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🏝️ Enoshima Island · Kanagawa

Enoshima — Shrine Island, the Sea Candle Tower and Shonan Sea Caves

A tiny island at the end of a bridge from Shonan beach, packed with the Benzaiten shrine, a viewing tower that sees Mount Fuji, deep sea caves, and shirasu eateries — ride the seaside Enoden railway and pair it with Kamakura in a single easy day. Here's everything to see, how to get there, and all the tips on one page.

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Such a Small Island — but it hasa shrine, Fuji views and sea caves all at once

Picture a tiny island you can walk across from the beach in ten minutes, yet once you climb up you find an ancient shrine, a buzzing lane of snack shops, a viewing tower that looks out to Mount Fuji, and deep sea caves at the far tip — Enoshima is exactly that kind of island. It sits at the end of Shonan beach in Kanagawa Prefecture, only about an hour from Tokyo, which is why it's been a favourite seaside escape for city dwellers for generations. The Japanese revere the island as the home of Benzaiten, the goddess of music and good fortune, and a dragon legend has been tied to the island for centuries.

The real charm of Enoshima is that you can pair it with Kamakura in a single day, because the little Enoden railway runs along the coast linking the two. On this page we'll walk you through it spot by spot — from the shrine to the Sea Candle tower, the Iwaya Caves and the shirasu eateries (the tiny baby fish this area is famous for) — plus how to get there from Shinjuku and Kamakura, and the small tips that make this day trip run far more smoothly.

🌊 Straight up, before anything else: Enoshima is a steep hill. If you climb on foot there are quite a few steps, but a paid escalator called the Eskar carries you up with ease, and the main sights (shrine · garden · Sea Candle · caves) mostly charge separate entry fees. If you mean to see everything, look at a combination Freepass that bundles several spots — it's usually cheaper than paying for each one. 2026 prices may change, so check the latest at the ticket points on the island.
⛩️
Shrine Island
Three Benzaiten shrine halls plus an old dragon legend.
🗼
360° Fuji View
The Sea Candle sees Sagami Bay and Fuji on clear days.
🌊
Sea Caves at the Tip
The Iwaya Caves, reached by a stunning seaside cliff path.
🚃
Pairs with Kamakura
Ride the Enoden along the coast ~25 min to the Great Buddha.
Entry Fees + Combo Tickets

What the Main Spots on the IslandCost to Enter

Enoshima charges separate entry at each spot. This table helps you budget and decide whether a combo ticket (Freepass) is the better deal — 2026 prices may change, so always check the latest at the ticket points on the island.

Spot / serviceWhat it isEntry (adult)Hours (approx.)
Eskar escalatorEscarEscalator up the island — no climbing~360 yenDaytime
Samuel Cocking GardenCocking GardenHistoric botanical garden at the topFree before 17:00 · ~500 yen afterDay–evening (with illumination)
Sea Candle towerObservation Tower360° viewpoint, sees Mount Fuji~800 yen~9:00–20:00
Iwaya CavesIwaya CavesTwo sea caves at the tip of the island~500 yenDaytime (closed in rough seas)
Enoshima combo ticket1-Day FreepassEskar + Garden + Sea Candle + Caves~1,970 yenValid all day
🎟️ How to choose a ticket: if you plan to walk all the way to the tip (up the Sea Candle + out to the Iwaya Caves), the Enoshima 1-Day Freepass bundling several spots is usually cheaper than paying one by one. If you're pairing the day with Kamakura, look at Odakyu's Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, which covers the round-trip train and unlimited Enoden rides — compare it against your individual fares for the day to see if it works out cheaper. The figures above are approximate; check the real prices at the counter.
What to See

Exploring Enoshimaspot by spot

The island isn't big — walking up from the bridge to the tip and back takes about half a day. These are the spots people who've been say you shouldn't miss, in the order you reach them as you walk up from the foot of the hill to the far end.

⛩️ 🏝️ Enoshima1
Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine · Benzaiten

The spiritual heart of the island, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, love and fortune. It's made up of three halls scattered along the path up the island — Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya and Okutsunomiya — and you visit them one by one as you climb, with sea views along the way. The island is also one of Japan's important sites enshrining Benten.

