Limited Express "KAMAKURA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East Limited Express "KAMAKURA", which connects Yoshikawa-Minami Station and Kamakura Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, whether ticket issuance is required, and IC card support status. As it serves as an access train to the ancient city of Kamakura, this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The Limited Express "KAMAKURA" is a JR East temporary limited express train that connects Yoshikawa-Minami Station and Kamakura Station via the JR Musashino Line. Its biggest feature is that it allows passengers from Saitama Prefecture and the Tama areas of Tokyo to travel to Kamakura without changing trains. It also attracts attention from railway enthusiasts because it travels along the JR Tokaido Freight Line, which is normally used by freight trains. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. As it is a limited-operating temporary train, you need to check the operating dates if you plan to ride it. It also stops at Kita-Kamakura Station, making it convenient for visiting temples and shrines in Kamakura. There are other trains with similar names and destinations, so it is a good idea to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "KAMAKURA"?

The Limited Express "KAMAKURA" is a special limited express train operated by JR East, providing tourist access to the ancient city of Kamakura. Kamakura is a historic city known as the place where Minamoto no Yoritomo established the shogunate. The JR Musashino Line is a circular line connecting the outskirts of Tokyo, and limited express trains do not normally run on it. This train travels via the JR Tokaido Freight Line, which is not normally used by passenger trains. Therefore, one of its attractions is that passengers can enjoy scenery different from the usual views.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "KAMAKURA" train lies in its convenience: you can reach Kamakura without changing trains from along the JR Musashino Line. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably with your seat secured. It's also a popular train among railway enthusiasts because it runs on tracks normally used by freight trains. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shrine known as a symbol of Kamakura. The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple is a representative landmark of Kamakura. In Kita-Kamakura, there are many Zen temples such as Engaku-ji Temple and Kencho-ji Temple. During hydrangea season, Meigetsu-in Temple and Hase-dera Temple are bustling with many people. You can see Sagami Bay from Yuigahama Beach. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stopovers. The impression of the scenery from the train window changes greatly depending on the season, so it is recommended to choose the time of year according to your purpose. Kamakura is a town where flower viewing spots are scattered throughout the four seasons. You can enjoy a stroll along the beach at Yuigahama Beach and Zaimokuza Beach. The limited express trains that run directly from along the JR Musashino Line offer a unique convenience. A classic way to enjoy the area is to get off at Kita-Kamakura Station and walk to Kamakura Station for a stroll through the ancient city.

"KAMAKURA" Timetable

* "KAMAKURA" is a temporary train that operates only on limited days.

Downbound (towards Kamakura Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Yoshikawa-Minami Station) Timetable

The "KAMAKURA" train operates only on select days (mainly weekends and holidays). Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, but the intervals may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "KAMAKURA" train is a temporary train that operates only on weekends and holidays. Operating days are announced in advance, so please be sure to check if you plan to ride it. Operating days and sections are subject to change.

"KAMAKURA" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Yoshikawa-Minami Station to Minami-Koshigaya Station (JR Musashino Line)
• Minami-Koshigaya Station to Nishi-Kokubunji Station (JR Musashino Line)
• Nishi-Kokubunji Station to Kamakura Station (JR Musashino Line, JR Tokaido Freight Line, JR Yokosuka Line)

Kamakura Station is the gateway to the ancient capital of Kamakura. Komachi-dori is a representative shopping street of Kamakura, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was a central shrine of the Kamakura Shogunate. The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura) at Kotoku-in Temple is a bronze Buddha statue approximately 11 meters tall. Zen temples such as Engaku-ji Temple and Meigetsu-in Temple are scattered around Kita-Kamakura Station. You can access Enoshima by transferring to the Enoshima Electric Railway. The bamboo grove of Hokoku-ji Temple is known as the "Bamboo Temple." Since travel to nearby tourist spots is mainly by bus or on foot, it is a good idea to check the local transportation options in advance. There are sometimes tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and pamphlets. For lines with limited service, it is a good idea to check the return train and bus schedules as well. Yoshikawa-Minami Station is a station on the JR Musashino Line located in eastern Saitama Prefecture. Nishi-Kokubunji Station connects to the JR Chuo Line. The area around Shin-Kawasaki Station is undergoing redevelopment.

