Looking to explore places near Tokyo? Head out on an Enoshima day trip and swap Tokyo’s hustle for a relaxing island adventure.
It’s located just a train ride away (easy Tokyo Day Trip) and gets you to scenic coastlines, delicious seafood, and cultural treasures ready to explore in under 90 minutes.
Read this post about how to get there, things to do, places to eat and stay.
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Enoshima is quick Tokyo day trip and a popular spot for locals and a great place to relax and enjoy yourself. We went on a sunny day in December and were able to see Mount Fuji in the distance (visible on clear days).
The sky and the ocean were blue so it was a refreshing and welcoming change of scenery from the cloudy days in Tokyo.
How to Get to Enoshima from Tokyo
The best way to start your Enoshima Day Trip from Tokyo is by train.
Train Options
JR Tokaido Line: If you’re coming from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Fujisawa Station. From there, simply jump onto the Enoden or Enoshima Line towards Enoshima. This route is flexible, especially if you already have a JR Pass. If you don’t, it costs 1,160 yen one way.
JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line: Is another great alternative to the JR Tokaido Line, especially if you’re coming from Shinjuku Station (like we were). Take it to Kamakura Station, then transfer to the iconic Enoden Train for a picturesque and scenic ride along the coast. Cost is about 1,160 yen one way. It’s such a pretty ride with great views of Sagami Bay. It takes longer but well worth it.
Odakyu Enoshima Line: A popular choice among travelers, the Odakyu Line takes you from Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station. From Fujisawa, you’ll hop on the Enoden Line (Enoshima Electric Railway) or the Enoshima Line. Cost is around 650 yen one way. It’s a super convenient route, we took this one on our second visit and we got to Enoshima quickly.
This route is also perfect if you want an all-in-one ticket. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass covers your round-trip from Shinjuku and unlimited rides on the Enoden for the day. The pass costs 1,640 yen, covers a day, and includes perks and discounts.
Odakyu Romancecar: Is a limited express train with reserved seating, if you reserve ahead of time you could score an observation deck seat at the front of the train with amazing views of the Japanese countryside. It’s on my to-do list on my next visit to Tokyo.
Weather in Enoshima
Understanding the climate will give you a head start on what to expect during your Enoshima Day Trip. Here’s how the weather typically unfolds throughout the year:
- Spring (March to May): Has mild weather (not too hot, not too cold) and great cherry blossom scenery. The average temperature ranges from 50°F to 70°F. Rainfall is moderate, so maybe keep a compact umbrella handy.
- Summer (June to August): The summer season is hot and humid. Temperatures can soar to 85°F and above. It’s the wettest season, with July being particularly rainy, so bring your raincoat just in case.
The Enoshima Tenno Festival takes place late July so expect crowds watching the marine fireworks show. - Autumn (September to November): My favorite season, you’ll love autumn—gentle breezes, cooler temps, and fall foliage make it a great time for being outdoors. Average highs are around 70°F.
- Winter (December to February): Both times we visited were during winter (mildly cold) where snow is rare. Temperatures hover between 35°F and 55°F. It’s a quieter time on the island, perfect for enjoying serene, crowd-free views.
During winter they also have the Enoshima Shonan Candle night lights, where in the evening they light 10,000 wax candles illuminating the promenade leading to the Sea Candle. The Samuel Cocking Gardens are also beautifully decorated with lights at night. Check their website for dates, times and admission price.
Exploring Enoshima Island
Enoshima is a small island located in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is known for its stunning views, lush greenery, and ancient shrines.
Once you arrive at Katase-Enoshima Station, it’s just a short walk to the Enoshima Benten Bridge, which connects the mainland to the island.
We took great photos of Mount Fuji from the bridge. Visit the information center and don’t forget to get your stamp.
I also recommend you purchase the Day Pass which includes access to the Samuel Cocking Island, the Iwaya Caves, rides on the escalators and discounts at some stores and restaurants. They also give you a helpful map with all the sights to see.
Top Things to Do in Enoshima
Here is our Enoshima Day Trip itinerary and Top Things to Do:
Nakamise Street
Nakamise-dori is the main street on the island. The entrance to the town is marked by a large, bronze Torii gate.
Spend some time strolling through Nakamise street, a narrow shopping street filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. Try some Enoshima local specialties, like shirasu (whitebait) and tako-senbei (octopus rice crackers). This is truly a street where you can eat your way from start to finish.
It’s a short and slightly sloping walk up to the shrine complex.
Enoshima Shrine
No Enoshima Day Trip is complete without visiting the shrines, a cultural treasure. We visited all of them on our way up the mountain, including: Enoshima Shrine, a sacred shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten.
There are 3 main shrines:
- Hetsunomiya (Outer Shrine)
- Hakatsunomiya (Middle Shrine) and
- Okutsunomiya (Inner Shrine)
The map from the information center includes a helpful guide on how to pray at the shrines. Take a stroll through the colorful torii gates and explore the gardens.