📍Where: Along the main path up from the foot of the hill to the top of the island
⛩️Known for: Benzaiten · dragon legend · prayers for love/music
🛗Getting up: Walk the steps, or use the paid Eskar escalator
💡Tip: The lane of snack and souvenir shops on the way up is lively — grab a bite as you go.
Kamakura-Enoshima Attractions →
The Sea Candle tower above Enoshima Island with the sea and hills behind 🗼 Island top2
Sea Candle + Cocking Garden
Sea Candle · Samuel Cocking Garden

The highest viewpoint on the island. The Sea Candle stands about 60 metres tall (the deck is more than 100 metres above sea level) and is the tallest privately owned lighthouse in Japan, giving a full 360-degree view over Sagami Bay, the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji on clear days. It sits inside the historic Samuel Cocking botanical garden, built by a foreigner back in 1882.

📍Where: Top of the island, inside Samuel Cocking Garden
💴Entry: Tower ~800 yen · garden free before 17:00 (2026 prices may change)
🌅Best time: Sunset + the evening illumination
💡Tip: Fuji shows clearest in winter when the air is dry; on overcast days you may not see it.
Explore Kanagawa →
🌊 🕳️ Island tip3
Iwaya Sea Caves
Iwaya Caves

Natural sea caves at the far tip of the island, carved out of the rock by waves over thousands of years. There are two of them (the First and Second Cave), and they were places of ascetic training and worship in ancient times. You can walk through them, and the path out runs down a staircase along the seaside cliffs — for many people the view along the way is the real highlight.

📍Where: Opposite the way up — cross over to the far tip of the island
💴Entry: ~500 yen (2026 prices may change)
⚠️Watch out: Closes in rough seas / bad weather — check before walking out
💡Tip: Walk to the end if you have time — the seaside cliff view is worth the effort.
Kamakura-Enoshima Attractions →
🛗 ⬆️ Up the island4
Eskar Escalator
Eskar (Escar) Escalator

Enoshima is a steep hill, and climbing the steps on foot is fairly tiring. The Eskar is a paid escalator that carries you up in stages all the way to the top of the island without any climbing, saving your legs for the views up top. It's ideal for anyone who'd rather not walk up, for families, or if you have older travellers with you.

📍Where: Starts at the foot of the hill behind the shop lane, going up in sections
💴Cost: ~360 yen (included in the combo Freepass · 2026 prices may change)
↕️Note: Up only — you walk back down the steps
💡Tip: If you already hold a Freepass, the Eskar is free — no need to think twice.
Kamakura-Enoshima Attractions →
A retro Enoden train running along the coast, linking Enoshima with Kamakura 🚃 Along the sea5
The Seaside Enoden Railway
Enoden · Enoshima Electric Railway

A classic little railway that many people come to Enoshima specifically to ride. The Enoden runs along the coast linking Enoshima Station with Kamakura Station in about 25 minutes, and in places the tracks weave right past the backs of houses and along the shoreline, with the wide-open Shonan sea views. It's a legendary photo route for this area.

📍Links: Enoshima Station ↔ Kamakura Station (via Hase)
⏱️Takes: ~25 minutes end to end
🚶Note: Enoshima Station is ~8 min on foot from Katase-Enoshima
💡Tip: Sit on the sea side — the Inamuragasaki–Shichirigahama stretch is the prettiest.
Hase-Kamakura Guide →
Sunset over Shonan beach with the silhouette of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji on the horizon 🌅 Shonan beach6
Sunset + Fuji from the Beach
Shonan Sunset · Fuji View

The Shonan beaches around Enoshima are a legendary sunset spot for Tokyoites. On a clear day the silhouette of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji cut against an orange sky at the edge of the sea — so beautiful that many people come just to stand and wait for the evening. Pair it with the Enoshima bridge arcing out to the island and an easy stroll along the shore.

📍Where: The beach around the Enoshima bridge + the Shichirigahama stretch
🌅Best time: Around sunset, on a clear day with Fuji's silhouette
🌊Known for: The island silhouette + Fuji + orange sky over the sea
💡Tip: The dry winter air shows Fuji more clearly than the hazier summer skies.
Explore Kanagawa →
Eat & Drink on the Island

Come to Enoshima andyou have to try shirasu

The signature food of the Shonan-Enoshima area is shirasu, the tiny baby fish from Sagami Bay. The shop lane up the island is packed with seafood spots and street snacks — here are the three things you shouldn't miss.

