Enoshima Island Tokyo
A charming island escape from Tokyo, offering shrines, caves, and breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Enoshima Island Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming island escape from Tokyo, offering shrines, caves, and breathtaking ocean views, especially at sunset.
"Enoshima is a breathtaking day trip from Tokyo, straight out of an anime!"
🎯 Get the Enoshima-Kamakura Pass
Save on transport with this pass for unlimited rides on Odakyu Railway lines.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Stairs!
Lots of walking and inclines. Consider the Escar or ferry if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Island
Explore the main shrine complex, a spiritual heart of the island with beautiful architecture and ocean views.

Enoshima Sea Candle
Summit of Enoshima Island
Ascend this observation tower for panoramic views of the coastline, Mount Fuji on clear days, and the surrounding islands.

Iwaya Caves
Western tip of Enoshima Island
Discover these sea caves, once used by monks, with unique rock formations and a mystical atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Enoshima
Getting Around Enoshima
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get the Enoshima-Kamakura Pass
Save on transport with this pass for unlimited rides on Odakyu Railway lines.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Stairs!
Lots of walking and inclines. Consider the Escar or ferry if needed.
Prepare yourself for Enoshima
🌅 Sunset Views are Worth It
Enoshima offers stunning sunset vistas, especially with Mount Fuji in the background.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
Enoshima & Kamakura day trip itinerary. Too much for one day?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get the Enoshima-Kamakura Pass
Save on transport with this pass for unlimited rides on Odakyu Railway lines.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Stairs!
Lots of walking and inclines. Consider the Escar or ferry if needed.
🌅 Sunset Views are Worth It
Enoshima offers stunning sunset vistas, especially with Mount Fuji in the background.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive before 9 AM for a more serene experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Enoshima's stunning coastal scenery, especially the views from the Sea Candle and the sunset. The island's shrines and caves offer a unique cultural and natural experience. However, some find the island can get extremely crowded, and the numerous stairs can be tiring for some.
"Nice island to visit. Suggest to go early and after visiting, seeing the sites and work your hunger, you arrive in time to try all the street food or restaurants the Enoshima proposes.
I also early morning and on a beautiful day, more chances to see Mount Fuji like we did"
Tumata Garbutt
"A beautiful small island with beautiful sunset. Good food, good scenery. Since it is near from Tokyo, this is a good 1-day trip alternative for your vacation in Japan"
Eva Leevin
"Sadly the weather wasn't amazing, but that didn't ruin this small but beautiful island. I haven't fully explored it, but that only means there's a reason to come back when the sun is shining."
Tim P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Enoshima from Tokyo is via the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Katase-Enoshima Station. This journey takes about 80-90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Fujisawa Station and then transfer to the Odakyu Enoshima Line. Many travelers recommend the Enoshima-Kamakura freepass for convenient travel on the Odakyu Railway.
Absolutely! Enoshima is a fantastic day trip from Tokyo, offering a blend of shrines, natural beauty, and coastal charm. It's often paired with a visit to nearby Kamakura for a full day of exploration.
The Enoden Line (a charming local train) connects Kamakura and Enoshima, offering scenic coastal views along the way. The journey is short and picturesque.
While you can drive to the mainland near Enoshima, parking on the island itself is limited. It's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential traffic and parking challenges.
The Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station typically takes around 80 to 90 minutes, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Enoshima Island itself is free to enter. However, there are various attractions on the island, such as the Sea Candle, caves, and gardens, that require separate admission fees.
The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, often available through Odakyu Railway, offers unlimited rides on specific train lines and buses in the area, making it a cost-effective option for exploring both Enoshima and Kamakura.
Yes, walking around the island, visiting the main Enoshima Shrine complex, and enjoying the coastal views are all free activities.
Attraction hours can vary, but generally, most sites on Enoshima are open from around 9 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check the specific opening times for each attraction you plan to visit, as some may close earlier.
The main grounds of Enoshima Shrine are free to access. However, some of the sub-shrines or specific areas within the shrine complex might have small entrance fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enoshima offers a variety of activities including visiting the Enoshima Shrine, exploring the Iwaya Caves, enjoying the views from the Sea Candle, relaxing in the Samuel Cocking Garden, and experiencing the island's unique atmosphere.
Enoshima Island is walkable, but it involves many stairs and inclines. For easier access, you can utilize the Enoshima Escar (escalator system) or a ferry service that connects different points on the island.
Great photo opportunities include the views from the Sea Candle, the torii gates of Enoshima Shrine, the coastal scenery, and the charming streets of the island. Sunset shots are particularly popular.
Enoshima can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
The Enoshima Sea Candle is an observation tower located at the summit of the island, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding ocean, coastline, and on clear days, Mount Fuji.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Enoshima offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries serving local snacks like shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowls) to restaurants with seafood specialties and international cuisine.
Yes, the area around Katase-Enoshima Station and the approach to the island are lined with numerous restaurants and cafes offering various dining experiences.
Shirasu-don is a popular local dish consisting of freshly caught whitebait served over a bowl of rice. It's a must-try when visiting the Shonan coast.
While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants offer other options. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff about vegetarian choices, which may include vegetable tempura or noodle dishes.
Yes, there are many charming cafes scattered across Enoshima Island, perfect for enjoying a coffee, tea, or a sweet treat while taking in the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography on Enoshima. Weekday mornings also provide opportunities for crowd-free shots.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive coastal views, and a telephoto lens can help capture distant Mount Fuji.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many popular tourist areas in Japan, including Enoshima, to ensure safety and respect for visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Don't miss the views from the Sea Candle, the approach to Enoshima Shrine with its torii gates, the rocky coastline, and the picturesque streets. Capturing the sunset over the ocean is a highlight.
Absolutely! Modern smartphones are capable of taking excellent photos. Focus on composition, lighting, and using features like panorama mode for stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Enoshima: Getting Around
When planning your route, consider your stamina and preferences. Many visitors opt to walk from the train station to the island, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way. However, once on the island, the Escar can save considerable energy, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights. Remember to wear comfortable shoes regardless of your chosen method of transport, as exploring the various shrines, gardens, and viewpoints will still involve a good amount of walking.
The Allure of Enoshima's Views
Beyond the Sea Candle, numerous vantage points across the island offer stunning photographic opportunities. The approach to the Enoshima Shrine itself, with its vibrant torii gates framing the sea, is a classic shot. Exploring the western tip of the island leads to the Iwaya Caves, where the rugged coastline provides dramatic views. Many visitors find that the island's charm is amplified during the golden hour, with the soft light of sunrise and sunset casting a magical glow over the landscape, making it an ideal time for photography.
Planning Your Enoshima Itinerary
Regardless of the order, it's crucial to be aware of closing times, as many attractions in both areas can shut down by 4:30 PM. A common itinerary involves arriving at Enoshima around 8:30 AM, exploring its main sights, and then moving on to Kamakura. However, some find this pace a bit exhausting, so it's important to tailor the itinerary to your energy levels and interests. Consider purchasing the Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass to simplify transportation between the two destinations and other local lines.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit