旅Around Tokyo

Coast

Enoshima 江の島

A small island of shrines, caves and sea views

Prefecture
Kanagawa
From Tokyo
About 1–1.25 hours
Best time
Spring and autumn; summer for the beach

Linked to the mainland by a bridge, Enoshima is a compact island with a shrine to the goddess Benzaiten, cliffside caves and a lighthouse with views of Mt Fuji on clear days.

Highlights

Enoshima Shrine

Three shrines dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of music, wealth and the sea.

Enoshima Sea Candle

An observation lighthouse in the Samuel Cocking Garden.

Iwaya Caves

Sea caves at the island's far end, lit with candles.

Benten-nakamise

A shopping street climbing from the bridge to the shrine gate.

Lovers' Hill

Ring the Bell of Dragon Love with ocean views.

Shonan beaches

Katase and Kugenuma beaches on the mainland side.

Getting there

  • Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima (about 1–1.25 hours).
  • Enoden tram to Enoshima Station from Kamakura or Fujisawa.
  • Shonan Monorail from Ofuna to Shonan-Enoshima.

Tips

  • The Enoshima Escar escalators save a steep climb up the island.
  • Sunsets with Fuji in the distance are best in winter.
  • The Odakyu Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass covers both areas.

What to eat