DON'T MISS
🐟 Shirasu rice bowl

Shirasu are tiny, almost-transparent baby fish (mostly young anchovy) served over rice as a donburi. You can have them raw (nama-shirasu) for a soft, sweet flavour, or boiled (kama-age) for a milder, easy texture — many places serve both in a single bowl.

CHECK FIRST
📅 Raw is seasonal

Catching the raw kind is banned from January to March to protect stocks, so it's generally available from around April onwards — and it still depends on the daily catch. Some days shops post a "no raw shirasu today" sign. The boiled version is available almost year-round.

STREET SNACK
🍘 Giant octopus cracker

As you walk the lane up the island you'll often see stalls pressing hot rice crackers with a whole octopus flattened into them (tako-senbei) — crisp and savoury, and a famous snack people queue up for. Pair it with iced tea or a local beer and graze your way up.

🍜 Want a bigger meal? Enoshima is in the same area as Yokohama — see our Yokohama food guide for a proper feast in the city, or the full Japanese food guide if you want to get to know Japan's dishes before you go.
Where to Stay

Enoshima Works as a Day Trip —you don't have to stay over

Most people do Enoshima as a day trip from Tokyo, Yokohama or Kamakura. If you'd rather stay over to catch the sunset and the early-morning atmosphere, basing yourself in Yokohama (the biggest city nearby) or in Kamakura is the easy option.

🏨 Where to base yourself: Yokohama is a big city with hotels at every price point and easy trains into Enoshima/Kamakura — see our 10 recommended hotels in Yokohama and the Yokohama city guide. If you'd rather sleep near the sea and old temples, try the Kamakura city guide. Compare available rooms and rates on Agoda Yokohama →
🗼
Coming from Tokyo
The Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku reaches Katase-Enoshima in ~65 minutes — easy to do a half-day and head back into the city.
⚓
Coming from Yokohama
Yokohama is close — a short train transfer reaches the Shonan side, making it a great base for an Enoshima + Kamakura day.
🚃
Pairing with Kamakura
Ride the Enoden ~25 minutes along the coast to link the two — half a day on Enoshima, half a day at the Hase Great Buddha.
🌅
Stay over for the sunset
If you want the quiet evening views and an early seaside morning, a night around Shonan or Kamakura is well worth it.
🎟️
Look at combo tickets first
Odakyu's Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass covers the round-trip train + unlimited Enoden, usually cheaper than single tickets if you pair the two.
🌊
Avoid summer weekends
The Shonan beaches get packed in summer and on holidays. For an easy stroll, come on a weekday or outside the beach season.
Map

The Key Spots on Enoshimaon one map

See where the shrine, the Sea Candle tower, the Iwaya Caves and the bridge onto the island sit, so you can plan a walking route from the bridge up to the far tip more easily.

Getting There + Tips

How to Reach Enoshimaand the tips that keep the day smooth

Three main railways reach Enoshima from different starting points — pick the line that matches where you begin, then walk across the bridge onto the island. 2026 fares and timetables may change, so check the latest before you travel.

🚄
From Shinjuku — Odakyu
The Romancecar limited express to Katase-Enoshima takes ~65 min (around 1,400 yen with the surcharge, reserve a seat). The regular line is cheaper but slower.
🚃
From Kamakura — Enoden
Get off at Enoshima Station, ~25 min from Kamakura Station, along a scenic seaside route. From the station it's ~10 min on foot to the island.
🚝
From Ofuna — Shonan Monorail
The suspended monorail reaches Shonan-Enoshima in ~14 min, then ~9 min on foot to the island — a quirky ride that many people enjoy.
👟
Wear comfortable shoes
The island is a hill with lots of steps, and the path down to the Iwaya Caves runs along a cliff — trainers beat slippery shoes.
⏱️
Allow half a day
Walking up, visiting the shrine, going up the Sea Candle and out to the Iwaya Caves takes roughly 3–4 hours at an unhurried pace.
🌅
Aim for the evening
If you can hold out until dusk, the seaside sunset plus the evening Sea Candle illumination is the highlight many people say is worth it.
Related Guides

Keep Exploring Kanagawa — Kamakura, Yokohama and around

🏯

Kamakura City Guide

An old temple town by the sea, perfect to pair with Enoshima in a day — the Great Buddha, forest temples, bamboo, and the Enoden.

