12 Things To Do On Enoshima Island
posted by John Spacey, March 15, 2015
Enoshima is a small touristy island near Kamakura that's known for its beach culture and views of Mount Fuji. The island is connected to the mainland by bridge. Much of Enoshima is only accessible by foot or boat. Many of the Island's attractions are atop a hill but pay escalators are available for those who want to avoid the climb.Enoshima is located in front of the legendary Shonan Beach area known for its colorful beach culture. It's also known as a romantic island because it was created by the love goddess Benzaiten.For a small island, Enoshima is packed with things to do:
1. Enoshima Shrine
There are three different shrines on Enoshima that are collectively known as Enoshima Shrine. They are all dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten.According to Japanese mythology, Benzaiten created Enoshima Island as part of her battle with a troublesome sea dragon. In some variations of the myth, she agrees to marry the dragon if he will tame his troubled ways. Officially, Benzaiten is the goddess of all things that flow including music, words and eloquence. In the popular imagination she is the goddess of love.Enoshima Shrine offers pink ema with hearts on them that are popular amongst couples.
2. Shonan Beach
There's a wide, long surfing beach on both sides of the bridge to Enoshima known as Shonan. It's party central in summer. It's a great place for a walk the rest of the year. Shonan is one of Japan's best beaches.
3. Southern Coast
The southern coast of Enoshima is rough terrain with steep sea cliffs that are continuously pounded by large waves. Parts of the coastline are accessible where the cliffs fall sharply to flat rocks. The locals enjoy fishing here as fish and crabs become trapped in tidal pools in the rocks. 
4. Iwaya Caves
Two natural caves that have been engineered to be more comfortable for tourists on the southern coast of the island. The caves are popular because they are featured in Enoshima's creation myth. The goddess Benzaiten created Enoshima to imprison a troublesome sea dragon deep within the island's caves.
5. Enoshima Island Spa (Enospa)
A large onsen resort with indoor and outdoor pools sticking out of the cliffs of the island just beside the bridge. Offers both gender segregated (nude) bathing and mixed gender pools that require a bathing suit. Some of the baths have a view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Another is inside an artificial cave.A reasonably good choice if you've never been to onsen. They've posted some English signs and seem friendly enough.Features restaurants, a cafe and all the services you might expect at a spa. You could easily spend the entire day here.Bring your aches and pains. The spa has a medical focus and employes doctors, nurses and massage therapists. 
6. Enoshima Bridge
A bridge that proves the old maxim that the journey is half the fun of travel. The Enoshima Bridge spans 600 meters. It's constructed on part of the sea that naturally exposed the land at low tide. It's well designed with a pedestrian portion that's completely separated from vehicular traffic. The bridge offers its own fair views of the island, bay and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
7. Enoshima Sea Candle
A mobile phone tower constructed like a lighthouse (it's 60 meters tall). A popular place to view the bay and Mount Fuji. Located in a small botanical garden called Samuel Cocking Garden.Samuel Cocking was a British trader who arrived just after the opening of Japan to trade in the 1860s. He married a Japanese woman and bought most of Enoshima Island. He built a botanical garden and power plant on the island. The power plant was one of Japan's first. It grew to become the Yokohama Cooperative Electric Light Company.
8. Sailing
Enoshima is on Sagami Bay. It has excellent wind. It was the site of the sailing events of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. A large yacht harbor was built for this event at considerable cost. It's a great place to sail. 
9. Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
The sea around Enoshima (Sagami Bay) is blessed with reliable wind for much of the year. Windsurfers and kitesurfers are a common sight here. Keep in mind that the island is surrounded by high sea cliffs that are pounded with high surf. Keep clear of the island itself unless you know what you're doing. Launch from nearby Shonan Beach.
10. Enoshima Aquarium
An aquarium complex designed to reflect the sea life in Sagami Bay. Just off Shonan Beach on the mainland. Features popular animals such as dolphins, penguins and seals.
11. Shirasu
Sagami Bay is known for Shirasu (Sardine fry). Many of the restaurants on the island sell Shirasudon (raw or cooked Shirasu on rice). Shirasu are prized for their tender, sweet taste.
12. Love Bell
A bell on a high clearing with a good view of the sea. It is customary for couples to ring the bell together for good luck in romance. It's also a tradition for couples to write a message on a lock and leave it locked at the site. 
Access
Enoshima is located on Sagami Bay in southern Kanagawa prefecture. It's about 75 minutes by train from central Tokyo.Enoshima is close to Kamakura and Yokohama.
Enoshima is a short walk from Shonan Enoshima, Enoshima, Katase Enoshima or Koshigoe station.
Enoshima Island is small and hilly. Everything is within easy walking distance but the climb can be challenging for some. A paid escalator is available that conquers the main climb. 
Rankings
| Enoshima is ranked | #4 of 7 Things To Do In Kamakura #7 of 32 Tokyo Day Trips |
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A romantic island tradition inspired by a dragon and a goddess. |
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