Splendors of Enoshima Island

Enjoy a beautiful summer day at the ocean

George Popescu Sep 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Some people actually love to go fishing on this side even though the waters are turbulent. </p>

<p>The best part is of course to wait for the sunset at one of the local restaurants or coffee shops and enjoy the view; maybe you'll get lucky and see mount Fuji in the distance. </p>

<p>Many people love to go surfing, sailing or jet boating near the island as well as fishing, obviously very close to each other as seen in this photo. </p>

<p>Awesome traditional house surrounded by new buildings; Enoshima is a wonderful mix of old and new. </p>

<p>This temple is at the top of the mountain; you have to walk up the street and a few flights of stairs after that, but it's worth it. </p>

<p>They are greeting you at the top of Enoshima Shrine and many people pray and make small donations here. </p>

<p>From the top of the mountain you can see the beach area on Enoshima. </p>

<p>There is another small shrine at the top where people wash their money and make a wish and then throw it into the donation box for good luck. </p>

<p>At the shrine there is a plaque with two sets of hands on it, although I don't know its significance. </p>

<p>Another view from the top of the mountain, this time of the long bridge connecting Enoshima Island to the main land. </p>

<p>You can also see more of Enoshima's new buildings as well as the boat docks and many boats that are hanging out there gently swaying with the movement of the water. </p>

<p>Go up to the observatory at the very top of the mountain and look over the island all the way to the mainland. Watch out for hawks; there are quite a lot out there.</p>

<p>These two gods are guarding the entrance to the observatory and garden. </p>

<p>These two cats were chilling in the shade near one of the shrines. You will see many cats on Enoshima Island walking around, drinking water from the shrine's water fountains or just relaxing. </p>

<p>This other cool shrine has an amazing statue of a Japanese dragon on top of it—it's a must see. </p>

<p>Another peaceful shrine and place to meditate at the top of the mountain. </p>

<p>If you keep going you can visit the Iwaya Cave, which was made by nature and created by erosion over hundreds of years. </p>

<p>On the other side of the island you can go down some steps to the ocean level and even get splashed by some random wave, be careful with small children as the waters are fast. </p>

Enoshima is a fantastic island to visit for a day trip from Tokyo. You can go to the aquarium and spend the whole day there or you can walk the long bridge to the actual island and spend your day looking around. You can buy a lot of souvenirs at the myriad of shops at the base of the mountain and then you can walk up the hill to the Enoshima Shrine. Keep walking to the top and see the observatory garden with beautiful views and come down the other side and visit the famous cave and hidden fishing spot.

George Popescu @george.popescu

I was born in Bucharest, Romania and after a brief stay in London, England I settled and lived in Toronto, Canada for 20 years. I moved to Tokyo in late 2013 and have lived here ever since. I enjoy exploring the city with my camera as well as going to many special events that Tokyo has to offer e...