"KAMAKURA" Stops

Main Stops

• Yoshikawa-Minami Station
• Minami-Koshigaya Station
• Minami-Urawa Station
• Nishi-Kokubunji Station
• Shin-Kawasaki Station
• Kita-Kamakura Station
• Kamakura Station

*The number of stops varies depending on the train.

Fares for "KAMAKURA"

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Fare

The fare for the "KAMAKURA" train is the sum of the basic fare ticket to your destination and the reserved seat limited express ticket. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. When purchasing your ticket, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the reserved seat limited express ticket. JR limited express train fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a regular season, peak season, or off-season. The fare is divided into the "basic fare ticket" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express fare" for riding the limited express train. You must purchase both to ride the limited express train, so please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket.

Regarding the Route via the JR Tokaido Freight Line

The Limited Express "KAMAKURA" travels along the JR Tokaido Freight Line, which is normally used by freight trains. Therefore, passengers can enjoy scenery not typically seen on regular passenger trains. Because of the unique route, it's necessary to check the route details when purchasing tickets. For railway enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to ride this special train.

How to Buy Tickets for "KAMAKURA"

Eki-net (Online Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to reserve reserved seats using a credit card. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, route, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. In addition to credit cards, cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to certain conditions and fees.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat limited express tickets at reserved seat ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi at stations. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket machines often support multiple languages, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At Midori-no-madoguchi, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. Midori-no-madoguchi can get crowded during peak season, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies may offer travel packages that combine sightseeing in Kamakura with train travel.

How to Buy for International Tourists

The "KAMAKURA" train is operated by JR East, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Area Pass. Even when using a pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. Some station ticket offices offer assistance in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before traveling.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

Even if you purchase your ticket through "Eki-net," you may still need to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station. If you need to pick up a paper ticket, it's best to do so with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep them safe during your journey.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

Since the operating section is within the Suica area, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions due to the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just an IC card. Limited express fares and reserved seat tickets must be purchased separately.

Seating Information for "KAMAKURA"

Seat Types

The "KAMAKURA" train is all reserved seating. The train uses special limited express train cars intended for temporary service. Since the number of seats is limited, it is best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The seats recline, making even journeys of around two hours comfortable. The train cars used may vary depending on the day of operation. You can enjoy unique scenery from the window as the train travels on tracks not normally used by passenger trains. Since seats are reserved, you can travel without worrying about crowds. The scenery changes depending on the direction of travel, so it is a good idea to check the seat location when making a reservation. Window seats are suitable if you want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable if you prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location in advance and make a reservation for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you will be using a wheelchair, it is recommended to consult with JR East's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and configuration.

Bento Boxes and In-train Gourmet Food on "KAMAKURA"

On the "KAMAKURA" train, in-car sales service may not be available. It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks at a station shop before boarding. Shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl) and Hato Sablé (pigeon-shaped shortbread cookies) are famous specialties of the "KAMAKURA" train. You can also enjoy street food on Komachi-dori. In-car sales service availability varies depending on the train and season, so it is best to purchase drinks and snacks before boarding. Station shops may have limited operating hours, so it is best to stop by early. If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "KAMAKURA"

The "KAMAKURA" train is a temporary train that operates only on limited days, so be sure to check the operating dates before planning your trip. All seats are reserved, so you cannot board without a reserved seat. Kamakura is extremely crowded during the hydrangea and autumn foliage seasons. The route is unique, so you need to check the route when purchasing your ticket. Due to its popularity, reserved seats may sell out quickly. The station and the train will be crowded during peak season, so allow plenty of time. Before boarding, check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

Operating days and sections are subject to change. It is recommended to check the operating status on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before boarding.

Summary

The "KAMAKURA" is a JR East temporary limited express train that connects Yoshikawa-Minami Station and Kamakura Station via the JR Musashino Line. It's a convenient train that allows you to travel to the ancient city of Kamakura from Saitama and Tama areas without changing trains. It operates on limited days and all seats are reserved, so be sure to check the operating dates and reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy a journey through temples, shrines, and the seaside on "KAMAKURA", which offers a direct route to the ancient capital.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.