Enoshima Island

Enoshima is a beautiful island located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. With its mysterious atmosphere and rich natural scenery, it is a popular destination for tourists. The island features beautiful sandy beaches, scenic landscapes, and temples that evoke ancient history and culture. Visitors can enjoy wonderful views from the Enoshima Aquarium and observation decks, and the area around the island offers delicious seafood and souvenirs. A visit to Enoshima lets you fully enjoy its relaxing atmosphere and charming attractions.

▸ Enoshima Sea Candle (Observation Lighthouse)
This observation lighthouse, located within the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, was renovated in 2003, the same year as the garden. Including the lightning rod, it stands 59.8 meters tall (119.6 meters above sea level), and its innovative style has made it a beloved new symbol of Enoshima. At a height of 41.75 meters (101.56 meters above sea level), there is a glass-walled observation floor, and above that is an open-air observation deck, where visitors can enjoy expansive views of Mount Fuji, Tanzawa, and beyond. On the first floor, in addition to the entrance, there is also a café and a local history room.

▸ Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street
This is a historic shopping street lined along the approach from the entrance of Enoshima to Enoshima Shrine. Inns, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more line the street, which is bustling with many tourists.

▸ Enoshima Shrine – Nakatsunomiya
This vermilion-lacquered ancient shrine stands in the middle of Enoshima. It is said to have been founded in 853 by Jikaku Daishi. The current Gongen-style shrine building was rebuilt in 1689, and in 1996 it underwent major renovation, making the vermilion color even more vivid. Within the grounds are stone lanterns dedicated by entertainers and merchants active during the Edo period, offering a glimpse of Enoshima’s popularity as a pilgrimage destination at the time.

▸ Enoshima Shrine – Okutsunomiya
The irimoya-style shrine building was rebuilt in 1842. The ceiling of the worship hall, newly constructed in 1976, features the “all-seeing turtle.” The original painting by Edo-period artist Sakai Hōitsu suffered severe damage to its gold leaf and other materials from the passage of time and sea breeze, and is preserved in the Enoshima Shrine treasure house; the ceiling painting seen today is a copy by Kataoka Kayō. There is also a stone torii gate said to have been dedicated by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1182.

▸ Enoshima Shrine – Hetsunomiya
This shrine was founded in 1206 by Minamoto no Sanetomo in prayer for the prosperity of the Kamakura shogunate. The current building was rebuilt in 1675 and renovated in 1976. In front of the main hall is the Dragon Money-Washing Basin of Enoshima Benzaiten, associated with the legend of the celestial maiden and the five-headed dragon. Ritual prayers at the shrine are mainly conducted here.

▸ Chigogafuchi
Located at the southwestern tip of the island near Iwaya, this wave-cut platform was formed by uplift. Situated directly beneath a series of cliff faces that stretch like a folding screen, it is known for its crashing waves and the beauty of the sunset over Mount Fuji, and has been selected as one of the “50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa.” It is also a famous spot for shore fishing and is crowded with anglers on weekends. The name Chigogafuchi is said to come from the story of a young acolyte named Shiragiku, who supposedly threw himself into the sea from here.

▸ Shonan Port – Enoshima Yacht Harbor
Built in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, this was Japan’s first competition harbor.

More recently, it was also used as a sailing venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where memorable races took place.

In addition to the main facility, the yacht house, there are cruiser yacht berths and dinghy storage areas, and the harbor is lively with yacht enthusiasts. Visitors can also stroll along the center promenade beside these facilities, climb Sazae Island, or enjoy playing in the tide pools.

▸ Lovers’ Hill – Ryuren no Kane
This was created in reference to the love story of the celestial maiden and the five-headed dragon that remains on Enoshima, and many young people and couples visit to ring the bell in hopes of bringing good fortune to their love. There are also many padlocks left by lovers on the fence below the bell, and the view is excellent; on clear days, Izu Oshima can be seen.