[2021] Enoshima | Everything You Need To Know 

Only a few stops away from Kamakura, Enoshima Island is one of the destinations to spend a perfect getaway from the city bustle with a beautiful beach and peaceful atmosphere. Not to mention it’s only an hour away from Tokyo.

Route 137 and Enoshima Electric Railway which runs along the Kamakura of coastline.

Here is a guide on how to spend your vacation in Enoshima including cafe and restaurant recommendations, shrines, aquariums, and observation towers, and transportation options with tips and a must-try list in Enoshima.

Things To Do:

Tip 1: If the weather allows, you may be able to see Mount Fuji.

Touring around Enoshima will more or less take a full day depending on your pace, which means you get to enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner with great views and authentic dishes like sashimi rice bowls. Below are some of the cafes and restaurants you might want to check out before you leave for the day.

Shrines

Enoshima island is known for its beautiful Enoshima Shrine that comprises three parts that are located in different parts of the island: Hetsunomiya (Outer Shrine), Nakatsunomiya (Middle Shrine), and Okutsunomiya (Inner Shrine). If you prefer to take the elevator instead of the stairs to the shrine, it is JPY 180. But breaking a sweat might be refreshing.

On the way, you will encounter observation decks, dragon ponds, smaller shrines, spring waters, statues, a pavilion, and plenty of quiet places to sit and rest. One of the main parts of the shrine is the statues of Benten, the patron goddess of Enoshima who is also the goddess of wealth. There is a designated area (spring water pond) for the visitors to wash their money for good luck.

Must-Try Food

Local street food: there are octopus rice crackers, soft-serve ice creams, grilled whole squid with soy sauce, shirasu black croquette, seafood skewers and many more. Click here to view the detailed review of sweets and street foods in Enoshima and Kamakura.

Visit: Near the inner shrine, on the opposite end of the Iwaya caves, there lies the path to the infamous Ryuren Love Bell. Ringing this bell is said to bring you good luck in your love life.

Chigogafuchi plateau: It is considered as one of the most romantic views in Kanagawa; the destination is associated with a forbidden and tragic love story of two young men and their double suicide during the Edo period.

Temples

Enoshima Daishi: The island’s only Buddhist Temple with a vibrant stained glass window and beautiful statues surrounded by trees.

Aquarium

Enoshima Aquarium: Also known as Enosui, it is one of the many well-known aquariums in Japan which is open year-round. It displays life in the ocean around Sagami Bay. There are also dolphin shows, penguins, and jellyfish displays. Opening hours may change from the time this article is being written, so be sure to check the admission fee and the hours before visiting. Admission fee: JPY 2500.

Observation Towers + Illuminations

Samuel Cocking Garden (江の島サムエル・コッキング苑): Illuminations in this garden is phenomenal and perfect for couples for strolling around holding hands.

Enoshima Sea Candle Tower (江の島シーキャンドル): It is the highest tower in Enoshima at 120m above sea level with a 360-degrees panoramic view and holds illumination performances every night from sunset. 

Kamegaoka Plaza (亀ヶ岡広場): Find and enjoy your own secret spot with a cute illumination and night view.

Cave

Iwaya caves: From the inner shrine, it is a few minutes walk to the Iwaya Caves. It is said that the caves were dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten for many centuries. Dark and mysterious, Iwaya caves definitely have a different mood from the bright and sunny beach view outside. The entry fee is JPY 500. 

Tip 2: Touring Enoshima on foot is the best way to experience the ambience of the island, so please dress accordingly.

Cafe and restaurant recommendations

Lon Cafe: Known for its french toast, it is a promising place for brunch.

Enoshima-tei: The sashimi teishoku is Y2500, with donburi (rice bowls) starting at around Y1000.

Koya: Specialized in sashimi, local, and regional cuisine.

Cafe Madu: Overlooking Sagami Bay, lodge-style restaurant, which also has a terrace, offers local vegetables and shirasu dishes unique to Enoshima.

Transportation

There is no straight line from Tokyo to Enoshima, so you may have to transfer a couple of times. 

• JR Shinjuku Station: JPY 1,147, which may take about 1 hour and 15 min.
• Kamakura Station: JPY 260, which may take about 47 min.

Tip 3: Be on the lookout for the manholes. Enoshima has some beautiful manholes around the island and enjoy your vacation at Enoshima!

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