Riding the Fastest Sky Train in Japan (Shonan-Enoshima)

[@ikaruseijin01]

I absolutely love the Shonan Monorail, flying over the streets seems like such a fun way of travelling.

[@MrBlueBurd0451]

These designs should be much more common! They're delightfully space efficient, and don't inhibit ground traffic.

[@Daneelro]

However, compared to proper mass transit vehicles like subways or light rail, they are low-capacity, expensive to maintain, too proprietary, loud for people on the ground and in adjacent buildings, and uncomfortable. They are fun as a tourist destination, but a good choice only in the rarest of cases (like the German city of Wuppertal Kuga mentioned - the whole city is a long stretch along a small river, and the rail line runs above the river). The Simpsons had a good episode on this. Sing the Monorail Song!

[@fil2337]

The only reason its not, its because its almost as expensive if not more, as a metro line

[@TheBaldr]

Benefits: Has a smaller footprint and can handle tighter turns than traditional light rail system. Cons: It cost much more and has almost twice the maintenance cost of a traditional light rail system.

[@j134679]

This was built this way because it's going through mountains neighborhoods towards the coast, and the roads are narrow

[@Daneelro]

@@TheBaldr Can it really do tighter turns? (I don't think so.) Or is it that it can do tight turns faster?

[@thany3]

In a densely built-up area like that, a suspended monorail might be the most viable way to add public transit on top of the existing road infrastructure. A different approach would be to overhaul the road network and add public transit as a first class type of transit, but Japan is not The Netherlands (where this did happen, along with bicycle infrastructure and walkable cities without huge roads going right through) and it would also be more expensive.

[@TheBaldr]

Japan has issues with land redevelopment. People holding on to generational land that was divided out before modern infrastructure. It actually cheaper to build around than through.

[@thany3]

@@TheBaldr I'm not saying bulldose houses and farms. I was talking about roads and streets. They could be MUCH better designed. Many big roads right through a city (called stroads) are toxic for basically everyone. They are cheap, and that's where the advantages end. Those roads can be replaced by walkable streets, parks, squares, and housing, and a ring road around the city. The city centre doesn't need 50000 cars per day. Public transit like buses and trams would be at the forefront of such development. Or metros of course. Suspended monorails, not so much, no matter how supercool they look.

[@markylon]

I'd be interested to know why they're suspended and not have the trains just riding on top of the track like a conventional monorail at the same height?

[@thany3]

@@markylon In theory a suspended monorail can be suspended between two rows of buildings with nothing underneath for a long stretch. Or below an elevated expressway or something. This wouldn't be possible with an upright rail. This is my thinking at least. This might also be the reason why an upright monorail (not maglev) has very few, if any, advantages over traditional steel rail. Is it because it doesn't need overhead power lines? No, not even that. The reason for the lack of those, is because the tracks are inaccessible, so power delivery can be safely embedded in the tracks. An elevated steel rail track could do the same. The suspended monorail however, the only thing I can think of is that nothing can be below it, at least for some stretches of the way, giving the space beneath a more "open" look & feel to pedestrians. And the noise of the rail is reduced because it's above the train producing it. Have you ever walked underneath a bridge (of any kind) with steel rail, while a train passed over? It's deafening! Pedestrian traffic is the most important traffic in any functioning city, so we need to take care to keep cities beautiful and walkable, even with transit zipping by.

[@daspump]

Awesome. This video was great. We have little to nothing like this over here in the UK. Love these videos.

[@nicolorivoir4399]

Actually the Wuppertal monorail has a completely different design. There is a similar monorail in Germany, though, serving the Dortmund university, but it runs at much lower speeds.

[@MichaelEsPunkt]

Ja, genau das wollte ich auch auch schreiben. Wuppertal kennt eben jeder, obwohl die Bahn ganz anders ist. Dortmund kennt leider niemand, obwohl es hier die gleiche Bauart ist. Aber wer weiß, eventuell lernt ihr sie ja jetzt durch diese Beiträge kennen. Sucht einfach auf KZbin nach "H-Bahn" und "Dortmund".

