Enoshima Shrine - Hetsunomiya
Enoshima Shrine - Hetsunomiya: Gateway to Spiritual Enoshima
Enoshima Island: A Seaside Sanctuary
Explore Enoshima: A scenic island escape with shrines, gardens, and stunning views of Mount Fuji, just a short trip from Tokyo.
Enoshima is a small, touristy island just off the coast of Fujisawa in Kanagawa Prefecture, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It offers a mix of shrines, gardens, and scenic views, including Mount Fuji on clear days. The island is steeped in legend, with a history tied to the goddess Benzaiten, one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Enoshima
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Enoshima, Fujisawa, Enoshima, Kanagawa, JP
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Getting There
Walking
From any of the train stations near Enoshima (Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line, Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line, or Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail Line), walk towards the Benten Bridge connecting the mainland to Enoshima. The walk from the stations to the bridge takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Once on the island, walking is the primary way to get around to the various attractions. Consider using the Enoshima Escar (escalator) for an easier climb up the hill. A set ticket for Enoshima Escar and Enoshima Sea Candle is recommended.
Public Transport
From Fujisawa Station, transfer to either the Enoden Line or the Odakyu Line to reach Enoshima. The Enoden Line is convenient if traveling from Kamakura. Get off at Enoshima Station (Enoden Line) or Katase-Enoshima Station (Odakyu Line). From there, it's a short walk to Benten Bridge, which leads to Enoshima Island. Consider purchasing the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass from Odakyu Railway for discounted travel from Shinjuku and unlimited rides on the Enoden Line between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass from Shinjuku Station costs 1,640 yen for adults. A Noriorikun pass, valid only for the Enoden Line, costs 800 yen for adults.
Ferry
The Benten Maru pleasure boat offers a 10-minute scenic ride from Bentenbashi (at the entrance of the island) to Chigogafuchi on the west side of Enoshima. This boat provides a convenient alternative to the 30-minute walk, especially for those who may not be confident in their physical stamina. The fare is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. Please note that the boat service is irregular and depends on weather and sea conditions.
Driving
There are several parking lots available near Enoshima. However, parking on the island can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider parking outside the island and walking over the Benten Bridge. Parking fees vary, with hourly rates around 400 yen and maximum daytime fees around 2,000 yen. Overnight fees are approximately 1,000 yen. Some parking lots, like Enoshima Kamome, charge 620 yen for the first 2 hours and then 200 yen for every 30 minutes, with a maximum day rate of 1,540 yen. Kankokyokai Enoshima Parking Lot offers discount tickets for Enoshima Hotel guests: 200 yen/hour (normal rate: 400 yen/hour).
Local tips
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Purchase the Enoshima 1-Day combination ticket for access to the island's main attractions, including the Samuel Cocking Garden, observation tower, and Iwaya Caves.
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Take the Enoshima Escar, Japan's first outdoor escalator, to ascend the island's hill quickly.
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Try the local specialty, Shirasu (whitebait), available in many restaurants on the island.
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Visit during the Enoshima candlelight illumination event in November for a magical experience.
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Check the weather forecast before visiting to maximize your chances of seeing Mount Fuji.
Discover more about Enoshima
Enoshima is a captivating island that has drawn visitors for centuries. According to legend, the goddess Benzaiten caused the island to rise from the sea in 552 AD to defeat a five-headed dragon that was terrorizing the region. This mythical tale is chronicled in the "Enoshima Engi," written in 1047.
The island is home to the Enoshima Shrine, a complex of shrines dedicated to Benzaiten. Enoshima Shrine is actually a collection of three shrines scattered across the island. Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya and Okutsumiya. The island's history also includes a period when it was purchased by British merchant Samuel Cocking in 1880, who established botanical gardens and one of Japan's first power plants. Today, the Samuel Cocking Garden remains a key attraction, featuring the Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower.
Visitors can explore the Iwaya Caves, two chambers eroded by the ocean, linked to the Benzaiten legend. The first cave features ancient Buddhist statues, while the second houses a statue of the dragon god. Enoshima was the sailing venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and will host sailing events again in the future. The island offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and recreational activities, making it a popular destination for day trips from Tokyo.
A brief summary to Enoshima
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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