoden” among local tourist. The streetcar style train connects Fujisawa, Enoshima and Kamakura. It runs along Shonan coast and it is very scenic. If you travel both Enoshima and Kamakura, you will take this train. And also you will take this train to access to Kamakura Big Buddha. It is a few stations away from Kamakura by this train. I love this train trip and highly recommended.

Shonan Monorail

Trip time 15 minutes (Ofuna – Shonanenoshima)
Fare 310 yen

This monorail line connects Ofuna and Enoshima. You may take this route to go back to Ofuna after sightseeing in Enoshima.

Recommended walking tour [AD]

Kamakura Nature & Culture Tour

Enjoy sampling Japanese snacks and street foods on the Komachi shopping street. Stroll through Kamakura’s historical shrines and temples. Feel the zen from surrounding beautiful nature

Click to check the details

Access to Kamakura and Enoshima from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other cities in western Japan

Kamakura station is very small. Both JR and Enoshima Railway stations are located at same place. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
Kamakura station is very small. Both JR and Enoshima Railway stations are located at same place. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

There is no Shinkansen stations around this area. You need to get off Shinkansen train at either Shin-Yokohama or Odawara. There is no direct trains between Shin-Yokohama and Kamakura. You have to change the train at Yokohama usually. But trip time from Yokohama to Kamakura is shorter than from Odawara to Kamakura. It takes about 35-40 minutes. And also all Shinkansen trains stop at Shin-Yokohama but many of Shinkansen trains skip Odawara station. It is the reason why Shin-Yokohama is better than Odawara to get Kamakura.

Deals for the trip to Kamakura

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine is one of Must-See spots in Kamakura. It is located near Kamakura station. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine is one of Must-See spots in Kamakura. It is located near Kamakura station. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

If you use JR Pass, JR East Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass, you can take JR trains to get Kamakura. Enoshima Railway is not covered by these JR passes. But you can simply add regular ticket on the spot.
If you do not use any passes, Odakyu Railway and JR offers unlimited ride pass in Kamakura and Enoshima area.

JR Kamakura Enoshima Pass

Price 700 yen (Child rate 350 yen)

JR East official site, Kamakura Enoshima Pass

This JR deal covers JR lines between Ofuna and Kamakura, between Ofuna and Fujisawa, Enosima Railway between Kamakura and Fujisawa, and Shonan Monorail between Ofuna and Shonanenoshima. However it does not include the trip to Ofuna/Kamkuara/Fujisawa. You need to add the fare to this free ride area from your departure point.

For example, if you travel from Tokyo, one way fare to Ofuna is 800 yen. The total cost is 2,300 yen.

This deal is sold in the coverage area only. That means you need to exit Ofuna station to purchase this deal. It is same rule as JR Yokohama Minatomirai Pass.

Odakyu Railway Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass

Price 1,470 yen from Shinjuku (Child rate 740 yen)

Odakyu Railway official site, Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass

As I explained above, Odakyu Railway connects Shinjuku and Katase-Enoshima. It does not take you to Kamakura directly. However this deal includes return trip to Enoshima from Shinjuku. And it also includes free ride of Enoshima Railway. If you add 620 yen for one way, you can take the direct limited express train Romancecar to Katase-Enoshima from Shinjuku.

Odakyu Railway official site, Romancecar

If you do not use any JR deals and you just intend to visit Kamakura and Enoshima only, this pass is most recommended. If you add Romancecar surcharge 1,240 yen (return) on top of this pass, 1470 yen, total cost is 2,710 yen. This is more expensive than single fare + JR Kamakura Enoshima Pass, appx 2,300 yen. But you can get comfy seat on Romancecar. This trip is very enjoyable.

How to visit Kamakura and Yokohama in one day

This view is the reason why I recommend you to visit Yokohama in the evening. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
This view is the reason why I recommend you to visit Yokohama in the evening. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

It is feasible. You can visit both places in one day. My recommendation is visiting Kamakura first and then visiting Yokohama. Because it is very nice in the evening at Yokohama waterfront area. In Kamakura, you will visit shrine and temple. Most of these places are closed after dusk.

Unfortunately there is no deals available to cover both places other than JR Pass, JR East Pass and Tokyo Wide Pass. I think the following combination is most affordable choice.

