Enoshima

Enoshima, a small island linked to Fujisawa City by a 400-meter bridge, lies west of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture. Walk across the bridge to discover Enoshima Shrine with its three separate halls, climb the Sea Candle lighthouse for ocean views, and explore the Iwaya Caves carved by waves. On sunny days, you’ll see Mount Fuji clearly from the island’s higher paths. Staircases and paid escalators wind past shops selling dried fish and rice crackers, leading to viewpoints over Sagami Bay. Buy the Enoshima 1-Day combination ticket to access major sights easily, including the caves and observation decks.

Enoshima Shrine and Its Three Halls

Enoshima Shrine honors Benzaiten, a goddess associated with music and good fortune. The first hall, Hetsumiya, was established in 1206 and displays wooden carvings of mythical creatures. Nakatsumiya, built in 853, sits midway up the island’s slopes, while Okutsumiya at the top was reconstructed in 1841 after a fire. Many visitors rinse coins in the shrine’s small pond, following a tradition said to increase wealth. One building here keeps a wooden statue of Benzaiten considered among Japan’s most important.

Samuel Cocking Garden and Observation Tower

A British merchant named Samuel Cocking developed this hillside garden in the late 1800s. At the garden’s highest point stands the Sea Candle, a 60-meter tower where you can see across Sagami Bay to Mount Fuji. From December to February, colored lights cover the garden’s trees and walkways after sunset. Purchase the 1,100 yen combo ticket to enter the garden, use the escalators, and visit the caves. Near the tower, a metal bell hangs where couples leave engraved padlocks, referencing a local story about a dragon and Benzaiten.

Iwaya Caves and Rock Formations

Wave erosion created these two caves on Enoshima’s southern coast. The larger First Cave extends 153 meters and contains stone carvings of Buddhist figures. The Second Cave, half its length, focuses on a dragon said to have once lived here. Check tide schedules—when the water recedes, flat rocks below the caves become spots for fishing or sitting in the sun. Your combo ticket includes entry here. Walk five minutes west to Chigogafuchi, a cliffside area where people gather to watch sunsets over crashing waves.

Eating Fresh Seafood on the Island

Try shirasu, small white fish caught daily in nearby waters. Most restaurants on Benzaiten Nakamise Street serve them raw over rice or lightly cooked. Look for stalls selling crispy octopus crackers or squid grilled with soy sauce. At Shimawarashi, a 10-minute walk from the shrine, order breaded tuna cutlets with local craft beer. Cafes near the Sea Candle serve matcha lattes and mochi desserts, with tables facing the ocean.

Hot Springs With Ocean Views

Enoshima Island Spa (Enospa) lets you bathe in saltwater hot springs while looking out at the Pacific. Separate indoor baths use natural spring water pumped from underground. Outdoor pools require swimwear and have artificial cave walls for privacy. The spa’s location on the eastern shore means Mount Fuji becomes visible on cloudless days. Soak here after climbing the island’s many stairs.

Getting to Enoshima and Moving Around

Three train stations serve the island: Katase-Enoshima (Odakyu Line), Enoshima (Enoden Line), and Shonan-Enoshima (Shonan Monorail). Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station for a 25-minute ride along the coast. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass (1,640 yen) covers round-trip Odakyu rides from Shinjuku and unlimited Enoden Line use. Steep stairs dominate the shrine areas—escalators included in the combo ticket help reach the garden and tower.

Seasonal Light Displays and Best Times to Visit

From December to February, the island installs light projections across its paths and gardens. Pay 500 yen to enter Samuel Cocking Garden at night during this period, though free installations like the Shonan Chandelier light tunnel remain accessible. Summer brings crowds to nearby beaches, while autumn offers cooler weather for hiking. Arrive early to watch sunrise from the Sea Candle or stay late for dusk views at Chigogafuchi.

Marine Life Exhibits Near the Mainland

Enoshima Aquarium, located across the bridge in Fujisawa, displays jellyfish, dolphins, and penguins native to Sagami Bay. Watch staff feed sea turtles in outdoor pools designed to mimic tidal patterns. The aquarium works well paired with a walk along Katase Higashihama Beach, where you might spot surfers in warmer months.