Enoshima is a small island in Japan that’s ideal for vacations and day trips. So regardless of whether you are a tourist or someone who lives in Japan, Enoshima is worth a visit.
Thanks to public transportation, it’s extremely easy to get to Enoshima. Plus, there are more than enough attractions to fill an entire day.
If this isn’t enough to entice you to visit Enoshima, here are all of the unmissable attractions found on this incredible island.
A Little Bit About Enoshima
Enoshima is an island with a circumference of approximately 2.5 miles. This small island is considered a part of Fujisawa, one of Japan’s many inland cities.
It can be reached through Fujisawa via a bridge located in Katase.
One of the reasons why Enoshima has become so popular is because of the coastline, which offers beautiful beaches.
These are the closest sand beaches to Tokyo, so it’s worth paying a visit to the island if you’re in the area and the weather is nice.
It should take roughly an hour to travel from Tokyo to Enoshima.
Enoshima is connected to three different train stations, namely Enoshima Station, Shōnan-Enoshima Station, and Katase-Enoshima Terminus. This makes it easy to travel around the island.
The Must-See Spots On Enoshima
If you want to make the most of your vacation to Enoshima, here are some of the best attractions that we strongly recommend visiting:
Enoshima Sea Candle
This tower, known as the Sea Candle, has been providing breathtaking views since 2003. It works as both an observation deck and a lighthouse from which the public can see for miles.
As a result, it’s an ideal spot to take stunning pictures and take in Japan’s natural beauty. You can even see the immense Mt. Fuji toward the West.
Admission for adults is 500 yen while children can be permitted entry for just 250 yen.
With some tickets, you can also enter the Samuel Cocking Garden, a little botanic garden that is filled with charm and sensational camellia trees.
Enoshima Shrine
Believed to have been built in 552, the Enoshima Shrine is designed for the worship of Benten.
According to Japanese Buddhist belief, Benten is a deity of luck and wisdom. So if you wish to be blessed with good luck, you should consider visiting this stunning shrine.
This series of shrines is located on a steep Enoshima Island Hill, so be prepared to do plenty of walking.
Luckily, the views from this hill are worth it. The shrines are elegantly decorated and are sure to impress you.
For instance, you can find The Hoanden here. This is the name of an octagonal structure with a striking red color.
Admission is just 200 yen for adults, so it’s worth looking around the Hoanden.
Enoshima Aquarium
If you wish to see an impressive range of marine animals, the Enoshima Aquarium is the place for you.
You can see all kinds of magnificent marine creatures here, such as jellyfish, sea turtles, seals, and dolphins.
The aquarium provides unique zones for different types of creatures, such as the Pacific Ocean zone for fish species that originate from this ocean.
The Enoshima Aquarium also has a convenient cafe and gift shop on-site.
The gift shop contains lots of fun animal-themed toys that are ideal for commemorating this enjoyable day.
There’s even a shop dedicated to otters! Plus, the aquarium contains a photo corner where you can take a picture that looks as though you are underwater for only 1,100 yen.
This attraction is particularly well-suited to kids. So if you are looking for inspiration for your next family day trip, you cannot go wrong with this amazing aquarium.
Kids will love getting to find out all about these unique creatures.
It’s a quick journey from Enoshima station. It should take just 10 minutes walking on foot and roughly 3 minutes in a car.
Admission prices vary depending on which option you choose. For instance, general admission for an adult is 2,500 yen, though it is slightly cheaper for groups of 20 or more.
Iwaya Caves
Located in the west of this island, these caves are one of Enoshima’s most popular tourist attractions.
It offers astonishing views of the seas and the rocky landscape. People regularly go fishing around the reefs of these caves.
The stunning caves were naturally formed by erosion. They have since become a site of religious significance. In fact, the Iwaya Caves are often used for religious training.
Monks often undergo pilgrimages to this sacred spot. The caves have been decorated with tons of Buddhist statues, adding spiritual charm to this attraction.
It’s important to note that these caves are comprised of lots of stairs and uneven grounds.
Thus, this may not be the best tourist spot for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or strollers.
Thankfully, an escalator is available to make this tour easier, though you must pay a small fee to use it.
To get to the caves from Enoshima Station, you will have to walk for about 40 minutes. Fortunately, the walk is filled with scenic spots and lots of natural beauty.
Enoshima Daishi
Created in 1993, the Enoshima Daishi is a brilliant Buddhist temple. The temple was constructed to worship Acala, a wrathful god in Buddhist theology.
This tremendous temple is guarded by two Nio guardians, one of which is next to the entrance.
As a result, this red statue of Acala, which is an impressive 6 meters/ 9 feet tall, is there to welcome the temple visitors.
This statue is bound to look impressive in your holiday photos.
The inside of the temple is lined with incredible lanterns along the ceiling, which add to the peaceful atmosphere of this venue.
It’s free to enter, so it’s ideal for a budget-friendly day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Enoshima Known For?
Enoshima is primarily known as a small island that is perfect for short locations. It’s renowned for its stunning bays and beaches.
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Enoshima is the Sea Candle, which has become a symbol of this magnificent island.
What Is An Enoshima Day Pass?
These day passes, which are also known as the Eno Pass, are popular with tourists.
They allow people to explore the various attractions on the island for a reduced price.
Namely, you can attend the Sea Candle, Iwaya Caves, Samuel Cocking Garden, and the Escar (the escalator).
If you intend to take a day trip to Enoshima, it is worth investing in one of these day passes as they can save you a ton of cash.
This is because they are much cheaper than paying for these attractions individually. There is a separate price for adults and children.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a perfect day trip in Japan, we can think of no better location than Enoshima.
Despite its small size, Enoshima has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.
It’s a charming island that’s surprisingly packed with scenic spots and activities that are suitable for the whole family, such as the extraordinary Enoshima Sea Candle!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
