Enoshima Island is a picturesque coastal retreat that seamlessly blends history with the beauty of nature.The iconic Sea Candle tower on the island provides a stunning view of Mount Fuji, adding to its appeal for visitors.
Welcome to my blog. In today’s post, I’d like to introduce you to Enoshima, a place I’ve had the joy of visiting several times. I’ll be highlighting its seasonal illumination events and the distinctive local cuisine that this region has to offer.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Enoshima island is a charming coastal island that combines history and natural beauty. Its tranquil shrines have held cultural importance for generations, attracting individuals seeking spiritual solace. Scattered around the island are diverse shrine structures that contribute to its distinct character. Over time, the island has become a popular destination for visitors, and I’ll be glad to point out a few noteworthy attractions.
A View of Mount Fuji
On clear days, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mount Fuji from this location. To enhance your perspective, you can ascend to the observation tower at the island’s highest point. Many tourists specifically come to Enoshima to relish this picturesque sight.
Moreover, at the beach on the opposite shore, you can see Mount Fuji in the direction of the sunset. Many tourists enjoy watching the sun set and listening to the calming sound of the waves.
Yacht Harbor
Enoshima island boasts an active yacht harbor that hosted yachting events during past summer Olympics in Tokyo. It’s a bustling hub where you often find people taking a leisurely pause and embracing the maritime ambiance.
Enoshima's Cat Companions
For cat enthusiasts, Enoshima has become known as a sanctuary for stray felines. As you explore the island, be on the lookout for these inquisitive creatures perched on rooftops, vending machines, benches, and along pathways. If you veer slightly away from the main tourist routes, you’re likely to encounter even more of these charming cats.
Enoshima's Illumination Events
The island hosts charming illumination events twice a year, creating a special atmosphere. If you happen to be around Enoshima, consider visiting in the evening after sunset to enjoy these events.
Winter Event
One of these events takes place during the winter months, from late November to the end of February. After sunset, starting at 5 PM, the island lights up with interesting displays, centered around the iconic Enoshima Sea Candle within the Samuel Cocking Garden.
Although the event websites are in Japanese, the photos provide a clear glimpse of the experience. You can get a feel for it through these photos:
[Link to Winter Event]
Summer Event
From mid-July to the end of August, Enoshima island hosts a summer event. After dusk, around 6 PM, the island’s pathways, shrines, and landmarks like Enoshima Sea Candle are adorned with charming illuminations. The event features lanterns lining the main pathways, allowing you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Similar to the winter event, even though the event websites are in Japanese, the photos effectively capture the ambiance: [Link to Summer Event]
Lantern Festival at Ryuko-ji Temple
On the first and second Saturday nights of August, Ryu Koji Temple near Enoshima hosts a lantern festival. This captivating scene beautifully showcases elements of Japanese culture. You can catch a glimpse of the festival’s ambiance through this Facebook video:
[Facebook Video of the Lantern Festival]
Culture, History, and Traditions
Enoshima’s history reaches far into the past, having originally been a site for spiritual contemplation. In the subsequent Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147 – 1199), the architect of the Kamakura Shogunate, offered a torii gate, gradually enhancing its status as a revered place.
Over more than four centuries, during the advent of the Edo period, Enoshima underwent a gradual shift, evolving into a lively stop along leisurely routes for the local residents of Kamakura and its neighboring regions.
Dining Guide
Enoshima has a variety of restaurants that offer delicious seafood.
Fresh Whitebait
One well-known specialty is “fresh whitebait.” These small fish, around 1 centimeter in size, are commonly served in generous portions on top of rice. Since the key to enjoying fresh whitebait lies in its freshness, you can only enjoy it around the harbors where they are caught. Fortunately, Enoshima island is a place where you can savor this delicacy.
However, it’s important to note that whitebait fishing is prohibited from January to mid-March. If you visit the island during this time, you won’t be able to try fresh whitebait.
Some restaurants also offer unique dishes like hamburgers with boiled whitebait or whitebait-flavored ice cream, providing an interesting culinary experience.
It’s worth mentioning that some foreign tourists might feel a bit unsure about dishes featuring small whole fish. If you’re curious, you can check the Wikipedia page on “whitebait,” which includes photos for reference: [Wikipedia – Whitebait]
Additionally, you’ll come across a vendor selling senbei (rice crackers) made by grilling an entire octopus. This stand is immediately visible after passing through the iconic torii gate when you arrive at Enoshima. As you continue along the narrow path, it’s located on the left side. This spot is always bustling with people, and the tempting aroma makes it easy to find.
Important Notice:
While dining outdoors at the beaches and rest areas in this vicinity is possible, it’s important to be aware that kites (birds of prey) might be interested in your food. You’ll notice many kites circling in the sky. In certain situations, their sharp talons could pose a risk of injury.
Accommodation
Within Enoshima Island, there are three lodging options, all of which are priced relatively high.
One of these options is the traditional Japanese inn, Iwamotoro, boasting sea views, private pools, and distinctive hot spring amenities. I’ve personally had the chance to stay there, and it offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in Japanese culture. More details about the inn can be found here: [Iwamotoro Inn]
On the opposite side of Enoshima, there’s a stretch of beach suitable for swimming. Accommodations are scattered along Route 134 that runs alongside this shoreline. These options are easily discoverable on online accommodation booking platforms, and they’re also clearly marked on Google Maps for your convenience.