Kamakura Guide →
🙏

Hase-Kamakura (Great Buddha)

The district of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and Hasedera temple — the Enoden terminus you can ride straight to from Enoshima.

Hase Guide →
🎡

Yokohama City Guide

The big port city near Enoshima, a handy base — hotels, attractions, Chinatown, and Minato Mirai.

Yokohama Guide →
🗺️

Yokohama Attractions

The top sights of Yokohama — the harbour district, parks, museums, and the retro quarters.

Yokohama Attractions →
🌿

Explore Kanagawa

The whole of Kanagawa Prefecture — Enoshima, Kamakura, Yokohama, Hakone, and how to plan a trip.

Explore Kanagawa →
🇯🇵

Full Japan Travel Guide

Every region and city, with links into city guides, hotels, and attractions across Japan.

Japan Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions AboutEnoshima Island

How do I get to Enoshima from Tokyo?
The most direct way is the Odakyu Romancecar limited express from Shinjuku Station to Katase-Enoshima Station, which takes about 65 minutes (the fare including the limited-express surcharge is around 1,400 yen and you need to reserve a seat in advance). From the station it's a 10–15 minute walk across the bridge to the island. Alternatively, take a regular JR/Odakyu line to Fujisawa and transfer to the Enoden, which is cheaper but slower. Check the latest timetable and fares before you travel.
Can I visit Enoshima and Kamakura in one day?
Yes, easily — and it's the most popular way to do it. The Enoden runs along the coast linking Enoshima Station with Kamakura Station in about 25 minutes, passing the beautiful Shonan beaches. Many people spend half a day on Enoshima (shrine + Sea Candle + caves) and then ride the Enoden to see the Great Buddha at Hase-Kamakura for the other half. If you plan it this way, Odakyu's Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass works out cheaper than buying single tickets.
Do I have to climb the hill on Enoshima, or is there an escalator?
The island is a steep hill, so climbing the steps on foot is fairly tiring — but there is a paid escalator called the Eskar (Escar) that carries you up in stages to the top of the island without any climbing. It's great for anyone who'd rather not walk up, or for families. There's a combination ticket covering the Eskar + Samuel Cocking Garden + Sea Candle tower, and an Enoshima 1-Day Freepass that also includes the Iwaya Caves. Check the latest prices at the ticket points on the island.
Can you see Mount Fuji from the Sea Candle tower?
Yes, on a clear day. The Sea Candle stands about 60 metres tall (the observation deck is more than 100 metres above sea level) and is the tallest privately owned lighthouse in Japan. It gives you a full 360-degree view over Sagami Bay, the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji as a backdrop when the air is clear. The view is best at sunset and during the evening illumination, and Fuji usually shows most clearly in winter when the air is drier.
What is Enoshima's shirasu, and can you eat it raw all year?
Shirasu are tiny, almost-transparent baby fish (mostly young anchovy) caught in Sagami Bay, and they're the signature food of the Shonan-Enoshima area. You can eat them both raw (nama-shirasu over rice as a donburi) and boiled (kama-age). Catching the raw kind is banned from January to March to protect stocks, so it's generally available from around April onwards, and it still depends on the daily catch — some days there's no raw shirasu. The boiled version is available year-round.
What are the Iwaya Caves, and are they worth visiting?
The Iwaya Caves are natural sea caves at the far tip of the island, carved out by waves over a very long time. There are two caves (the First and Second Cave), and they were used for ascetic training and worship in ancient times. You can walk through them, and the path out to the caves runs down a staircase along the seaside cliffs with a gorgeous view. It's well worth walking to the end of the island if you have time, but the caves can close during rough seas or bad weather, so check before you head out.
Ready for Enoshima?

Pair Enoshima with Kamakura
and line up a base to stay

Plan half a day on Enoshima, then ride the Enoden to Kamakura for the other half. Open the Kamakura guide for temples, sights and routes, or find a place to stay in Yokohama that puts both towns within easy reach.

📖 Kamakura City Guide 🏨 Search Yokohama Hotels →
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