Enoshima Island

Exploring the Island

Enoshima has a rugged landscape shaped by the sea, with steep sea-eroded cliffs surrounding much of the island. The Iwaya Caves, formed by wave erosion, are among its most distinctive natural features. The island’s dramatic terrain and caves have also contributed to its long history as a place of religious practice and spiritual retreat.

Visitors can reach the upper part of the island by climbing several hundred steps. Alternatively, the outdoor escalator system known as Enoshima Escar offers a more convenient way to ascend. The system connects four escalator sections, covers a total length of 106 meters, and takes visitors up a vertical difference of 46 meters in approximately four minutes. It operates uphill only.

Two bridges connect the island with the mainland: Enoshima Benten Bridge, which is for pedestrians, and Enoshima Ohashi Bridge, which is for vehicles. Across the water are the Shonan Kaigan Park area, home to the New Enoshima Aquarium, and Katase Higashihama Beach.

A Place of Worship Since Ancient Times

In earlier times, Enoshima could be reached on foot from the mainland only at low tide, when the water receded and exposed a natural path. Following the Great Kanto Earthquake, the entire island was uplifted, and the connection with the mainland became almost permanent.

Enoshima has long been a popular destination for religious pilgrimages and recreational outings. Its steep cliffs and sea caves made it a distinctive setting for ascetic practices, and its reputation as a sacred island developed over many centuries.

Buddhist Ascetics and Historical Figures

According to tradition, the island was visited by several prominent Buddhist practitioners over the centuries. During the Nara period, the ascetic En no Ozunu is said to have practiced here. In the Heian period, Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, and Ennin are associated with religious training on the island. During the Kamakura period, the monks Ryoshin, known as Jihi Shonin, and Ippen are also said to have undertaken spiritual practice here. In the Edo period, the Buddhist monk and sculptor Mokujiki visited the island to devote himself to ascetic training.

These traditions reflect the island’s long-standing reputation as a place for spiritual discipline, where the rugged coastline and secluded caves provided a setting for religious retreat.

The Connection with Minamoto no Yoritomo and Benzaiten

In 1182, during the early Kamakura period, the Buddhist priest Mongaku is said to have enshrined Benzaiten on Enoshima at the request of Minamoto no Yoritomo. Yoritomo also dedicated a torii gate to the island. These acts helped establish Enoshima as an important place of worship for the ruling warrior class, and successive shoguns and their retainers are said to have visited the island to pray.

After the Kamakura period, Enoshima continued to be protected and visited by the political leaders of each era as a sacred place. Benzaiten was revered as a water deity and also became known as a guardian of music and the performing arts. As a result, kabuki actors, musicians, and other performers frequently visited the island to pray for success in their artistic pursuits.

A Popular Destination During the Edo Period

By the late Edo period, Enoshima had become a popular destination for ordinary people living in Edo, present-day Tokyo. Visitors came to enjoy the island’s scenery, visit its shrines, and take part in recreational outings. Its reputation as a sightseeing destination continued to grow, laying the foundations for the island’s popularity today.

The Influence of Foreign Visitors

From the early Meiji period onward, increasing numbers of foreign visitors began coming to Enoshima. Among them was Samuel Cocking, an Irish merchant who built a villa and garden on the eastern summit of the island. His garden later became the foundation of the site now known as Samuel Cocking Garden.

The garden’s history reflects the international influences that became part of Enoshima’s development during the modern era, while its present-day attractions continue to combine Western and Japanese elements.

Seasonal Events and Traditional Celebrations

Enoshima hosts numerous seasonal events and traditional celebrations throughout the year. These activities bring additional life to the island and allow visitors to experience local customs alongside its natural and historic attractions.

With its shrines, caves, gardens, observation facilities, and harbor, Enoshima offers a varied experience in a compact area. Visitors can explore the island’s spiritual heritage, enjoy views across Sagami Bay, and discover the many stories that have shaped this celebrated part of the Shonan coast.

A Shonan Landmark with Many Faces

Enoshima is much more than a scenic island. Its history encompasses ancient religious practices, the rise of the Kamakura shogunate, Edo-period excursions, and the arrival of foreign visitors during the Meiji era. Its natural landscape, historic places of worship, and modern leisure attractions coexist to create a destination with a distinctive character.

Whether walking across the bridges, taking the Enoshima Escar to the upper island, visiting the shrines and caves, or simply enjoying the sea views, visitors can experience the many sides of this celebrated Shonan landmark.