The “PayPay” cashless payment service provided by PayPay Corporation, a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), makes it easy to pay for everyday items with just a smartphone. Since its launch in October 2018, PayPay has expanded its merchant network beyond convenience stores and restaurants to facilitate payments for a wide range of items and services across Japan.
To put the convenience of PayPay to the test, SoftBank News editors took on a challenge: is it possible to do a day trip in Kamakura and Enoshima, a popular spot south of Tokyo, with just PayPay*? Read on to find out.
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The PayPay app on a smartphone with a Japanese phone number was used for this article.
Visitors to Japan using their own smartphone with participating cashless services can make payments with the “user scan method,” but PayPay app-based services described in this article may not be available.
Kamakura–Enoshima area
Kamakura, about an hour train ride from Tokyo, is well known for its historic sites, such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Nearby Enoshima adds to the charm of the district. Along the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) line, scenic spots and gourmet delights abound. The seaside route also offers stunning ocean views.
First stop: Kamakura Station and street food along Komachi-dori Street
Our journey begins at JR Kamakura Station. From the east exit, we head straight to Komachi-dori Street, a bustling shopping district that leads to the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Standing under the iconic red torii gate, our “PayPay only” trip begins!
After a short five minute saunter through Komachi-dori Street, we reach Tomoya, a traditional Japanese confection shop. From skewered rice dumplings to warabi mochi and soft-serve ice cream, the menu is irresistible.
“I’ve always wanted to try ‘Daibutsu-yaki’! What’s everyone else getting?”
“The ‘Mitarashi Dango Ice Cream’ looks good, too. Tough choice!”
We settled on “Daibutsu-yaki,” a cake symbolizing Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Each of the six assorted flavors is believed to bring good fortune to an aspect of life—health, popularity, wealth, beauty, work or love. The peaceful Buddha expression and gentle sweetness bring smiles to everyone.
Tomoya Kamakura Komachi Store
Address: 1-6-8 Yukinoshita, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 248-0005, Japan
Tomoya accepts PayPay, naturally. Simply scan the QR code at the counter, input the amount, and pay.
After filling up on sweets, we stroll along the pathway to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, passing between the stone guardian dogs and under torii gates.
Rent a Bicycle with the PayPay App
Next, we decided to head to Enoshima, a small island to the west of central Kamakura. Since there is a bit of distance, we opted to rent bicycles. Near the second torii gate of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, we find a HELLO CYCLING station. While HELLO CYCLING has its own dedicated app, it can also be accessed from a PayPay mini app without any extra registration.
Rent a bicycle using a PayPay mini app
Just open the PayPay app, tap on “All,” then “Share Cycle.” Choose a station from the map, and book an available bicycle. It’s that simple.
Reservation complete, we set off for Enoshima, first pedaling in the direction of Yuigahama beach.
Stopping for a lunch break along the coast
After about 20 minutes of bicycling along the coastline, we got a bit hungry. We stopped by Pacific DRIVE-IN Shichirigahama, a seaside eatery with ocean views and a laid-back vibe. The patio seats outside allow patrons to soak up some sun while gazing at the sea.
We order the popular Garlic Shrimp Plate, featuring plump shrimp, pink potato salad with pickled veggies, and a side of broccoli and edamame salad. It was a satisfying and energizing meal—perfect for continuing our journey.
Pacific DRIVE-IN Shichirigahama
Address: 2-1-12 Shichirigahama-Higashi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa 248-0025, Japan
And yes, Pacific DRIVE-IN accepts PayPay. Just activate the QR code in the app and hold it up to the reader for scanning.
“I’ll pay for everyone this time. Let’s split the bill later!”
“Thanks! I’ll get my PayPay app ready for that.”
We used PayPay’s “Group Payment” feature to split the bill easily. No need to calculate who owes what—PayPay does the math and handles the transaction smoothly.
Create a PayPay group to split the bill
PayPay lets an organizer create a payment group, enter the total, and send payment requests to people in the group. They can pay right from the notification—no hassle, no confusion.
Battery running low? Rent a portable charger with PayPay
After lunch, our phone batteries were running a bit low. Luckily, there was a “ChargeSPOT” station inside Pacific DRIVE-IN.
Like HELLO CYCLING, ChargeSPOT can also be accessed directly from the PayPay app—no separate app download needed.
Rent a mobile battery with PayPay
From the “All Features” menu in the PayPay app, select "Mobile Charge." The service can be used easily within PayPay without downloading a separate app.
“Wow, I didn’t know you could rent portable chargers this easily. Where do we return them?”
“PayPay shows locations for returning them, too! Looks like there’s a stand at Enoshima Station. Let’s return them there before heading home on the train.”
Arriving at Enoshima: returning bikes and exploring the area on foot
After another ten minute ride along the shoreline, we reached our last destination: Enoshima! Wanting to take it slow and enjoy the sights, we returned our bikes near the entrance of Enoshima Ohashi Bridge.
Riding the outdoor escalator to the observation tower
The Enoshima Sea Candle observatory sits on top of the island’s summit. If you’re not up for climbing stairs, take the “Enoshima Escar,” Japan’s first outdoor escalator. A short ride gets you to the top in about five minutes.
Tickets for the three-part Escar ride cost 360 yen for adults and 180 yen for children. You can pay by credit card, IC electronic money for transportation, and yes—PayPay as well. No need for cash! After grabbing a ticket from the vending machine, we hopped on.
As we rode up, we saw projection mapping on the walls that illustrate Enoshima’s history in an artful, scroll-like display—an unexpected treat!
At the summit, we passed through the lush Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, home to tropical plants and seasonal flowers.
Next, we headed up to the Enoshima Sea Candle itself. We were pleasantly surprised to find that even here, PayPay is accepted for ticket purchases. With a quick scan, we were on our way to the observatory. From the top, sweeping views of the Shonan coastline and greenery unfolded. On clear days, you can see as far as the Miura and Izu peninsulas—and even Mt. Fuji.
“Wow, it’s way higher up than I expected!”
“And the ocean breeze feels great. I could stay here forever.”
Enoshima Sea Candle & Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden
Address: 2-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
A day’s journey paid for with just a phone
We descended from the Sea Candle and made our way to Enoshima Station, talking about our day. Just like that, our “PayPay only” adventure came to an end.
From street snacks and bicycle rentals to lunch and access to scenic spots, we managed the entire trip without pulling out our wallets even once. PayPay wasn’t just for paying bills—it also powered bicycle and portable charger rentals, and seamless bill splitting.
PayPay’s capabilities go far beyond what we explored. Try it yourself—you might be surprised at how smooth travel can be with just a smartphone.
(Posted on June 18, 2025, Original Article Published on May 28, 2025)
Photos by Yuji Yamazaki
Original text by Exwrite Inc.
Edited by Exwrite Inc. and SoftBank News Editors
