What To Do InEnoshima
A compact island with shrines, sea caves, beaches, and panoramic viewpoints—plus that iconic coastal tram rolling past the surf. Easy day trip; easy to fall in love.
Enoshima Highlights
A tidy loop: shrines on the ridge, gardens and the Sea Candle up top, then caves and tidal pools down by the cliffs.
Enoshima Sea Candle
ViewpointClimb the island’s lighthouse/observation tower for sweeping views of Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Sunset and blue hour are magic.
Arrive ~1 hr before sunset; the garden lights up seasonally for nighttime strolls.
Enoshima Shrine (Hetsu/Nakatsu/Okutsu)
ShrinesThree linked Shinto shrines dedicated to Benzaiten. Stone steps, vermillion gates, and ocean breezes make a classic island pilgrimage route.
Move clockwise: Hetsunomiya → Nakatsunomiya → Okutsunomiya; mind the steep stairs in geta/sandals.
Iwaya Caves & Tidal Pools
Sea CavesWave-carved caves and rock shelves where you can feel the Pacific up close. Great for dramatic seascapes and long exposures.
Check tide/weather; access may close in rough surf. Non-slip shoes recommended.
Enoshima Aquarium
AquariumModern aquarium with a gorgeous Sagami Bay tank, jellyfish hall, and seasonal exhibits—nice backup plan for rainy days.
Pair with beach time; it’s steps from the shoreline and the Enoden.
Scenic Photo Spots
Coastal light, island silhouettes, and that retro green tram.
Katase Enoshima Bridge
Island ApproachFrame the island with leading lines from the pedestrian path. Early morning light is clean; evenings catch neon reflections.
Sea Candle Deck
PanoramaShoot west for Fuji silhouettes at dusk. A longer focal length compresses the coastline and sailboats.
Shichirigahama Shore
CoastlineClassic Enoden-by-the-sea shots. Sunset surfers add scale; mind splashes on the seawall in rough surf.
Ryuren no Kane (Love Bell)
RomanticBells and lock fences with open ocean behind—great for couple portraits in soft backlight.
What to Eat by the Sea
Casual island bites you can grab between viewpoints and beaches.
Shirasu-don
Island & KataseLocal whitebait over rice—raw (when in season/available) or boiled. Add grated ginger and soy for that Enoshima taste.
Tako Senbei (Octopus Cracker)
Shopping streetPressed whole octopus in a wafer-thin cracker—crisp, salty, and totally Instagram-ready.
Seaside Cafés & Gelato
Katase/KugenumaIced coffee with sea breezes, lemon gelato after the beach, and terrace seats for golden hour people-watching.
Seafood & Donburi
Island backstreetsCasual eateries serve sashimi sets, tempura, and donburi with bay views from second-floor counters.
Beaches & Sea Days
Sand between your toes, surfers on the horizon, Fuji if you’re lucky.
Katase Higashihama / Kugenuma
Wide sandy beaches just before the island. Summer has pop-up beach huts; shoulder seasons are calmer for walks and photos.
Surf & SUP
Boards and lessons available along the coast. Early mornings catch glassy conditions before the sea breeze picks up.
Sun & Shade
Bring sunscreen and a hat; summer UV is intense. Huts rent parasols and chairs in peak season.
Fuji Watch
After cold fronts or in winter, skies clear for Fuji across the bay—pack a mid-telephoto for compressed vistas.
Getting There & Around
Trains, a seaside tram, and a simple island loop on foot.
Odakyu Line → Katase-Enoshima
Direct from Shinjuku (incl. Romancecar limited express). Short walk across the bridge to the island.
JR + Enoden
JR to Fujisawa or Ofuna → transfer to the Enoden for the scenic coast tram to Enoshima/Kamakura.
On Foot Around the Island
Expect stairs and slopes. Loop clockwise to hit shrines, gardens, Sea Candle, then the caves and tidal pools.
Best Time
Golden hour for photos; weekdays outside midsummer are quieter. Check tides for cave access and wind for haze.
Watch for “no tripod” or “no drones” signs, give anglers and surfers space, and keep an eye on swells along the seawall.