Transportation
There are three transportation options to reach Enoshima, with buses being the exception, as all other options involve crossing to the opposite shore.
By train
The train you choose will depend on your departure point.
JR East
JR East is the most commonly used railway. However, you’ll need to transfer at Kamakura Station, Ofuna Station, or Fujisawa Station along the way.
- Transfer at Kamakura Station to the Enoden (a dedicated connecting passage is available between JR and the Enoshima Electric Railway)
- Transfer at Ofuna Station to the Shonan Monorail (requires exiting the ticket gates for the transfer)
- Transfer at Fujisawa Station to the Enoden (requires exiting the ticket gates for the transfer)
- Transfer at Fujisawa Station to the Odakyu Electric Railway (a dedicated connecting passage is available between JR and the Odakyu Electric Railway)
Odakyu Electric Railway
Odakyu Electric Railway is a convenient option for traveling from Tokyo’s Shinjuku.
The Odakyu Electric Railway is the nearest public transportation to Enoshima. The closest station is Katase-Enoshima Station, the terminus of the Enoshima Line, which is a walk of less than 15 minutes. While Katase-Enoshima Station is located along the coast, reaching the island requires crossing a bridge, taking a bit of time.
- From Fujisawa Station, about 7 minutes (fare: 160 yen): Get off at Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Electric Railway
- From Shinjuku Station, about 1 hour and 30 minutes (fare: 640 yen): Get off at Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Electric Railway
Enoshima Electric Railway ( Enoden )
If you’re traveling from nearby areas like Kamakura, Enoshima Electric Railway is a practical choice. Enoshima Station on the Enoden is often used for transfers from JR Fujisawa Station or JR Kamakura Station. It’s situated in a residential area a bit away from the coastline, so it takes around 15 minutes on foot to reach the island’s entrance, slightly longer compared to the Odakyu Electric Railway station.
- From Fujisawa Station, approximately 9 minutes (fare: 220 yen): Disembark at Enoshima Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
- From Kamakura Station, around 23 minutes (fare: 260 yen): Disembark at Enoshima Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
Shonan Monorail
Shonan Monorail is a type of suspended monorail, which might be uncommon for those traveling from abroad. If you choose to ride the monorail, consider being at the front for an exciting experience. Adjacent to Enoshima Station on the Enoden is Shonan-Enoshima Station, the final stop of the Shonan Monorail. It’s a walk of approximately 16 minutes to the island’s entrance.
As opportunities to ride monorails might be limited for most travelers, if you’re visiting Enoshima, why not give it a try? If you’re arriving via JR East, you can transfer at JR East’s Ofuna Station to reach the adjacent Shonan Monorail Ofuna Station.
- From Ofuna Station, about 15 minutes (fare: 320 yen): Disembark at Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail
By bus
Enoshima Island can be reached by Enoden Bus and Keikyu Bus, with Enoden Bus having more frequent services. Right in front of the bronze torii gate shortly after entering the island, there’s the “Enoshima” bus stop (there are two more stops, but they have limited availability during specific times).
- From the south exit of Fujisawa Station, around 10 minutes (fare: 260 yen): Disembark at Enoshima Bus Stop on the Enoden Bus, no additional walking required
Checking the route bus timetable on the bus company’s website might be a bit challenging. Utilizing Google Maps could be helpful.
By car
There are two ways to get to Enoshima by car: using the coastal Prefectural Route 134 or entering through Fujisawa City via National Route 1.
During the summer vacation period, long weekends, and weekends, the roads leading to Enoshima often become congested. Moreover, with no available detour routes, you could potentially get stuck and unable to move. As such, if feasible, it’s advisable to opt for public transportation.
Budget and Transportation Tips
When viewing Enoshima from a distance, you’ll spot a tower protruding from the center of the island. This tower is known as the Enoshima Sea Candle in the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden. From this tower, you can take in wide-ranging views that encompass not just the nearby Enoshima region and Sagami Bay, but also, during clear winter days, the unmistakable outline of Mount Fuji in the distance. At the tower’s summit, an observation deck provides access to these extensive vistas.
There is an admission fee for this facility, with separate charges for entering the garden and accessing the observation deck at the top. For those who prefer to avoid the steep climb to the Enoshima summit, there are paid escalator options and combined tickets available. Generally, if you possess moderate physical fitness, I suggest using the stairs as it offers both a chance to soak in the island’s atmosphere and a more budget-friendly alternative compared to the bundled ticket.
Admission Fees
The entrance fee for the Enoshima Sea Candle observation deck and the Samuel Cocking Garden are separate.
- Enoshima Sea Candle (Observation Lighthouse): Adults: 500 yen.
- Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden: Adults: 500 yen, applicable during nighttime.
- The escalator fee is 360 yen for adults.
- A combination ticket for all three attractions costs 700 yen during daytime and 1100 yen during the illumination hours.
Weather Guide
The Enoshima area experiences relatively moderate temperatures compared to other regions, resulting in warm weather, particularly on summer days. However, the coastal regions enjoy a gentle sea breeze that offers respite from the heat when seeking shade. As the evening hours approach, the breeze often becomes stronger, providing a refreshing coolness that’s especially noticeable during dusk.
In contrast, winters on Japan’s Pacific side are known for clear, dry days. However, the occurrence of strong winds can make this region feel quite chilly. If you’re planning a visit during the winter months, it’s advisable to dress warmly in order to counter the cold brought about by these brisk winds.
