Things to do in Fujisawa and Enoshima
In Tokyo, people have a reputation of being a bit cold and shy, but such is decidedly not the case in chilled-out Shonan (Fujisawa)! “Shonan Life” tends to bring up the image of taking it easy near the ocean or at a hot spring, often while remote working. This sort of lifestyle has been especially attractive for a younger crowd, including younger parents raising a family.
For the start of your own Shonan journey, how about taking a trip to Enoshima? This small island off the coast of Fujisawa is a convenient and fun way to see the best of what Fujisawa and Shonan have to offer! The most prominent landmark in Enoshima is the Sea Candle, an observatory and lighthouse located at the topmost point of the island with a glass observation deck approximately 100m above sea level. The Sea Candle is located within the grounds of the Samuel Cocking Gardens, a beautiful garden and greenhouse. Take in the beautiful plants, the great view of the water and even Mt Fuji!
There is plenty more to see here, like Enoshima shrine, which is one of Japan’s “Three Great Shrines” to the goddess Benzaiten, the goddess of the arts in the Japanese Shinto faith. Enoshima also has a deep network of caves you can explore. The Iwaya Cave is a system of sea caverns about 500 ft long that have been used for almost a millennia for training Buddhist monks. There is a legend that these caves are protected by an ancient dragon god!
Enjoy Enoshima Eats!
On the way up the island you can see plenty, including restaurants with local specialties. Being by the water, Fujisawa is known for fresh seafood, especially whitebait, or shirasu, which can top all sorts of delicious and colorful seafood bowls! This includes the menu at Kinokuniya Shokudo, which is located in the Kinokuniya Ryokan Inn, and features a beautiful Japanese style interior complete with raised tatami seating and shoji paper windows.
Enjoy Enoshima after dark!
When you’ve had your fill of temples, caves, and delicious fish, why not stay until dark? Each summer there is a special light-up “Lantern Festival” throughout Enoshima Island, with the many lanterns creating a serene path. Beginning at the Samuel Cocking Garden, you can enjoy taking in this special nighttime scenery.
See beautiful beaches only an hour from Tokyo!
When you leave the island, you will only be a stone’s throw from the giant Enoshima aquarium and Kugenuma Beach. Kugenuma Beach is beautiful, clean, and the most accessible beach from downtown Tokyo. It is the perfect place for swimming, surfing, BBQ, or just relaxing on the pristine sand! During the summer the entire beach is filled with pop-up bars and rest houses. There are plenty of options for food and drink along the boardwalk, and the famous Enoshima Aquarium is located nearby. This aquarium has over 500 species of fish and aquatic life. See all manner of fish, sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, penguins and more! This aquarium is especially well known for their study of deep-sea life, and the exhibits are very English-friendly.
How to access:
Approximately 1 hour from Shinjuku via Odakyu Line, or Tokaido Line from either Tokyo or Shinagawa station. At Fujisawa, change trains and get off at Katase-Enoshima station. Enoshima is accessible on foot by bridge or by ferry.
