Taiwan-Japan Railways Become “Sisters”! Ride the Pingxi Railway and Exchange for a Free One-Day Pass in Japan

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Taiwan’s “Pingxi Line Railway” and Japan’s “Enoshima Electric Railway” have become sister railways. From May 1 this year to March 31 next year, passengers from both sides can exchange their used one-day rail tickets for a one-day pass on the other railway, aiming to attract more mutual visits and boost tourism in both regions.


▲From % to next year's March 31, passengers from both sides can exchange their used one-day rail tickets for a one-day pass on the other railway.


The Enoshima Electric Railway is commonly referred to as “Enoden” and is a well-known private railway in Kanagawa, Japan, with an annual ridership of over 10 million. The Pingxi Line (from Sandiaoling to Jingting, covering 7 stations and about 12.9 km) and the Enoden (from Fujisawa to Kamakura, covering 15 stations and about 10 km) are both internationally renowned short-haul railway routes rich in scenic beauty and interesting attractions. Along the Enoden, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, explore the Shonan Coast (a setting from the manga “Slam Dunk”), visit Enoshima Island, and see the Great Buddha of Kamakura among other natural and cultural landmarks.

Similar features to the Pingxi Line include railways running close to residential homes—such as trains passing through the streets of Shifen, the everyday charm of locals crossing the tracks to reach platforms, and the simple and charming wooden Jingting Station, much like the equally quaint “Kōraku-ji Station.” There are also several small, tranquil stations along the way perfect for hidden explorations. Additionally, Enoshima is home to many resident cats, attracting cat lovers and earning it the nickname “Cat Island.”

The New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that it hopes to attract more Japanese tourists to visit New Taipei City through this tourism mutual-benefit approach, allowing them to experience a happy journey along the Pingxi Railway that combines mining heritage, sky lantern culture, and natural beauty.