Enoshima Day Trip

If you visit japan and are in Tokyo area, spend a day or half a day in Enoshima. It is about 1 hour south of Tokyo, 35 min train from kamakura. From the train station, getting around is a little bit of challenge but once you began to see the water, thescenery will refresh your soul; a pleasant breeze and aroma of the ocean accompanies your walk as you approach the bridge. I visited this place both in beautiful sunny days and also in the winter and I will tell you it is equally beautiful. 

There is a lot of cultural activities, a nice hike up the mountains, speckled with delicious food. The streets are lined with historic building, shrines and shops. You feel like living in a different era

Getting to Enoshima and around !

First get the JR pass. It is a beneficial multi-use card that serve all JR line across Japan including the bullet trains and Narita- express to the Airport. Go early and enjoy the an Onsen soak and view of mount Fuji. When the night falls, the Sea Candle lights up like shinning beacon! A must-see. Another reason to go early is to have time to grab lunch and still beat the crowd

I mentioned the bridge early. The Enoshima BentenBridge is about 389 meters long and was constructed for the Tokyo Olympic sailing competition held in 1964. After approximately 5 minutes’ walk from across the bridge you will see blue or bronze tori gate. The entire path after the Torii gate is nothing but shops and eatery.

These are run by local and have such an immense charm.There is going to be a lot of walking so bring some comfortable shoes. Shortly after 5 min walk past that bridge you a giant red Torii rises in front of you. Next to it is the “Enoshima escalator” that takes you to the top of the hills saving you some miles for the rest of the walk. Hey! But if you are motivated and dedicated you can just turn the day into a nice workout.

Continuing up the stairs leaded you to the shrine, the Enoshima Shrine. One cool statue of a dragoon was visible around the corner and to the left.

Enoshima shrine

It is one of Japan’s three great Benzaiten shrines.

Benzaiten is widely worship as goddess of economic fortune and entertainment. Behind the tower gate, you’ll hav the opportunity to see the face of the goddess. A statue of her sits perfectly as she surround herself with the dragon whom she defeated. Other gods are also enshrined at Enoshima shrine:

• Ameterasu-Omikami: japanese goddess that governs the heavens

Susanoo-no-Mikoto and a his brother are others gods.

If you are brave enough to go walk more to the top of Enoshima, you will discover the bell. The “Dragon love bell” which is said to reinforce romance and solidify love between couples who ring together. You can also notice many padlocks with wishes on them surrounding the “bell”. According to the mythology of the island, the legend of Benten and the dragon fell in love with her.

Before entering entering any building in the shrine, you must stop and purify yourself at the “Temizuya”. The temizuya is a stop where you wash your hands one at the time. I did not know what I was doing so I just watch the locals around and follow directions. 

There is a main building where you can make some offering and get some good luck. This is how it goes. You toss your coin into a box, clap your hand twice and think deep about the wishes you want to come true and bow to the box. I asked why do you have to clap. I was told basically that clapping alerts the good spirits in the shrine of your presence.

Enoshima pilgrimage path

Again wear comfortable shoes as I cannot stress that enough. Now that you are on top, time to make a descent. I am talking about 250 steps down but it is totally worth it. Just remember you will be climbing 250 steps coming back. No to discourage you because you definitely will not be disappointed down there. You can see as youdescend the gorgeous view of the cliff and the sea below. To the left of the staircase is a valleywhere the mountain to the east and mountain connect. Simply sublime!