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Enoshima

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Enoshima

A symbol of Shonan, offering views of Mount Fuji and the long coastline.

3.39 8

Last update :
Supervised by :  Fujisawa City Tourist Association

Enoshima is a small island at the tip of a sandbar extending into the sea from a long stretch of beach. It is known for its spectacular views of the Shonan coast and Mount Fuji. Despite being called an island, it is connected to the mainland by land. A bridge provides 24-hour pedestrian access, while vehicles are not permitted from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The roadway is called Enoshima Ohashi Bridge, and the parallel pedestrian walkway is called Enoshima Benten Bridge.

A town has developed around Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street, the approach to Enoshima Shrine, with souvenir shops, restaurants, and many private residences. During the Edo period, the island flourished as a destination for sightseeing and worship. When a yachting venue was built here for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Shonan became widely associated with water sports. Enoshima also hosted the sailing events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021.

The island is home to many attractions, including the Enoshima Sea Candle, an observation lighthouse that stands on high ground as a symbol of the island; the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, a botanical garden named after a British merchant from the Meiji period; and Enoshima Iwaya Cave, a sea cave formed by wave erosion that contains a shrine said to mark the birthplace of Enoshima Shrine.

Photos courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

Highlights

  • The island's name has several different Japanese spellings. “江の島” is used in addresses and the names of many facilities, bridges, and the Shonan Monorail station; “江ノ島” is used by the post office and the Odakyu and Enoden stations; and “江島” is used for the shrine. All are pronounced “Enoshima” and refer to the same island.
  • Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street has many restaurants serving seafood from the Shonan coast, and browsing the snacks sold outside the shops is part of the fun.

Photos

  • Enoshima rises just offshore from the coastlinePhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

    Enoshima rises just offshore from the coastlinePhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

  • After crossing the bridge to the island, visitors enter Nakamise Street, lined with restaurants and souvenir shopsPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

    After crossing the bridge to the island, visitors enter Nakamise Street, lined with restaurants and souvenir shopsPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

  • The Enoshima Sea Candle observation lighthouse, a symbol of the islandPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

    The Enoshima Sea Candle observation lighthouse, a symbol of the islandPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

  • Iwaya, a natural cave on the island, was once used by monks for spiritual trainingPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

    Iwaya, a natural cave on the island, was once used by monks for spiritual trainingPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

  • Chigogafuchi, at the western tip of the island, is known for its sunsetsPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

    Chigogafuchi, at the western tip of the island, is known for its sunsetsPhoto courtesy of the Fujisawa City Tourist Association

Reviews

8

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Enoshima is really perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. There are quite a few shrines on the island, and as you make your way up the steps, you can really feel the strong sense of traditional Japanese culture. There are also lots of small shops and places to eat along the way, making it fun to browse as you walk.

    Besides the shrines, I also came this time to visit the iconic spot from Slam Dunk! The view of the Shonan coast, together with the train passing by, really brings back scenes from the anime.

    Especially when standing near Kamakurakōkō-mae Station, watching the Enoden slowly pass with the seaside scenery in the background, it brings back so many youthful memories. Even if you're not a Slam Dunk fan, you'll still find this view very distinctive.

  • wendy
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    Enoshima is one of the Shonan area's most iconic attractions and a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Kamakura and Shonan. When the weather is clear, you can take in the expansive coastline, and if you're lucky, you can even see Mt. Fuji.

    The weather was great during this visit, with sunlight sparkling on the water and making all of Enoshima feel especially lively! Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was a little shy and never appeared, but strolling along the island's winding paths, enjoying the ocean views, and visiting the shrines still felt very relaxing.

  • Louis Liu
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    Great for couples or friends. You don’t have to pack your schedule too tight.
    Make sure you stay for sunset—the ocean view is so soothing.

  • Philip Lee
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    After visiting the temples, shrines, and sightseeing spots, I gained a deeper understanding of Enoshima's history and traditions. The most unforgettable part was climbing the observation tower and taking in the breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding ocean from above.

  • Yeung Yeung
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    I really recommend getting a one-day pass. The caves are super cool inside, and the further you go, the more beautiful it gets. The scenery is just like a painting.

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Details

Name in Japanese
江の島
Address
Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone
0466-22-4141 (Fujisawa City Tourist Information Center)
Hours
Open for strolling at any time (Fujisawa City Tourist Information Center: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Hours, closing days, admission fees, and other details vary by facility. Check the Fujisawa City Tourist Information website below or the website of each facility for details.
Access
1) 13-minute walk from Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line
2) 10-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line
3) 15-minute walk from Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail
All times are to the entrance of the bridge.
Official website
Fujisawa City Tourist Information (multilingual)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa