Enoshima Shrine is a must-see when visiting Enoshima. As you climb the steps up the island, you can really feel the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine. The shrine is divided into Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. Hetsumiya is the easiest to reach, and there are also many small shops and souvenir stores to browse along the way.
The streets of Enoshima are full of island charm, with plenty of distinctive little shops on both sides. You can visit the shrines, stroll around, and occasionally stop to enjoy the scenery, all at a very leisurely pace.
I think Enoshima Shrine is especially well suited for a relaxed half-day visit. It's not just about visiting the shrine—the streets, ocean views, and unique atmosphere of Enoshima along the way are all worth experiencing.
If you're traveling around Kamakura or the Shonan area, I highly recommend adding Enoshima to your trip. After visiting Enoshima Shrine, take a walk by the beach and enjoy the views of the Shonan coast. It really feels like a trip to Japan!
Enoshima Shrine | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Pleasure Boat Benten-maru
The pleasure boat "Benten-maru" offers a quick and scenic 10-minute ride, connecting Enoshima's Bentenbashi at the entrance of the island to the Chigogafuchi marine plateau on the west side. Although it's a 30-minute walk between these points, the boat ride provides a convenient alternative, especially for those who may not be confident in their physical stamina.
Sitting on the boat and looking out at the endless blue sea felt especially relaxing, and it was a nice temporary escape from the noise of the city.
As the Benten-maru slowly pulled away from the pier, the view gradually opened up. Seeing Enoshima from the sea offered a completely different perspective from walking around the island. Along the way, you can see dramatic rocky shores, unique sea-eroded formations, and natural scenery created by waves constantly crashing against the rocks. The boat gently rocked with the waves as the sea breeze blew, making it truly feel like being out on the open water. The entire ride was very comfortable.
Riding the Benten-maru this time allowed me to experience a different side of Enoshima's charm. I originally thought it would just be a simple sightseeing boat ride, but seeing the island and coastline from the sea felt completely different. Compared with simply exploring on foot, it was more relaxing and refreshing, and also saved a little energy.
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Sunroad Shinshigai
Established in 1903, this 235 m-long covered shopping arcade is located just south of Shimotori Shopping Street, and its Approx. 18 m-wide walkway is the widest in western Japan.
While in Kumamoto, I made a special stop at Sunroad Shinshigai, one of the livelier shopping streets in downtown Kumamoto. The entire street is covered, so there’s no need to worry even if it rains, and you can take your time browsing. Along the way, there are all kinds of clothing stores, drugstores, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The wide variety of stores makes it very convenient whether you want to shop or find something to eat. Walking through the arcade, I could really feel its lively atmosphere, with shops lining both sides and quite a few interesting little stores to discover. When I got tired, I just found a restaurant, sat down, and had something to eat without having to rush.
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KITTE Hakata
Conveniently located with direct access to Hakata Station, KITTE Hakata is a large-scale commercial complex developed by Japan Post as part of its “KITTE” brand. Spanning B1 to 11 floors above ground, this larger-than life complex boasts approximately 30,800 square meters of retail space and a heaping catalog of impeccable dining and shopping.
When you’re near Hakata Station, of course you should stop by KITTE Hakata! It’s right next to Hakata Station, so the location is very convenient, and you can walk straight there without taking any additional transportation. The mall has all kinds of clothing stores, household goods stores, souvenirs, and restaurants, making it convenient for both shopping and dining. There are quite a few stores with distinctive local Japanese products, so you can take your time browsing and hunting for finds. When you get tired, you can sit down and rest at a restaurant, with no need to worry about finding somewhere to eat. I really like department stores like this where transportation is convenient and you can shop, eat, and drink all in one place. It’s suitable whether you plan to shop in the middle of your trip or stop by before heading home to pick up a few more souvenirs.
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