Rising above Enoshima Island, the Enoshima Sea Candle is a distinctive observation lighthouse and one of the island’s best-known landmarks. From its observation floors, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Shonan coastline, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains and cities. With beautiful sunsets, seasonal illuminations and special events throughout the year, it is a popular destination both during the day and after dark.
The Enoshima Sea Candle is an observation lighthouse located within Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. Completed in 2003, it has a distinctive design that has made it a symbol of Enoshima. Its name reflects the tower’s appearance when illuminated at night, when it resembles a candle shining above the sea.
Standing approximately 60 meters high, the tower offers a 360-degree view from its observation facilities. To the west, visitors can see Mount Fuji; to the south, Izu Oshima; to the east, the Miura Peninsula; and to the north, Yokohama Landmark Tower and even Tokyo Skytree on clear days. The wide-ranging views reveal the geography of the Shonan coast and the surrounding region.
The Enoshima Sea Candle was constructed between 2002 and 2003 as part of efforts to promote tourism and revitalize the local area. It was built as a new observation lighthouse within Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, replacing the former Enoshima Observation Lighthouse with a more distinctive landmark.
Since its completion, the tower has become one of the most recognizable features of Enoshima. It is appreciated not only by visitors but also by local residents as a symbol of the island and an important place from which to enjoy its natural scenery.
Visitors can reach the observation facilities by elevator, making the upper levels accessible without having to climb the tower’s stairs. From the observation space at the top, the surrounding landscape opens out in every direction.
The indoor observation area provides shelter while visitors admire the views, while the outdoor deck allows them to feel the sea breeze and experience the scenery more directly. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes it possible to appreciate the changing atmosphere of the island in different weather and seasons.
On clear days, the view includes the Shonan coastline, the streets and natural landscape of Enoshima, Mount Fuji and distant islands and peninsulas. The tower is especially attractive at sunrise and sunset, when the sky changes color and the sea reflects the warm light.
The setting sun over the sea is one of the highlights of a visit to the Enoshima Sea Candle. The sunset can be enjoyed from the observation facilities, while the wooden-decked Sunset Terrace spreads out directly below the tower. As its name suggests, this is another excellent place to watch the sun sink toward the horizon.
At the beginning of the year, special events are also held to welcome the first sunrise of the New Year. These occasions attract visitors who wish to celebrate the New Year while watching the sun rise over the sea from this scenic island location.
The Enoshima Sea Candle is particularly beautiful after dark. Its environmentally conscious illumination system uses solar power, and the lighting theme changes with the seasons. Green and pink are used in spring, blue in summer, orange and yellow in autumn, and purple in winter.
Special illuminations are also created for events such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day. At certain times, light shows synchronized with music add another dimension to the nighttime experience. The illuminated tower can be seen from various parts of Enoshima, making it an important feature of the island’s evening scenery.
One of the most popular seasonal events is Shonan no Hoseki, or “Jewels of Shonan,” an illumination event that transforms the Sea Candle and its surroundings into a fantastical world of light. The tower itself is illuminated, while the surrounding garden and walking areas are decorated to create an atmospheric winter landscape.
Fireworks displays are also held in summer, bringing large numbers of visitors to the island. In addition, seasonal flowers and special exhibitions provide changing attractions throughout the year. The combination of natural scenery, lighting displays and events means that the island can offer a different experience with each visit.
The Enoshima Sea Candle stands within Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, a botanical garden with an international atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the garden’s plants and landscaped grounds before or after going up the tower.
Other attractions are scattered around the island, including Enoshima Iwaya Caves, where visitors can explore caves associated with religious traditions and dragon legends. Enoshima Shrine and the island’s coastal viewpoints are also popular stops. Exploring these places together makes it possible to enjoy Enoshima’s natural beauty, history and culture in one visit.
The Enoshima Sea Candle combines impressive panoramic views with a distinctive design, seasonal lighting and events throughout the year. From Mount Fuji and Izu Oshima to the Miura Peninsula and the distant urban skyline, the observation floors provide a remarkable view of the wider Shonan region.
Whether you visit to admire the scenery in daylight, watch a beautiful sunset or enjoy the seasonal illuminations after dark, the Enoshima Sea Candle is an excellent place to experience the appeal of Enoshima and the Shonan coast.
9:00 - 20:00 (last admission 19:30)
Open all year round
Adults 500 yen
Child 250 yen
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden
Free during daytime
Entry after 17:00
Adult 500 yen
Child 250 yen
Enoshima Escalator
Adult 360 yen
Child 180 yen
25 min. walk from Enoshima Sta. on the Enoden Line
20 min. walk from Katase Enoshima Sta. on Odakyu Line
Bus: Take a bus from JR “Ofuna” or “Fujisawa” station, get off at “Enoshima” stop, 8 minutes walk.