We came on a week day and it wasn’t crowded, with mostly Japanese locals. It was nice to have a crowd-free space to enjoy the scenery, sights and garden.
There are 3 escalators that help get you to the top of the mountain to Samuel Cocking garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle. Or you can choose to leisurely climb the stairs. We took the escalators up and stroll down the stairs at the end of the day.
There are observation decks and rest stop between each level and plenty of photo spots with phone stands so you can take a solo, couple or group picture. All of these stops have short walking trails that lead to various viewpoints with stunning vistas of the coastline and Mount Fuji, on a clear day.
Enoshima Sea Candle
One of the must-visit spots on the island is the Enoshima Sea Candle, a modern lighthouse and observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Take the elevator to the top and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the ocean, Mount Fuji, and the Tokyo skyline.
Samuel Cocking Garden
Take a stroll around Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden after the Sea Candle. There is plenty to see in the botanical garden including a gallery, garden beds, and a delicious restaurant call Lonscafe where their specialty is serving French Toast.
This restaurant also has great views to the coast and it’s adjacent to a viewing deck with a “Miami Beach Area” sign (its sister city). During the winter months, they have a beautiful light installation all over the garden. You can buy the “night ticket” which grants you access to the park after 5 PM. Most people came to experience this event.
Iwaya Caves
Probably my favorite part of the island were the Iwaya Caves. The path down to the beach is adjacent to the Samuel Cocking Gardens, keep in mind you’ll be walking down the mountain and to the beach.
The walk through the neighborhood is pleasant, with shops and restaurants offering stunning views to the water. Most of the shops were closed during the week, and the restaurants close early. I recommend you grab a bite or drink on your way down to enjoy the view before it gets dark.
When you reach the bottom, you can walk out to the rocky coast. You cannot swim in the water but you can enjoy the salty ocean smell and watch local fisherman in action. The caves are a short walk from here, through a red bridge.
There are 2 caves and they give you a cute handheld candle to explore the dimly lit caves. The first cave is U-shaped and not very deep, and at some point you need to bend over so you don’t hit your head with the rock. Towards the deep end of the cave, there are shrines set up.
The second cave is illuminated with lights. Both caves are beautiful and the best part is at the end of the tunnel with its grand ocean views.
Enoshima Beaches
We did not go to Enoshima Beach on our Enoshima Day Trip but next time we will soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters (apparently a popular summer spot for locals). It was December and we hardly saw any beachgoers. We did however, see some paddleboarders.
Where to Eat in Enoshima
Enoshima (like the rest of Japan) has good food, from fresh seafood to cafes with awesome views. Here are some top spots to check out on your Enoshima Day Trip.
The island is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its shirasu (tiny whitebait fish). There are plenty of restaurants offering seafood dishes along the coast and on Nakamise-dori and alleys towards the caves.
Have dinner at Tobiccho, a seafood donburi restaurant serving delicious Shirasu bowls. They have two locations on the island, we ate at the one in Nakamise-dori.
Another great seafood place is Enoshima Uomi-tei – great sushi and great sea views (on the way to Iwaya Caves). Keep in mind that the restaurants along the route to the caves and some on Nakamise street close early (as early as 5 PM). Most along the coast remain open until 9 PM.
Where to Stay in Enoshima
You can easily see all of Enoshima island in a single day trip. Personally, I’ve never stayed overnight but will do on my next trip. You can also explore Kamakura right next door.
However, if you want the full experience of sleeping overnight and waking up to the island sunrise, and just a slower exploration pace, I have a few hotel recommendations for you.
Enoshima Hotel
This 3-star hotel is located on the island and has on-site pools and onsen. The hotel is nice and quiet although keep in mind that dining and convenience store options are limited on the island. If you’re craving a night snack, you’ll have to cross the bridge to the mainland.
Kamakura Prince Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located in Kamakura, not Enoshima, but has stunning views to the island. They boast a pool (check open hours) and 2 restaurants. Dining options are limited because you’re further from the main area but still close enough to attractions.
All the rooms are clean, modern, and you can choose a room with a view to the island and Mount Fuji.
Kamakura Park Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located by the Shonan Beach and further from Enoshima Island. However it’s close to other attractions and you can easily visit Kamakura the next day.
Conclusion
Enoshima truly stands out as a day trip destination from Tokyo. The island offers everything from sweeping ocean views and cultural history to delicious seafood and picturesque walks.
It was close and accessible to Tokyo by train and not expensive. Our train fare was $8 and the all day pass was around $8.
We spent all day there and it wasn’t an intense trip with a packed itinerary. We’d 10/10 recommend you add an Enoshima Day Trip to your Tokyo itinerary.
Let me know if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on Enoshima!
Looking for other destinations? Check out my Mexico posts and California posts.
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