Enoshima’s Classic Route! From Lively Approach Roads to Hidden Scenic Wonders
Enoshima, a small island about an hour’s access from the city center, boasts the Shonan sea and historic townscapes. This island, which has long attracted many people for ‘Enoshima-mode’ (pilgrimage to Enoshima), is packed with attractions, from shrines and temples to panoramic observatories and mystical sea caves.
This time, we’ve carefully selected the essential spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss, even on your first visit to Enoshima. We’ll introduce you to the real charm of Enoshima, incorporating local ways to enjoy it and tips for getting around.
Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street
📍 Address: 1-4-17 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
This gentle uphill approach leads from the ‘Bronze Torii Gate’ standing at the entrance of Enoshima to Enoshima Shrine. It strongly retains the atmosphere of the ‘Enoshima-mode’ pilgrimage dating back to the Edo period, with retro inns, historic souvenir shops, and lively eateries lining the street.
A classic street food is the ‘Maruyaki Tako Senbei’ (Grilled Octopus Cracker), which always has a long line. The piping hot cracker, pressed right before your eyes with a sizzling sound, is fragrant and exquisite. Many shops also offer Shonan’s famous fresh ‘Shirasu-don’ (Whitebait Bowl), filling the street with a festival-like vibrancy even on weekdays. Popular shops can sell out early, so it’s a good idea to decide on your lunch spot in advance.
Enoshima Shrine Hetsunomiya
📍 Address: 2-3-8 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
Beyond Nakamise-dori Street and through the vermilion-lacquered Zuishinmon Gate lies ‘Hetsunomiya,’ the central shrine of Enoshima Shrine. It was founded in 1206 (Kenei 1) by Minamoto no Sanetomo, the third shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and its current main hall is a historic building rebuilt in 1675 (Enpo 3).
It enshrines Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto, one of the three Munakata goddesses, who is the deity of the sea and water. Within the precincts, there is also a money-washing pond called ‘Zeniarai Hakuryuo,’ where it’s said that washing your money with the provided basket will bring good fortune. There are also unique talismans containing ‘purifying salt,’ which make great souvenirs. For those who find climbing stairs difficult, you can easily access it by using the paid escalator, ‘Enoshima Escar,’ from the entrance to the shrine grounds.
Enoshima Sea Candle
📍 Address: 2-3-28 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
Standing tall within the ‘Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden,’ this observation lighthouse is truly a symbol of Enoshima. It rises 59.8m from the ground, but its elevated location means it’s an impressive 119.6m above sea level. From the glass-enclosed observation floor and the outdoor observation deck where you can feel the pleasant sea breeze, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sagami Bay, Mount Fuji, and even the Izu Peninsula.
Especially not to be missed is the ‘Jewels of Shonan,’ held from late November to late February. This festival of lights, counted among the Kanto Region’s Three Great Illuminations, is simply breathtaking. The most recommended plan is to ascend ‘before sunset.’ After gazing at Mount Fuji dyed in the sunset, experiencing the moment the illuminations light up at 5 PM is the ultimate luxury. On your way down, skipping the elevator and deliberately taking the thrilling outdoor stairs offers a refreshing breeze and creates a fun memory.
Enoshima Iwaya Caves
📍 Address: 2-5 Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, Japan
Located at the innermost part of the island, the ‘Enoshima Iwaya Caves’ are sea caves formed by wave erosion over thousands of years. They consist of the First Cave, 152m deep, and the Second Cave, 56m deep, and are considered the ‘birthplace of Enoshima Shrine,’ where deities were enshrined in 552. It is a historic power spot, once visited by Kobo Daishi, Nichiren, and Minamoto no Yoritomo for ascetic training and prayers for victory.
In the First Cave, visitors are handed a candle by a staff member midway, relying solely on its light to navigate the dimly lit interior. This enhances the sense of exploration and creates a very mystical atmosphere. The Second Cave features an impressive dragon object based on the dragon god legend, offering an attractive and fun experience. Stepping outside, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent view of ‘Chigogafuchi.’ On clear evenings, the sky and sea are painted in breathtaking crimson hues. Since the path involves significant ups and downs, make sure to wear comfortable sneakers when you visit.
Enoshima Aquarium
📍 Address: 2-19-1 Katasekaigan, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0035, Japan
Commonly known as ‘Enosui,’ the Enoshima Aquarium, located on Katase Coast opposite Enoshima, is a classic must-visit spot to combine with your Enoshima sightseeing. The highlight of the aquarium, the ‘Sagami Bay Main Tank’ at a depth of 6.5m, features a shimmering school of approximately 8,000 sardines, giving you the illusion of being at the bottom of the sea yourself.
Furthermore, the actual ‘Shinkai 2000,’ Japan’s first full-scale manned research submersible, is on display, captivating enthusiasts of mechanics and children alike. Don’t miss the fantastical ‘Jellyfish Fantasy Hall’ featuring projection mapping, or the dolphin show performed against the backdrop of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. As the shows during dusk can be dazzling with the setting sun, it’s perfect to have sunglasses ready. Also, be sure to look for the cute penguins standing still in the shade of the rocks.
Travel Tips to Enjoy Your Trip 120% and the ‘Tombolo’ Phenomenon
Enoshima is surprisingly hilly, requiring a fair amount of physical exertion, almost like climbing a small mountain. To avoid getting tired, a smart strategy is to use the ‘Enoshima Escar’ for uphill climbs (accessible with IC transit cards) and take the sightseeing boat ‘Bentenmaru’ for a shortcut back from the backside of the island (towards Iwaya Caves). (Don’t forget to check its operation status in advance, as it may be suspended due to weather or wave conditions.)
Furthermore, Enoshima experiences a ‘tombolo phenomenon,’ where a sandy land bridge appears only when the tide is significantly low. This mysterious phenomenon, recorded to have been walked across by historical figures like Minamoto no Sanetomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu, can occur when the tide level drops below 20cm. Checking the tide tables on official Fujisawa City websites in advance might allow you to have a special experience.
