The Pingxi Line one-day pass can also be used on the Enoshima Line — even Japan’s governor came to give it a try

▲ The Pingxi branch line features many old streets, which have even been used as filming locations for famous movies. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Starting May 1 this year, travelers holding either the “Enoshima Electric Railway One-Day Pass” issued by Japan’s Enoshima Electric Railway or the “Pingxi Line One-Day Pass” issued by Taiwan Railways can exchange it for the other pass free of charge. Exchanges are available at both Taipei Station and Ruifang Station of Taiwan Railways.Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Yuji Kuroiwa is promoting tourism exchanges,

Governor Yuji Kuroiwa is actively promoting tourism,and is scheduled to visit Taiwan Railways Director-General Fan Chih-ku on July 19 to express gratitude for the joint marketing initiative between Taiwan Railways and Japan’s Enoshima Electric Railway, which has attracted more tourists to both the Pingxi Line and Kanagawa Prefecture. He will alsoconduct an exchange experience for the Pingxi Line one-day pass at Window 12 of Taipei Station on the 20th; in addition, he willjoin a delegation of Japanese representatives to visit the Pingxi Line, where they will experience sky lantern releasing at Shifen Station as well as explore the surrounding old streets and local culture.

▲ Pingxi Station exudes an old-time charm that attracts many tourists. (Photo / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)

Furthermore, he will take a ride on the Pingxi branch line train, enjoying the scenic views of riverbeds, valleys, waterfalls, and lush green countryside alongside passengers, collectively promoting the tourism attractions of the Pingxi area and Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture. The exchange program — allowing travelers to swap either the “Enoshima Electric Railway One-Day Pass” or the “Pingxi Line One-Day Pass” for the other without any charge — has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both domestic and international travelers.

Travelers who have used their “Pingxi Line One-Day Pass” can, before March 31, 2014, exchange it for one “Enoshima Electric Railway One-Day Pass” at three stations in Japan — “Kamakura,” “Enoshima,” and “Fujisawa” — for same-day use. This makes travel planning between the two destinations more convenient, while also offering the chance to experience the mountain-and-sea charm of both the Pingxi Line and the Enoshima Electric Railway.