Enoshima is a small island connected to the mainland by a long bridge.
There are three shrines and a lighthouse at the top of the hill.
In the past, people could only reach the island when the tide was low. It’s very similar to Mont Saint-Michel in France, isn’t it? As the island had been considered a sacred place and women were forbidden to enter, even though the deity enshrined there were three women, the Benzaitens (弁財天). Women have been allowed to visit since the Meiji period. Because of this reason, there are no graves there. When the local people passed away, they were carried to other islands.
By the way, there are many small shops lining along the gently sloped approach to the shrines. Halfway up the path, there is a shop selling “Tako senbei”, a kind of Japanese cracker.
They press a whole octopus flat with a special pressing machine one by one. Many people line up in front of the shop to buy it, but it’s worth the wait. Even just watching how it’s made is fun.
At the end of the approach, from there, there are two ways to the top— one is to take an escalator called Enoshima Escar, which is one of the tallest outdoor escalators in Japan. The other way is to walk up to the top.
If you have energy, I recommend walking. You have to climb up many steps, but it’s not so tough. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea, which makes you feel refreshed.
When it comes to food, since it’s surrounded by the sea, many kinds of seafood are sold at the entrance area of the bottom. Among them, shirasu-don, which is baby sardines on top of rice, is popular and you can eat it in any restaurant from the bottom to the top of the approach. However, my favorite is Enoshima-don, which is rice with turban shells, because those used to be caught a lot there. However, nowadays, clams can be used instead of turban shells. You can try it at the restaurants in the top area.
At the top, there is a light house, Enoshima Sea Candle, and a park, Samuel Cocking Garden. In May, many tulips are very beautiful there. In winter, you can enjoy night illumination under the Enoshima light house, which has recently become one of the three most beautiful illumination views.
You can also enjoy fluffy pancakes at a café in the park while looking out over the ocean. They say ‘French toast’ was first served here in Japan.
I think it’s kind of a hidden gem.
Last but not least, let me introduce Enoshima Hotel, which is on the right after you cross the bridge and it has a spa. You can bathe in a warm bath, not a pool, but you need to wear a swimsuit, so you can take a bath with your family without worrying about men and women being together.
Furthermore, if it’s a sunny and clear day, you are lucky— you can see the sunset with Mt. Fuji from there while soaking in. It’s very beautiful and it will be your precious memory.
There is also a cave on the island called Enoshima Iwaya (江の島岩屋). If you have more time, it’s another interesting place to visit.
I’m glad that I introduced even a few parts of Enoshima. If you are interested in Enoshima Island by reading this, I’m really happy. I hope you enjoy your visit to Enoshima and create wonderful memories here.
I’m Toyoko. My English career is so long, but I’m still on the way. It’s like a little girl beginning to talk. It’s a long and tough way, but because I have a lot to learn, I’m not sick of it. I always find something new while learning English, and it’s fun, though there are ups and downs.
HTJ has a YouTube page! Check it out