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Island · Kamakura, Kanagawa
Enoshima Island
A small island connected to the coast by a bridge in Fujisawa, with the Benzaiten shrine, caves, a garden with a lighthouse-observation point and, on clear days, Mount Fuji over the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Enoshima Island in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Enoshima Island
Enoshima is an island of just over 4 km in perimeter in Sagami Bay, connected to the coast by a bridge of about 600 meters. It belongs to the city of Fujisawa, neighbor to Kamakura, and is one of the most common excursions from there. The island has been sacred since the Middle Ages, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, the arts and prosperity.
After the bridge, a bronze torii opens the main street, a narrow uphill lane with shops and seafood restaurants. From there stone steps lead up to Enoshima Shrine, which consists of three shrines spread across the island: Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya and Okutsunomiya. If you want to save breath, a series of escalators covers part of the climb for a fee.
At the top of the island is the Samuel Cocking Garden, named after a British merchant who built a greenhouse there in the 19th century. In the garden stands the Enoshima Sea Candle, a lighthouse with an observation deck from which you can see the coast, the bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. On the other side of the island, a trail descends to the Iwaya caves, sea-eroded caverns with statues and lanterns.
At the western tip, the Chigogafuchi rock platform is a spot to watch the sunset over the sea and Mount Fuji when the weather allows. The island’s typical food is shirasu, fish fry served raw or cooked over rice, generally during the fishing season from spring to autumn.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the island, including the shrine, the garden and the caves.
Best time
Clear autumn and winter days offer a better chance to see Mount Fuji. In summer, the surrounding beaches get crowded. In winter, the garden around the lighthouse is often illuminated at night. Fresh shirasu is usually served from spring through autumn, outside closed seasons.
How to get there
From Kamakura Station the Enoden tram reaches Enoshima Station in about 25 minutes; from there the bridge is about a 15-minute walk. The Odakyu Line reaches Katase-Enoshima Station, which is closer to the bridge, coming from Shinjuku.
Tip
Walk up the main lane, visit the shrines and the lighthouse, and descend the other side to the Iwaya caves. For the return, there is a short boat between the Chigogafuchi rocks and the bridge, depending on sea conditions.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Enoshima Island
How to get to Enoshima from Kamakura?
Take the Enoden tram to Enoshima Station in about 25 minutes, then walk about 15 minutes to the bridge.
Is Enoshima in Kamakura?
No. The island belongs to the neighboring city of Fujisawa, but it is a common excursion from Kamakura, connected by the Enoden tram.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Enoshima?
On clear days, yes, from the lighthouse observation deck and the Chigogafuchi rocks, especially in autumn and winter.
What to eat in Enoshima?
Shirasu, fish fry served over rice, raw or cooked, and grilled seafood from the stalls on the main street.
How much time should you set aside for Enoshima?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the shrine, the garden with the lighthouse and the Iwaya caves.
Beyond the guide
