Enoshima
Enoshima, A Small Hill Island Of Shrines, Caves And Sea Views Joined To The Shonan Coast Near Kamakura By A Bridge. A Classic Day Trip From Tokyo And Yokohama, Busy On Summer Weekends. · Fujisawa, Kanagawa
Enoshima is a small hill-island joined to the Shonan coast by Benten Bridge, about an hour from Tokyo by the Odakyu line to Katase-Enoshima, or by the Enoden tram line from Kamakura. The island is a climb of shrines, shops and sea views, with the Enoshima Shrine, which is really three shrines to the goddess Benzaiten, an optional paid outdoor escalator, the Sea Candle observation tower and gardens, and the Iwaya caves at the far end. It is known for shirasu, tiny whitebait, served cooked or raw in season, and for the surf culture of the Shonan coast. It suits couples, families, day-trippers from Tokyo and anyone with a half to full day to spare, and it is compact enough to cover on foot. It is worth the detour on a clear weekday, and for the sunset. It is not worth a summer weekend if you dislike crowds, since the bridge and the main street fill up. Kamakura is a separate stop nearby, easily paired on the same day.
Enoshima island, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, joined to the mainland by Benten Bridge, a short walk from Katase-Enoshima Station, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
The island is open all day, and the shrines, shops and lanes are open from morning to late afternoon or early evening, with many restaurants closing by evening. The Sea Candle tower and gardens and the paid escalator run on set hours that change by season - confirm at the entrance. The Iwaya caves are at the far end of the island and close in high seas or rough weather, so check before walking all the way. From Tokyo, take the Odakyu line to Katase-Enoshima, about an hour, or the Enoden from Kamakura, roughly 25 minutes; IC cards work. Nothing needs booking, but summer weekends and fireworks nights are packed, and cash helps in small shops.