Enoshima: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Top Reasons to Visit

江ノ島 is a beautiful island located just a short train ride from Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, and for good reason. The island offers stunning views of the ocean, a variety of historical and cultural attractions, and delicious local cuisine. Here are a few of the top reasons to visit Enoshima:

• Stunning scenery: Enoshima is known for its beautiful scenery. The island offers panoramic views of the ocean, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains.
• Historical and cultural attractions: Enoshima is home to a variety of historical and cultural attractions, including Enoshima Shrine, Iwaya Caves, and Ryūkō-ji Temple.
• Delicious local cuisine: Enoshima is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, steamed buns, and grilled octopus.
• Shopping and souvenirs: Enoshima is a great place to shop for souvenirs, including Meoto Manju (steamed buns), Enoshima Kamaboko (fish cake), and Enoshima Crystal (quartz crystal).
• Easy access from Tokyo: Enoshima is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. The trip takes about an hour.

Attractions

Enoshima Shrine

Enoshima Shrine is the most famous attraction on the island. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess Benten, and it’s said to bring good luck in love and marriage. The shrine complex is located on a hilltop, and it offers stunning views of the ocean.

Iwaya Caves

Iwaya Caves are located at the base of the island. They’re a popular spot for swimming and fishing. The caves are also home to a number of shrines and statues.

Ryūkō-ji Temple

Ryūkō-ji Temple is known for its beautiful gardens and its collection of Buddhist statues. The temple is located in a quiet area of the island, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden

Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is home to a variety of flowers and plants. The garden is named after Samuel Cocking, a British merchant who lived on the island in the 19th century. Cocking was a keen gardener, and he introduced many new plants to the island.

Enoshima Sea Candle

Enoshima Sea Candle is a lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding area. The lighthouse is located at the top of a hill, and it’s a popular spot for tourists to watch the sunset.

Specialties

• Shirasu: These small fish are a local delicacy. They can be eaten raw, fried, or grilled.
• Meoto Manju: These steamed buns are filled with a sweet red bean paste. They’re a popular souvenir from the island.
• Kamaage Shiozake: This is a type of grilled fish that’s seasoned with salt. It’s a popular dish at local restaurants.
• Enoshima Dako: This is a type of grilled octopus that’s a local delicacy.
• Enoshima Monaka: These ice cream sandwiches are made with a crispy wafer cookie and a variety of ice cream flavors.

Delicacies

Shirasu

Shirasu are small fish that are a local delicacy. They can be eaten raw, fried, or grilled. Shirasu are often served on top of rice or noodles, or they can be used as a filling for sushi or onigiri (rice balls).

Meoto Manju

Meoto Manju are steamed buns that are filled with a sweet red bean paste. They’re a popular souvenir from the island. Meoto Manju are said to bring good luck in love and marriage, and they’re often given as gifts to newlyweds.

Kamaage Shiozake

Kamaage Shiozake is a type of grilled fish that’s seasoned with salt. It’s a popular dish at local restaurants. Kamaage Shiozake is usually served with rice and miso soup.

Enoshima Dako

Enoshima Dako is a type of grilled octopus that’s a local delicacy. It’s usually served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. Enoshima Dako is a popular dish to eat while drinking beer or sake.

Enoshima Monaka

Enoshima Monaka are ice cream sandwiches that are made with a crispy wafer cookie and a variety of ice cream flavors. They’re a popular snack on hot days. Enoshima Monaka can be found at most convenience stores and souvenir shops on the island.

Souvenir Guide

Meoto Manju

Meoto Manju are steamed buns that are filled with a sweet red bean paste. They’re a popular souvenir from the island. Meoto Manju are said to bring good luck in love and marriage, and they’re often given as gifts to newlyweds.

Enoshima Kamaboko

Enoshima Kamaboko is a type of fish cake that’s made on the island. It’s a popular snack or side dish. Enoshima Kamaboko is made from fresh fish, and it has a slightly sweet flavor.

Enoshima Beer

Enoshima Beer is a beer that’s brewed on the island. It’s a popular souvenir for beer lovers. Enoshima Beer is made with local ingredients, and it has a light and refreshing flavor.

Enoshima Crystal

Enoshima Crystal is a type of quartz crystal that’s found on the island. It’s said to bring good luck. Enoshima Crystal can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it can be used to make jewelry, ornaments, and other decorative items.

Enoshima Handicrafts

There are a variety of handicrafts that are made on the island, such as pottery, glasswork, and jewelry. These handicrafts are often made with local materials, and they’re a great way to support the local economy. Enoshima handicrafts can be found at most souvenir shops on the island.

Detailed Itinerary