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07/09/2025

A Tourist Guide to Enoshima Island, Kanagawa

Welcome to Enoshima, a charming island getaway just a short train ride from Tokyo and Yokohama. Connected to the mainland by a 600-meter bridge, this small island is packed with historical shrines, beautiful gardens, mysterious caves, and stunning ocean views. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

What to See & Do

Enoshima is best explored on foot, but be prepared for many stairs! You can also use the “Enoshima Escar,” a series of outdoor escalators that take you up the island’s steep hills for a small fee.

1. Enoshima Shrine (江島神社)
This is not a single shrine but a complex of three separate shrines located across the island, dedicated to Benten (Benzaiten), the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music, and knowledge.

Hetsunomiya (辺津宮): The first and main shrine you’ll encounter after walking through the traditional bronze torii gate.
Nakatsunomiya (中津宮): A brightly painted red shrine further up the hill.
Okutsunomiya (奥津宮): The oldest of the three shrines, located at the far end of the island, near the caves.

2. Samuel Cocking Garden & Enoshima Sea Candle (サムエル・コッキング苑と江の島シーキャンドル)
Located at the top of the island, this botanical garden was established by a British merchant, Samuel Cocking, in the 19th century. It features a variety of seasonal flowers and tropical plants.

Enoshima Sea Candle: This 60-meter-tall observation lighthouse stands in the center of the garden. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Sagami Bay, and on clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji and the Izu Peninsula.
Winter Illuminations: From late November to February, the garden and Sea Candle are decorated with millions of sparkling lights for an event called “The Jewel of Shonan” (湘南の宝石), one of the most beautiful light displays in the Kanto region.

3. Iwaya Caves (岩屋洞窟)
These two sea caves were created by centuries of erosion. You can explore them by walking along pathways, holding a candle (provided at the entrance) for a mysterious and adventurous experience. The first cave contains small Buddhist statues, while the second is said to be connected to a legend of a dragon that once terrorized the area.

4. Love Bell (恋人の丘「龍恋の鐘」)
Perched on a hill with a fantastic ocean view, the “Ryuren no Kane” (Love Bell) is a popular spot for couples. According to legend, couples who ring the bell together and attach a padlock with their names to the surrounding fence will be blessed with eternal love.

5. Enoshima Aquarium (新江ノ島水族館)
Note: Located on the mainland, just across the bridge from Enoshima.
Often called “Enosui,” this modern aquarium is a must-visit, especially for families. Its main theme is the marine life of Sagami Bay. The stunning “Sagami Bay Grand Tank” and the popular dolphin and sea lion shows are major highlights.

What to Eat

Enoshima is a paradise for seafood lovers.

Shirasu-don (しらす丼): The most famous local specialty. It’s a bowl of rice topped with shirasu (whitebait). You can have it boiled (kamaage) or, if you’re lucky, raw (nama). Note: Raw shirasu is only available when there is a fresh catch, typically from spring to autumn, and not on days with bad weather.
Tako Senbei (たこせんべい): A giant, crispy cracker made by pressing and grilling whole octopuses. It’s a fun and iconic street food snack you’ll see people lining up for.
Fresh Seafood: Many restaurants along the main path and near the fishing port offer grilled clams, squid, and turban shells (sazae). The Enoshima-don, a rice bowl with turban shell cooked in an egg sauce, is another local favorite.

How to Get There

There are three train stations near Enoshima, served by three different railway companies.

From Tokyo/Shinjuku:

Odakyu Line (Recommended): Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Katase-Enoshima Station (片瀬江ノ島駅). The “Romancecar” limited express is the fastest and most comfortable option (approx. 65 minutes). The station building itself is designed to look like a mythical dragon palace.

From Tokyo/Shinagawa/Yokohama:

JR Lines + Enoden Line: Take the JR Tokaido Line or Yokosuka Line to Fujisawa Station (藤沢駅). From there, transfer to the charming, retro Enoden Line (江ノ電) and get off at Enoshima Station (江の島駅). The Enoden train ride itself is a scenic experience as it runs along the coast.

From Ofuna:

Shonan Monorail: If you are coming from Ofuna (accessible via JR lines), you can take the unique Shonan Monorail, a suspended monorail that offers a thrilling ride. Get off at Shonan-Enoshima Station (湘南江の島駅).

All three stations are within a 10-15 minute walk from the Enoshima bridge.

Tips for Your Visit

Get the “eno=pass”: This one-day pass includes admission to the Enoshima Escar, Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle, and the Iwaya Caves. It offers a good discount if you plan to visit all these attractions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
Avoid Crowds: Enoshima is extremely popular on weekends and national holidays. Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
Stay for the Sunset: The view of the sunset over the ocean, with Mt. Fuji in the silhouette, is absolutely spectacular.

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