2. Restaurant Review: Amalfi Della Sera

If you like eating outdoors while taking in gorgeous views, Amalfi Della Sera is the place to eat! Located very close to Shichirigahama Station on the Enoden Line, you'll have to walk up a steep flight of stairs to get there. Once at the top, however, you won't be disappointed.There is an 'a la carte' menu, and also two set lunches. As for value, the sets are the way to go as a pizza or pasta dish by itself costs between 1400 - 1900 yen.


Sorrento Set, 1890 yen. Includes a mini salad, bread, choice of pizza or pasta, dessert, and coffee/tea. Amalfi Set, 2630 yen. Same as the Sorrento Set, plus a mixed appetizer plate.

I did not get a look at the dinner menu.

We were just there for a snack, so we had a margarita pizza (1420), a glass of red house wine (800), and an Italian beer (700 yen). It was perfect.

Address: Shichirigahama 1-4-8, close to Shichirigahama Station on the Enoden Line, at the top

of a hill overlooking the ocean.

Phone: 0121-13-9911

Credit cards are accepted.

Restaurant information (in Japanese only) http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g665603/

1. Sightseeing Train Review: Enoden

The Enoden Dentetsu Line runs from Fujisawa to Kamakura. The retro, two car train is one of the oldest electric rail car systems in Japan, opening in 1902. It covers 10 kilometers and has 15 stations.In the area of Fujisawa, the Enoden runs right down the middle of a shopping street. At the 5th stop, the Pacific Ocean and Enoshima Island come into view. The train then runs parallel to the beach and the very crowded Route 134. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen across the water. Get off at one of these beach side stations for lunch at an open air cafe. The most famous stop along the way is Hase. This is the stop for the famous 'Daibutsu' (the Great Buddha), and Hase Temple. Getting there: It is a 50 minute ride on the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo to Fujisawa, and a 1 hour ride on the Yokosuka Line from Tokyo to Kamakura. The Enoden runs every 12 minutes.

Cost: Tickets can be purchased to individual stations, they are very inexpensive. I recommend the Enoden unlimited-travel day passes, called Noriori-kun, 580 yen for adults and 290 yen for children. With this pass, you can get on and off the Enoden as much as you like.

There is also an 'Enoshima/Kamakura Freepass' from Odakyu Railways. This pass gets you to and from Fujisawa from Shinjuku (1 hour and 15 minutes), gives you unlimited rides on the Odakyu line between Fujisawa and Enoshima and the Enoden between Fujisawa and Kamakura. This 'freepass' also gets you small discounts at many attractions around Kamakura. From Shinjuku, this pass is 1430 yen for adults and 720 yen for children. If you take the Odakyu 'Romance Car'there is a supplement to pay, but the ride is a lot faster and all seats are reserved, so no crowds.

If you visit Kamakura, I strongly recommend riding the Enoden. I also suggest standing at the very front of the train, the view and feeling resembles that of a train conductor. Fantastic vantage point, great experience!