[@newjacka94]

the wuppertal has a pretty similar design

[@christophaltmann8711]

And there is the suspension train at the Düsseldorf airport (Germany), but it’s also a rather short track.

[@kurofune.uragabay]

Nice, thank you Kuga. I agree with you when you say that it feels a little weird and different from what I would have imagined. There are some particularly thrilling moments like when the monorail re-enters built-up areas from sections with vegetation, or like when it's approaching an intersection at full speed... 🤯

[@iamrenzramientos]

I love the environment..very clean place..no traffic...

[@kennyj604]

This is cool. It would make sense in areas that receive a lot of snow. Especially urban areas not large enough to finance and maintain a subway system.

[@qjtvaddict]

Like many US cities

[@susie154]

I love Japan and it's people 💯

[@Lindsaybkk]

I remember the first time I got the suspended monorail at Chiba was scary. (Chiba Urban Monorail) I go the long route from Narita Airport to KaihimMakuhari via Chiba just to catch a ride on the suspended train. When I go to Tokyo I stay at APA HOTEL & RESORT TOKYO BAY MAKUHARI 😘

[@billhunnicutt3883]

Fun video! Reminds me of the old Seattle monorail, built in 1962 for the World's Fair. That one was not suspended however.

[@bethduffey247]

This is one reason I miss Japan!

[@feve6071]

I did not know Enoshima had a monorail! such a lovely city. will def check the monorail the next time.

[@timbounds7190]

I don't know why, but it amazes me that this runs through tunnels! If I ever get to Japan, this is definitely one railway I will try. A nice day trip from Tokyo, first to Kamakura, then via the Enoden line to Enoshima, then back by the monorail for the train back to Tokyo.

[@tomburns7544]

I am so happy I found your channel, Kuga! Another great video! I love how you got off and took some footage from the ground. Excellent! ありがとうございました!!!

[@nick_krv]

It's like the Schwebebahn in Wuppertal, Germany. I love it!

[@jellyem]

Ah that is really, really amazing! If I ever visit Japan I'm putting this on my list of things to see! Thanks so much for sharing and all those awesome ground shots!

[@christophdeelmann6970]

Germany, Wuppertal. Try the "Schwebebahn".

[@LWJCarroll]

Enjoyable to watch and ride along! It must be the least intrusive form of rail line. Thanks Laurie. NZ

[@anuragmeshram2157]

as always japan is living in the future,so wonderfull

[@newjacka94]

the funny thing is, this system is about a 100 years old and first started in germany

[@andyhuckle]

Travelled a few stops on my last visit to Japan - won't be my last ! another great video thanks.

[@HacksignKT]

This video was very nice, I picked up some Yen a few days back and my trip is in September I can't wait.

[@huajie666liu8]

Upside down or inverted train idea is fabulous.

[@notyhbynorthwest]

Wonderful video, Kuga San. I visited Kamakura a few years ago, staying in a hotel close to the Ofuna station. My plan was to travel by train to Kamakura, and connect to the Enoshima Electric Railway to get close to the numerous temples around Kamakura. Finally, I was going to continue on the Enoshima line to connect with the Shonan monorail back to Ofuna. After an exhausting but wonderful day exploring the Kamakura area, including lots of hiking, I made my way towards the Enoshima line. However, I realized that I had overdone the walking in the heat and humidity (it was July), so decided to just get straight back to my hotel and rest. I ended up returning via Kamakura and unfortunately missed out on the monorail. I really hope I can get back to revisit this lovely area and ride the monorail. I really enjoyed watching the monorail trains operating in and out of the Ofuna station. Next time.....

[@pilotgrrl1]

How cool! It's like you're flying. I definitely want to ride this monorail next time I'm in Japan.

[@rat7963]

As someone who lives in the states, it's very interesting to even see a monorail system being built through the suburbs.

