Exploring Enoshima: A Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo

If you are planning a visit to Japan and need a beautiful yet relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Enoshima is just what you want. It’s an hour from the city and a small island located off the coast of Kanagawa Prefecture, near the popular coastal city of Kamakura. It is known as a place that offers great views, picturesque beaches, and a great deal of history, so Enoshima has got something to offer for any kind of traveler. From nature and culture to simply wanting to have A relaxing day by the sea, Enoshima has it all.

How to Get to Enoshima

Enoshima is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. The most common route is taking the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Enoshima Station. It takes approximately 60-70 minutes, from which you can either have a short walk or transfer to Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) for a panoramic 10-minute drive to Enoshima Station. Upon arrival, you can actually get to the island on foot in just a few minutes. The combination of train and quaint local railway makes for a pleasant journey that already begins to set the tone for a relaxing visit.

A Brief History of Enoshima

Enoshima boasts a long history that stretches over a millennium. The island is famous for its connection with the Japanese Shinto religion and its place in Japanese folklore. Enoshima is said to be the home of Benzaiten, the goddess of music, art, and good fortune , and the island has a long tradition of pilgrimage. Over time, it has grown into a favorite spot both for locals and tourists, offering not just spiritual sites but also beautiful nature and great views.

Things to Do in Enoshima

Enoshima Shrine and Benzaiten

The most important cultural landmark on the island is Enoshima Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. It stands on the top of the island and represents a place where history, culture, and nature come together in one unique experience. The pathway to the shrine itself involves an upward walk through stone stairs lined with trees and lanterns. You will pass through a series of gates and small shrines along the way, each with its own charm.

The main shrine at the top of the island offers commanding views of the coastline from all sides. On a good day, you can even make out Mount Fuji in the far distance, so have those cameras ready for some great shots. Buy an omamori to take home, a good luck charm, or a komainu, a guardian lion statue, for a good omen.

The Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse)

Amongst one of the iconic landmarks in Enoshima lies a modern lighthouse that is Sea Candle; it provides an excellent view of a 360-degree landscape around the island. The lighthouse stands 59 meters above the ground, which is truly amazing. On one side you can see the whole of Enoshima Island, the whole of Sagami Bay and its crowded beach sides, and on days with great visibility, Mt. Fuji. There’s even an observation deck with a coffee shop in which you can relax, post-climbing. In addition, the beautiful night illumination in the evening makes the lighthouse magical. 

Enoshima Aquarium

You wouldn’t want to miss the Enoshima Aquarium, whether for traveling families or for those who are merely enthusiastic about marine life. This aquarium is located just a short walk from the island’s entrance and is famous for its large variety of marine animals, such as dolphins, sea lions, and colorful fish. Set along the coast, the facility has indoor exhibits and outdoor sea-life tanks. It is an excellent way to get an up-close view of the local marine environment and enjoy a fun and educational experience.

Beaches to Your Delight

Enoshima is famous for its beaches, too. Among them the most famous one is Enoshima Beach. During the summer the whole area is alive with beachgoers, surfers, and sunbathers. Be it a sea-side walker or a water-sports enthusiast-both surfers and stand-up paddleboarders like them, the beaches at Enoshima are ideal for a laid-back day by the sea. You can also find a lot of restaurants and cafes along the beaches where you can have refreshing drinks or delicious food with the view of the ocean open to you.

The Enoshima Iwaya Caves

For the adventurous type, Enoshima Iwaya Caves are an interesting underground exploration. These caves are located on the northern side of the island and have been used for religious purposes for centuries. These caves are connected with each other by a series of dark tunnels and narrow pathways, which finally lead to some sacred spaces where visitors can offer their prayers to receive blessings. Besides that, the caves also have interesting rock formations, making it an exciting stop for anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure.

Shopping and Dining on Enoshima Island

Enoshima is also a place of amusement, filled with shops, markets, and restaurants. In the streets around Enoshima Station and the entrance of the island, you will find many souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, snacks, and beautiful items reflecting the culture of the island. Don’t forget to taste shirasu, small whitebait fish, a specialty of this place. It’s often served on rice, in sushi, or as a topping for noodles.

For a classier meal, visit the top of the island for cafes and restaurants overlooking the coastline, with fresh seafood and local Japanese dishes on the menu. For those in a hurry, many food stalls provide quick and delicious street food like takoyaki (octopus balls ) and taiyaki (small fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste).

Enoshima Island Pathways

Otherwise, the best way to view Enoshima is by taking a leisurely walk on the island and enjoying its well-laid pathways. There are several trails, mostly shaded by trees, which take you along the coast and through areas filled with lush greenery. It’s small enough to get around easily on foot, and the best way to spend a day is by meandering through its backstreets and uncovering some of the small shrines, secret beaches, and quiet spots that make this island so unique.

Best Time to Visit Enoshima

The best time to visit Enoshima is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the scenery is stunning. In spring, it boasts of lovely cherry blossoms, while in autumn, it has vibrant fall foliage. However, Enoshima is very crowded during summer, particularly in July and August, when people flock to the beaches. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the off-peak months-like late spring or early autumn-will provide you with a more peaceful atmosphere.

Enoshima is a secret place not too far from Tokyo, housing an ideal mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. Whether your interests lie in exploring cultural sites, enjoying the beach, or just soaking up the views, Enoshima has something for everyone. The island is easy to get to, and with its serene atmosphere and variety of things to do, it makes for an ideal day trip from Tokyo. So, if you’re planning your visit to Japan, make sure to put Enoshima on your schedule-it’s a beautiful, memorable place that will give you a taste of both the traditional and the modern in one fantastic package.

Written by Emily from New Zealand

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