Enoshima is a small island jutting out from the coast of Fujisawa City in Kanagawa Prefecture, next to Tokyo.Even though it is an island, it is easily accessible because it is connected to the mainland by both roadway and pedestrian bridges, and can be enjoyed in a day trip from Tokyo.
Enoshima is a popular tourist spot among Japanese, and the secret to its popularity is its compact size and abundance of tourist attractions. A variety of attractions are gathered on the moderately sized island. The island is also famous for its gourmet seafood, and visitors can enjoy eating and walking around the island. On fine days, visitors can enjoy a view of Mt Fuji!
In this issue, we will introduce some of the classic sightseeing spots on Enoshima, such an attractive tourist area!
Enoshima Aquarium
The Enoshima Aquarium is located along the coast of Sagami Bay, just before crossing over to Enoshima. Mt Fuji on the right and the scenic Enoshima on the left, the aquarium makes the most of its prime location. The aquarium has 16 different spots, each with various exhibits of living creatures and events.
One of the most recommended is the “Jellyfish Fantasy Hall”. Thirteen tanks of various sizes are installed on the walls of the semi-domed space, which gives the impression of the inside of a jellyfish’s body, and the old tank “Jellyfish Planet – Planet of the Sea Moon” is permanently installed in the center of the hall. A fantastic healing space is provided.
It is also a must-visit spot for visitors to Enoshima, with daily dolphin shows and other events.
Enoden
When you think of Enoshima, you think of Enoden! It is no exaggeration to say that the Enoden is the symbol of Enoshima. It is a local train connecting Fujisawa Station and Kamakura Station, with a total length of 10 km and 15 stations.
Enoden is popular for its retro trains, but the retro stations are also well-loved. The intermediate stations of “Gokurakuji” and “Kamakurakokomae” have been selected as one of the “100 Best Stations in Kanto”.
In particular, the railroad crossing near Kamakurakokomae station is famous for appearing in the opening scene of the famous Japanese anime “SLAM DUNK. It is a popular spot visited by many tourists on pilgrimages to the sacred site. The view of the sea is wonderful, so you can enjoy it even if you do not know the anime.
Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine is one of the three major Benzaiten shrines in Japan. It is said that there have been 8 million gods in Japan since ancient times, among which the Seven Lucky Gods are widely worshipped. Benzaiten is one of the Seven Lucky Godsand is believed to bring good fortune and prosperous business.
There are facilities related to Enoshima Shrine located throughout Enoshima, and if you visit the grounds of Enoshima Shrine in order, you will make a full circle around the island. A slow tour will take about two hours, so it is best to plan accordingly.
Eshima Shrine also hosts a large-scale summer festival called the Yasaka Shrine Festival every July. If you visit during the festival, you can see the mikoshi (portable shrine) paraded around Enoshima and experience more of Japanese culture.
Ryuren no Kane (Dragon’s Love Bell)
The “Ryuren no Kane” on Koibito no Oka (Lover’s Hill) was created in reference to the legend of the “The Legend of the Goddess and the 5-Headed Dragon” that has been handed down on Enoshima since ancient times. It is believed that if two people ring the bell together, they can promise eternal love. Many padlocks with lovers’ names and wishes are attached to the fence around the bell, and it is said to be a power spot for lovers. The view from the bells is spectacular, and on a clear day, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is a botanical garden with a tropical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers and plants from season to season. Admission is basically free, but there is a fee after 5:00 p.m. when nighttime events are held.
The most popular event is the winter illumination. The winter event held in the Enoshima-Katase Kaigan area is very popular and attracts many visitors during the period. Other events such as “Enoshima Island Toro Lantern Festival ” and “Shonan Candles” are also held.
Enoshima Sea Candle
The Enoshima Sea Candle, located in Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, is a well-known symbol of Shonan. From the observatory, which is approximately 60 meters high and 119.6 meters above sea level, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji to the west, the Miura Peninsula to the east, and Oshima Island to the south.
This spot is crowded with many tourists every day, especially in winter when it is decorated with illuminations and you can see very beautiful sea candles. The illuminated sea candles are one of the highlights of this spot, as well as the observation deck.
Iwaya Cave
Iwaya Cave is a cave formed in a rock wall. Over a long period of time, erosion by the waves has cut away the rock walls and created the caves. There are two caves to explore, the First Iwaya (152 m deep) and the Second Iwaya (56 m deep). The caves are naturally pitch-dark, but it is exciting to walk through them by candlelight.
Inside the cave, historical materials on the Iwaya Cave are on display, and visitors can experience the legend of the Dragon God that has been handed down on Enoshima.
From the open space connecting the first and second iwaya, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sagami Bay and the surrounding Mt Fuji, Hakone, and Izu areas, giving you a sense of openness.
Chigogafuchi
Chigogafuchi is located at the southwestern tip of the island, in the vicinity of Iwaya. It is known for the beauty of the crashing waves and the sunset over Mt. Fuji, and has been selected as one of the “50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa”. There is also a boarding place for the sightseeing boat “Bentenmaru”, from which you can return to the foot of Enoshima Benten Bridge.
On weekends and holidays, this popular spot is crowded with tourists, but during weekday evenings, it is a good place to visit. After a day of fun and games on Enoshima, the sunset from Chigogafuchi is the perfect way to end the day.
Tobiccho
“Shirasu” is a famous Enoshima delicacy, and one of the most popular restaurants is “Tobiccho”. The freshness of the shirasu is the specialty of this wholesaler. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as kama-age shirasu rice bowl, fresh shirasu dishes, kakiage (deep fried shirasu), croquettes, and Japanese rolled omelet （omelet）.
The fresh shirasu is a must-try dish, but please note that it is not available during the no-take period from January to mid-March and on days when the boats are out of port due to the current conditions.
Maruyaki Tako Senbei Asahi Main Store
Speaking of popular Enoshima restaurants, don’t forget the Asahi Main Store! Two or three whole octopuses are placed on a griddle and pressed with 1 ton of pressure! In no time at all, they are made into rice crackers. It is the best place for a gourmet meal, and on weekends there are long lines of people waiting to try it.
In addition to octopus crackers, there are also blue crackers made with shirasu which are also popular for their pretty appearance.