Tokyu Railway’s Minatomirai Ticket 860 yen
Single ticket for JR Yokohama – Kamakura 340 yen X 2 = 680 yen
Enoshima Railway for kamakura – Hase 190 yen X 2 = 380 yen
Total 1,920 yen

I do not include Enoshima in the estimation above. You can add Enoshima area if you want. In this case, you can purchase JR ticket for Yokohama – Ofuna only and purchase JR Kamakura Enoshima Pass on the spot. It is slightly cheaper than using single ticket only.

If you depart from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya and want to visit both on the way to Tokyo, it is not impossible. If you do this, you have to find the place to store your luggage. There are coin lockers in most of stations, like Yokohama. However large size lockers are very limited. It is sometimes very hard to find the large size. If you leave early, it is feasible but luggage is an issue.

Comments

  1. Ellen Papachristoforou says:

    Hello

    From Yokohama, wanted to visit Tokyo for 1 day.

    1. What is the best route?
    2. What is the best rail / subway pass available for Yokohama to Tokyo & within Tokyo?

    Hotel in Yokohama is in Minatomirai area and wanted to visit Tsuikiji Market, Ginza and Shibuya area in Tokyo

    This is only a day trip to Tokyo , and will be back to Yokohama within the same day. ou

    Thanks for your help and information

    Ellen

    • Hi Ellen,

      There is no deals available for Yokohama to Tokyo. You have to use Suica to get Yokohama Minato-Mirai line and Tokyu Railway to get Shibuya. I think Suica is okay to travel in Tokyo too. But if you may add some places to visit, you may buy Tokyo Subway Ticket.
      https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html

      At this point, you will travel Shibuya-Ginza-Tsukiji-Shibuya only. You cannot get the worth of the pass by these trips. But if you add one more place to visit, you can get the worth of it.

      If you are not sure, just use Suica.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Ellen Papachristoforou says:

        Hello Takeshi

        we are about to leave Japan flying home to Canada from Yokohama

        Can you please tell us the best & easiest way to get to Haneda International Terminal from Yokohama?

        Our hotel is very close to the Yokohama station.

        Thanks in advance .

        Ellen
        erminao
        rnational

        • Hi Ellen,

          You can take the bus. It takes you Haneda directly.
          http://hnd-bus.com/airport/h-yokohama/

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Ellen Papachristoforou says:

            Hello Takeshi

            We are back to Canada after a fantastic land / cruise vacation in Japan.

            During our land trip, we visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama and Kamakura while in our cruise, we stopped at Toba, Kochi, Osaka, Kagoshima, and Shimizu.
            Every city / port has its uniqueness and offer us a different taste of Japan

            We really enjoyed our trip and sincerely wanted to thank you for all your valuable tips and travel advises which made our travel so much easier.

            I have bothered you numerous times during the planning stage as I traveled with seniors with European background, I wanted to make sure the land portion of our trip is less stressful and thank to your patience and direction, we travel with good knowledge ahead.

            Just a note to say ‘thank you’ and really appreciate this forum venue for questions on Japan travel.
            Until next time…..best regards and best wishes for the year ahead.

            Ellen
            .

  2. Ellen Papachristoforou says:

    Hello
    I will be going to Kyoto from Yokohama on Nov 28. Hotel at Yokohama is close to the Yokohama Station.
    Travelling with JR Rail Pass

    Planning to take the Yokohama City Subway Blue Line from Yokohama Station to Shin Yokohama Station and then taking the Shinkansen Hikari to Kyoto

    1. Is Yokohama City Subway Blue Line covered by JR Rail Pass?
    2. Can I use ‘Welcome Suica’ IC card in Yokohama? specifically for Yokohama City Subway Blue Line.
    3 When I arrive at Yokohama Station, how do I purchase ticket?
    – just for Yokohama City Subway Blue Line?

    Thanks

    Ellen

  3. Char says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,

    Our family will be taking a trip In July and we will be purchasing the Japan Rail pass. We will be traveling from Osaka to Koriyama and then to Toyko. While we are in Tokyo we wanted to take a day trip to Hakone and also to the Kamakura and Enoshima area utilizing the Japan Rail pass as well as the Hakone-Kamakura Pass to use for the two consecutive days. Do you think that this would be the best choice. If not what would you suggest. Thank you!

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