Enoshima Island
Enoshima Island, located in Kamakura, is only about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Tokyo. It is popular among lovers due to a romantic legend. They come here to knock the Love Bell, hoping to foster a forever love with their partners. It is also the film location of the famous anime - Slam Dunk, whose fans spread all over the world. There has been evidence that the island has been dwelled by humans at least 7,000 years ago. Such a long history explains the rich historical sites and cultural activities: the magnificent Enoshima Shrine, artworks displayed in Enoshima Iwaya Cave, grand candle and illumination shows, the wonderful sea animal performances, and the exciting sailing matches. Since 1927, Enoshima Island has been one of Japan’s 100 greatest tourist attractions. In addition, Enoshima Island is also called the island of cats and you may accidentally see a cat in one corner of the Island.
The Entrance to the Mountain on Enoshima Island
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An Island of “Love”
The Island is very suitable for lovers to visit together due to its romantic legend and attractions, including the Love Bell and Enoshima Iwaya Cave.1. Enoshima Iwaya Cave
The natural cave collects ukiyoe woodblock prints of Enoshima and artworks relating to the Five-head Dragon and Tennyo – a goodness in ancient Japan. The legend has it that the evil Five-head Dragon living under the sea fell in love with Tennyo when they first met. To win love from his goodness, the Dragon decided not to do evil things any more but protected the island. Finally, the goodness was moved and accepted his love. On clear days, it is easy to take amazing photos of the seascape from the cave. Seeing the sunset glow above the sea changing its shape and colors and hearing waves beating rocks is like watching a movie.2. Love Bell
The Love Bell is popular as one legend has it that after the two lovers knock the Bell together and hang the padlock with their names engraved to the wire netting, their love will last forever.A Night Fairyland of Lights
From mid-October to the early November, the grand candle show would be held in Samuel Cocking Garden. During the festival, about 10,000 candles of various shapes would be lit up. In addition, the illumination show from late November to February of the next year is popular, especially among children. Numerous colorful lights decorate each corner of the Garden: strings of white light balls dropped from the 120-meter-high (390 feet) lighthouse, small bulbs scattered on the trees’ brunches, the jellyfish made of colorful flags and lights, the countless dots of blue and purple lights on the ground just like a skyful of stars, all of which make the Garden look like a fairyland.Watch Mount Fuji on the Sea Candle
The Sea Candle is a lighthouse nearly 120 meters (390 feet) high. On the top, you can see the panorama of the sea. If you want to see Mount Fuji, the telescope can be used by putting coins in the slot. Before walking down from the lighthouse, have a good rest while enjoying the gentle sea breeze on its open-air deck.
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A Good Place to Enjoy Water Activities
Enoshima Island is a paradise for water activity lovers. Around Enoshima Island, there are several shores for water sports, such as Katasekaigan and Inamuragasaki. The Island has a long history of holding sailing matches. It was the site for the sailing matches of the 1964 and 2020 Olympic Games. On these shores, surfing facilities and canoeing are available for rental. You can also have a sun bath or swim around these shores.
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Other Places Worth Going on Enoshima Island
1. Enoshima Jinja Shrinejia
2. Enoshima Aquarium
Enoshima Aquarium is very famous across Japan and Mount Fuji can be seen around the Aquarium. Various shows are performed by sea animals, so the Aquarium is a good destination for a family tour. The wonderful dolphin shows, the performances by jelly fish with the application of 3D technology, the interaction between divers and sharks and more would definitely amaze the kids. In addition, children can learn about various sea fishes through the introduction by staff.3. Enoshima Uomi-tei, A Restaurant Facing the Sea
Enoshima Uomi-tei is a restaurant built on the cliff and offers rows of seats in the open air. You can taste cuisines while appreciating the sea and the ships on it. Recommended cuisines include seafood Sushi, Sashimi, and grilled fish.Tips
1. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many slopes and stairs on the Island.
2. There is elevator leading to the top of the mountain on the Island if you don’t want to climb the stairs.
Ticket Prices
1. Sea Candle: 500 yen2. Enoshima Iwaya Cave: 500 yen
3. Elevator to mountain top: 400 yen
4. 1,100 yen for a combo ticket including the elevator to the mountain top, the Enoshima Iwaya Cave, the Sea Candle.
How to Get There
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The Enoden Line
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→ Walk to the Enoshima Kaigan Bus Stop in 3 minutes.
→ Take Bus 6 heading towards southwest along the Enoshima Bridge, get off after 2 stops, and then you will be on the Island.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
1. Shichirigahama Beach
Before or after visiting Enoshima Island, it is recommended to go to Shichirigahama Beach where you can appreciate the panorama of Mount Fuji without the block of high mountains or residences. You can take photos on the dam of Shichirigahama Beach.2. Kamakurakoko-Mae Station
For fans of Slam Dunk, don’t miss Kamakurakoko-Mae Station, which appears very often in this anime. You can take photos by imitating the characters in the anime. You can also appreciate the sea view beside the Station.