The Shonan and Enoshima area is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for both Tokyo locals and tourists. Even though the beautiful island is easily accessible from the capital, a lot of people only visit the nearby Kamakura with its many shrines and temples. That’s a shame because Enoshima is a treasure trove of amazing spots and discoveries! Come with us on a tour along its must-visit spots!
Enoshima, a Stunning Island Only One Hour Away from Tokyo
Enoshima is in the Shonan area and offers unique sights and experiences throughout the year, fun for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers alike! From shrines and temples to gourmet delights and bathing in the sea, there’s much to see and do.
It takes about one hour from Tokyo to Katase Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line. After meeting friends at the station, we head straight for Enoshima!
The station building is designed after the famous undersea palace of the dragon deity.
After about 5 minutes of walk, we reach the two bridges that lead to Enoshima. One of them is the “Enoshima Ohashi” for cars only, the other one is a pedestrian bridge called “Enoshima Bentenbashi.”
In the distance, we can see the lighthouse “Sea Candle” rising to the blue sky, getting us excited for our trip. A pleasant sea breeze and the aroma of the ocean accompanies our leisurely walk across the bridge.
Enoshima seen from the two bridges.
Crossing the bridge takes about five minutes and you’re already on Enoshima! The Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street stretches right in front of us. It’s the approach to Enoshima Shrine and is dotted with shops and eateries.
The large torii gate at the entrance of Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street is designated as a cultural property.
The shops on this street open at around 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. We arrived early at about 9:00 p.m., so we just leisurely strolled through the quiet area, taking in the scenery. That’s a clear benefit of getting up early!
A big red torii appears in front of you; Zuishinmon Gate is right behind.
Just behind the shopping street rises a large vermilion torii gate, and next to it on the left is the “Enoshima Escalator.” As its name suggests, it takes you up to the summit without having to walk. The entire escalator is divided into three sections and made up of four escalators in total. Walking to the top takes about 20 minutes while an escalator ride is over in four minutes.
The Enoshima Escalator leisurely takes you to the top!
Enoshima is dotted with stairs and slopes, so the escalator is a good choice for people who aren’t too confident in their hiking skills. We decided to take the escalator as well.
Taking the escalator to Enoshima Shrine.
Enoshima Escalator
2-3-9 Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa-ken 251-0036
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:05 p.m.
Closed: open every day
Fee: 360 yen for adults, 180 yen for children / only the first section: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children / section 2 and 3: 180 yen for adults, 90 yen for children / only the third section: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children
*Adults are junior high students and older, children are elementary students, free for children younger than elementary school age
Enoshima Shrine: Discover the Ancient Legend of Benzaiten and the Dragon
After our elevator rides, we arrive at Enoshima Shrine. On the right is a pond with a white dragon and a basin used to cleanse your hands for the shrine visit. Enoshima Shrine is deeply linked to Gozuryu, a five-headed dragon.
The legend goes that this dragon plagued the v…
