In this post, we will guide you through the top things to do at Enoshima Island so you can get ideas for a Day Trip itinerary. And provide you the best ways to reach this charming and captivating Island.
It is a popular spot for locals and a perfect escape for a day of relaxation and exploration. It’s just 90 minutes away from Tokyo and easily accessible via trains.
We went on a clear and sunny day in December and were able to see Mount Fuji in the distance. The sky and the ocean were blue so it was a refreshing change of scenery from the cloudy days we’ve been having in Tokyo.
Exploring Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island is a small but enchanting island located in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is known for its stunning views, lush greenery, and ancient shrines.
When you arrive at Katase-Enoshima Station, head across the bridge to the information center. I’d recommend you purchase the Day Pass which includes access to the Samuel Cocking Island, the Iwaya Caves, rides on the escalators and discounts at some stores and restaurants. They also give you a helpful map with all the sights to see.
Walk across the bridge surrounded with stunning views all around and reach the town at the foot of the mountain.
Here is our itinerary and Top Things to Do:
Nakamise Street
The entrance to the town is marked by a large, bronze Torii gate. Spend some time strolling through Nakamise street, an old-fashioned alley filled with shops and restaurants. It’s a short and slightly sloping walk up to the shrine. And iff you have time, have dinner at Tobiccho, a seafood donburi restaurant serving delicious Shirasu bowls.
Enoshima Shrine
We visited all the shrines on our way up the mountain, including: Enoshima Shrine, a sacred shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten. The map includes a helpful guide on how to pray at the shrines if you’re incline to do so. Take a stroll through the colorful torii gates and explore the gardens.
We came on a week day and it wasn’t crowded. It was nice to have ample space to enjoy the scenery, sights and garden.
There are 3 escalators that help get you to the top of the mountain where the Samuel Cocking garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle are located. You can choose to leisurely climb the stairs or take the escalator.
There is a rest stop between each “platform” and plenty of photo spots with phone stands so you can take a solo, couple or group picture. All of these stops have short walking trails that lead to various viewpoints with stunning vistas of the coastline and Mount Fuji, on a clear day.
Enoshima Sea Candle
One of the must-visit spots on the island is the Enoshima Sea Candle, a towering lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Take the elevator to the top and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the ocean, Mount Fuji, and the Tokyo skyline.
Samuel Cocking Gardens
Take a stroll around Samuel Cocking Gardens after the Sea Candle. There is plenty to see in the garden including a gallery, garden beds, and a delicious restaurant call Lonscafe where their specialty is serving French Toast.
This restaurant also has great views to the coast and it’s adjacent to a viewing deck and a sign with Miami Beach Area. Enoshima’s Island sister city is Miami Beach. During the winter months, they have a beautiful light installation all over the garden. You can buy the “night ticket” which grants you access to the park after 5 PM. Most people came to experience this event.
Iwaya Caves
Probably my favorite stroll through the island was towards the Iwaya Caves. The entrance to the slow stroll is adjacent to the Samuel Cocking Gardens, keep in mind you’ll be walking down the mountain and to the beach. The walk through the alley is very pleasant and with views out to the ocean. It’s a very tranquil walk filled with stores and restaurants with stunning views out to the ocean. I recommend you grab a bite or drink on your way down or up to enjoy the view.
When you reach the bottom, you can walk out to the rocky coast. You cannot swim in the water but you can enjoy the salty ocean smell and watch local fisherman in action. The caves are a short walk from here, through a red bridge.
There are 2 caves to enjoy. The first cave is U-shaped and not very deep, and at some point you need to bend over so you don’t hit your head with the rock. They give you a candle to explore it. Towards the deep end of the cave, they set up shrines. The second cave is illuminated with lights. Both caves are beautiful and you get to feast your eyes at the end of the tunnel with grand ocean views.
Enjoying Enoshima’s Beaches and Cuisine
We did not go to Enoshima Beach ourselves to soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. It was December and hardly saw any beachgoers. However, according to the locals, it gets packed in the summer months. We did however, see some paddleboarding.
No trip to Enoshima would be complete without trying the local cuisine. The island is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its delectable shirasu (baby sardines). There are plenty of restaurants offering seafood dishes along the coast and on Nakamise Street and alleys towards the caves. Don’t forget to try Enoshima’s specialty dessert, shirasu soft serve ice cream, for a unique and delicious treat.
Keep in mind that the restaurants along the route to the caves and some on Nakamise street close early. Most along the coast remain open until 9 PM.
How to Get to Enoshima from Tokyo
Getting to Enoshima from Tokyo is convenient and easy. The most straightforward way is to take the train from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, which takes approximately one hour. From Kamakura Station, transfer to the Enoden Line and get off at Enoshima Station. The entire journey takes around 90 minutes and offers scenic views of the coast along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station and then transfer to the Enoshima Electric Railway to reach Enoshima Island. This route takes approximately 80 minutes and it’s the one we took.
Once you arrive at Enoshima Station, it’s just a short walk to the Enoshima Bridge, which connects the mainland to the island.
Conclusion
Enoshima Island was an amazing Day Trip experience for us. It was close and accessible by train and not expensive. Our train fare was $8 and the all day pass was around $8. We spent all day there and it wasn’t an intense trip with a packed itinerary. It was a perfect day. And there’s plenty of photo stands to put down your phone and take group pictures.
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