[@bugburst]

Thanks Kuga, I had to think of the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn too (did you hear the story of Tuffi, the elephant?), my kids lived there for some years. I rode this train once but I don't know how it felt anymore :(

[@kugastravel5180]

Thanks, Stephan! Yes, I've heard that elephant story😏

[@AmbientWalking]

Spectacular! I love this! So happy to travel with you again. 😁

[@punnipaduangdara6743]

Awesome, glad to travel with you again Kuga San. Domo arigatogozaimasu.

[@Goldblood71]

3:35 Thats right. The sister monorail is in Germany, but the Train works since 1901and has another design. I'm native.

[@cherylsemrau7100]

Wow! I would love to go on this train.

[@heathcole3761]

What a cool train! I wish we had something like this in the US. I'm surprised they don't have some kind of automated gates at the ends of the platforms to keep people (especially drunk ones) from falling off, or to keep people from literally jumping off.

[@dlewis9760]

Was going to comment about the same thing. We in the US are full of stupid people who can't (Rightfully) be trusted.

[@heathcole3761]

@@dlewis9760 so. true. XD

[@markylon]

Because unlike America, Japanese are more respectful and don't try to ruin everything. Besides if someone chooses to jump off then that's got them out of the gene pool so they won't reproduce more fools.

[@gopheritnow]

Nice. We went on it in 2018. Hope you then went and rode the Enoden. Another interesting train

[@mariamatus9114]

This suspended monorail is fascinating.

[@paulyiustravelogue]

I have visited Kamakura a couple times, and have ridden this train one from Kamakura. You are right, it is fast while not exactly quiet. Still, the ride feels awesome and at times it feels like you were flying.

[@strykerhunter]

Thank you so much Kuga san for this video. I often visited Ofuna Kannon, but never ride this train. Next time when the border is fully opened, I'll make sure to ride this train.😁👍

[@marinalimtin2971]

You always have a very nice vlogs around Japan thank you.

[@00ta]

The green material next to the narrow platform always reminds me of bathtub lids.

[@mansurazeez2229]

This design looks cool and futuristic!

[@glennaa11]

that's so cool. gliding above all the traffic.

[@elviraguadalupe6325]

Perfect for snowy days🌨 bring that perfect idea my way please

[@marijusofficial]

Monorails are amazing and they are prone from earthquakes,it is quite amazing

[@radvelfatra]

very nice public transport also the city has its charm

[@ewengillies9826]

Such a wonderful exlerience to fide the serpent of the skies. A unique form of transport with so many distinct advantages. You have filmed this from every angle for us to enjoy and the time taken is definitely not lost on me. Thanks for sharing this incredible skyway experience. Bushyboy Oz.

[@Drrck11]

Interesting. More urban areas should have trains like this.

[@williamstephens9945]

I love the upside down train! 🚊😆

[@jaybee4577]

Japan is definitely in the future. Good job to Japanese people.

[@donn7261]

Now that was different. Thank you again.

[@unboundforevermore7649]

Thank you Kuga for the ride, I’ll make sure a try this Sky Train when in Japan. You take us to the most interesting places and things. I really appreciate it because hopefully I make it to Japan this year I will already know what to see, do, and experience with your informative videos.

[@chriswilson6732]

looks like a very beautiful area of japan

[@blackpinknews6243]

Kanagawa prefecture is beautiful 😍

[@fairweathercards]

Nice video Kuga. Many thanks.

[@RKusmie64]

This was very interesting to see. I haven't heard yet of this particular rail line. Is it just the one train that goes back and forth on the same rail? Thanks for showing it to us!

[@gm-pn2sv]

That is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing💗💗

[@Nintentoad125]

かつこいいです👍

[@thaya_rees]

The Wuppertaler Schwebebahn really is quite old and way slower, but a fun experience. Monorails are also rare and uncommen in germany =/

[@daanwillemsen223]

Bruh Germany has 4 different suspension monorail systems: Wuppertall, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Dresden. More than any country in the world

[@MrThisisme225]

Always innovative japan

[@gmonynegro595]

I used to ride my motorcycle to Enoshima every weekend, great place to party.

