Travel the Pingxi Line with a one-day pass for free and visit the real-life locations of "Slam Dunk"

By MOOK Travel & Life Net, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

Japan has long been a top travel destination for many people in Taiwan, which is why information on various transportation ticket deals and promotions in Japan is highly sought after by local tourists. The Pingxi Line in New Taipei City will join forces with the Enoshima Electric Railway in Japan for a joint tourism campaign, starting from May 1 until March 31, 2014 (Editor's note: the campaign has been extended to March 31, 2015). During this period, passengers from both sides can exchange their used one-day rail passes for a one-day pass of the other railway line free of charge. This means travelers can not only ride the Enoshima Electric Railway for free to enjoy views of Mount Fuji but also visit the original setting of the high school in the manga "Slam Dunk" — Kamakura High School (located at the "Kamakura-kaigan" station on the Enoshima Electric Railway), as well as the scenic Shonan coastline where, in the anime’s opening scene, Haruko Shinohara smiles brightly at Sakuragi Hanamichi as the train passes by and the level crossing gates rise.

The Enoshima Electric Railway, commonly referred to as the "Enoden," is a well-known private railway in Kanagawa, Japan, with an annual ridership of over 10 million. Both the Pingxi Line (from Sandiaoling to Jing Tong, with 7 stations and approximately 12.9 km in length) and the Enoden (from Fujisawa to Kamakura, with 15 stations and about 10 km in length) are short yet richly scenic railway routes offering numerous highlights. Along the Enoden, travelers can enjoy views of Mount Fuji, explore the Shonan coastline, Enoshima Island, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura, among other natural and cultural attractions. Similar to the Pingxi Line, the Enoden features railways running close to residential homes, offering a glimpse into everyday life such as trains passing through local streets like in Shipai Old Street, and locals crossing the tracks to reach platforms. There’s also the quaint and charming wooden “Kōrakuji Station,” reminiscent of Jing Tong Station, as well as several small, peaceful stations perfect for off-the-beaten-path exploration. Additionally, Enoshima is home to many cats, earning it the nickname “Cat Island” and attracting cat lovers. For more details on the free one-day pass exchange between the Pingxi Line and the Enoden, visit: www.railway.gov.tw/tw/news_Detail.aspx?SN=5513&NewsType=0.