[@rogeriomonteiro760]

You have to travel with the Wuppertal monorail in Germany. It exists since 1901.The suspension monorail - Wuppertal's landmark - travels 13 km through the city. The network runs mainly above the city's river Wupper, only four of the 16 stops run above solid ground. More than 80,000 people use the suspension monorail on a daily basis. It is therefore an everyday means of transport for the inhabitants of the city, but also a popular tourist attraction. Many sights can easily be reached on foot from the 20 suspension railway stations. Since August 1st 2019, only the new 'Generation 15' railcars have been in service.

[@silviamarin6643]

Wow very interesting I have never seen a train like this!!

[@newjacka94]

the funny thing is, this system is about a 100 years old and first started in germany

[@heartoflotus]

What a wild ride! Thank you for sharing your journey on the Shonan monorail. It was very interesting. 🙏

[@halfey]

I like the unobstructed view of the ground.

[@ohnoflicks]

I think the weirdest part is looking down out the front window and seeing traffic come towards you 😀

[@NomadSoloTravel]

Love your content and the adventure 💜Keep it up 🌸👍🏽Huge like and so glad to be a follower of your work

[@rauleli]

Never saw it before other than in pictures or concepts! I got fascinated with this train!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@quarterburnt]

I think half the places I'm going to visit in Japan will just be an excuse so that I can ride on their rail system. I'm going to have to add Enoshima to that list!

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

Thanks Kuga! I was wondering how the monorail was engineered to withstand earthquakes.

[@kugastravel5180]

Thanks, GW AMES FILMS!

[@meacadwell]

@@kugastravel5180 I asked myself the same thing. What happens to the monnorail, and the people on it, when an earthquake hits. But I think that for any Japan youtube video about trains.

[@moonred2771]

every decades we have taken big qwakes, so scientifically plan are feedbacked into structures to reinforce. we call those plans as "taisin-sekkei" and construction as "taisin-koji"

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

@@moonred2771 Thanks Moon RED!!!! That's really interesting. Much appreciated!

[@MagneticUnicornVlogs]

Wow very cool!! Like you're flying in the sky 😍

[@blueharrington1893]

Cool thanks for sharing have a good one 🤘☮️💟🍀😜🤟🦋

[@goldkip]

awesome vid man i really like this train its pretty unique havent considered they would make one like that i wanna ride it

[@colinmathie2710]

That's gotta be a weird feeling when your travelling.

[@carolgiglio263]

I LOVE IT THEY SHOULD PUT MORE AROUND ALL THE COUNTRIES. PLUS IT LOOKED LIKE A LOT OF FUN

[@Graysonthegrey1]

I bet if kids ride this they would feel like they are flying, its amazing.

[@Berliner079]

You mention in the film at time index 3:36 that the Wuppertal Suspension Railway is the same system. That's not really the case, there are 2 different systems. Both are so-called monorails, colloquially. But it is only a real monorail in Wuppertal, in Japan there are 2 rails (tracks) In Wuppertal it is Eugen Lange's system, in Japan that System SAFEGE. The difference is, in Wuppertal, a wheel set consisting of 2 wheels each runs one behind the other on ONE rail, which is located ON a supporting structure. The wheels are connected to the car bodies with a support frame OUTSIDE via a joint. As a result, the car body can swing out more in curves, and this means that it can also travel at higher speeds in curves. In Japan it is the SAFEGE system, where 2 wheels run on one axle, 4 per frame, to the right and left of the opening through which the suspension of the car bodies goes. So there are 2 rails (routes) The disadvantage here is that the car bodies cannot swing out as much. The advantages/disadvantages are: Wuppertal: The length of the trains is limited to ONE unit of carriage-middle section carriage Japan: 3 "full" cars possible, entry/exit both sides, wuppertal only one side. Wuppertal: Car bodies can swing out on curves due to centrifugal forces, which means higher speeds are possible. Simultaneous disadvantage: the cars also rock in the stations, which can be problematic when boarding. Big advantage of the SAFEGE system: alternative places are possible, that is not possible in Wuppertal.

[@moonriseproductions]

What a cool ride! They should make a special carriage with a glass floor!

[@drivingottawa]

This is amazing. Hope to see it some day in person!

[@krokodil191]

Watching this on 150cm 4k TV few feet away was amazing...

[@machinismus]

omg! what an amazing view!

[@curioush1905]

It’s a monorail upside down ! Great engineering but can it hold the weight in the Long run like the rush hour crowd ?????

[@hara8bunme]

湘南モノレールって単線だったのかーいま気づいた 千葉都市モノレール沿線出身なので懸垂式モノレールには親近感あり

[@moonred2771]

くがさんの動画は素敵ですね。 お気に入りに追加しました。 交通系では某「神」に次いでお二人目になるのかな？ これからも素敵な共有をお待ちしますね。

[@pierreroulier2679]

It's funny to think that this monorail and the other one at Chiba are both based on an old French design that should have been an extension to the Paris métro. But they never build it due to the 3 carriages limitations, they thought that it wouldn't have enough capacity on the long term. There's was also a 3rd suspended monorail of the same type that ran in Japan, but it doesn't run anymore and it just remain a station with one train parked in.

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Wow ! Now that's different

[@aakashkarajgikar9384]

This is out of this world! I can't believe it! I really really want to visit Japan one day! Is this in Tokyo?

[@fmfmnico]

Chiba monorail is also like this!

[@zug.champ3000]

Im from germany. Düsseldorf Airport haves a Sky Train like that. Wuppertal haves one too but its different. :)

[@Weeklydoseofrailways]

Wow...nice capture... Can I use this video in my train compilation video credit to you in video will be given

[@davidbliss4800]

Very enjoyable 😉 I would love to see more of this! 😄

[@vulgivagu]

That is amazing. Love to know how they maintain the track at that height.

[@kanchanananayakkara8959]

Informative coverage! ❤️

[@arcadealchemist]

we need more trains like this around the world, they make the most sense cos the footprint is really small and doesn't harm the wild life areas. also can be upgraded with hyperloop lanes eventually

[@korohacker]

3:36 There's actually 2 skytrains in Germany, the Schwebebahn and the one at Dusseldorf airport, so if you ever got the chance to go to Germany, take the skytrain from the airport! Kinda glad to see someone cover Japan's skytrains, having seen The Tim Traveler's videos on both the German skytrains

[@garykee1]

wheeeee! makes you want to put your hands up in the sky as in a real roller coaster! LOL! and what a great ending by taking you to the beach. bucket list! wonder if you can roll down the windows and stick your head out, but not sure if there's enough room between the train and the pillars supporting it. great job! can't wait to see what's next!

[@bryanlorang417]

It would be so cool to commute to/from work on this train.

[@psykkoman]

Good job, can't wait for the next one!!

[@maxshenkwrites]

Someone on another youtube channel posted a video of their trip on this line and suggested playing it at 2x speed to enhance the "rollercoaster effect." Fortunately YOUR video isn't as jarring as that one was, but still... it looks like it's a rough ride even at normal speed!

[@randomnickify]

I'm actually suprised how big drops it seems to take easily, normal trains are not good at going over mountains :)

[@freedomforever6718]

How fun to be riding on a train above the ground! One day I'll try it. Thank you.

[@BarricaG]

That's super cool!

[@jmstransit]

That's a weird looking Expo Line/Millennium Line train, maybe I should look for it.

[@matbobby3175]

It's awesome train 👍🏻

[@ZGryphon]

Wow. Today I learned that Japan has a Düsseldorf Dangletrain. "This train is," "Inbound." "From," "Level 3 dormitories," "to," "Sector C test labs and control facilities."