Three reasons why you should visit Kamakura and Enoshima
Kamakura and Enoshima are two locations that should be on your itinerary. Kamakura, filled with its historical ambience, and Enoshima, with its variety of natural settings, are excellent stops for Japanese history, culture and nature.
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The cultural heritage of KamakuraThe old samurai capital of Kamakura has a history going back more than eight centuries. A unique culture developed here when the samurai class came into power. In addition to shrines and temples, the many attractions of the town include Japanese cuisine (and sweets!), and the beauty of the four seasons. For an authentic experience of Japanese history and culture, head to Kamakura!
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The nature of EnoshimaThroughout Enoshima you will find a variety of attractions that anyone can enjoy at any time of year, including the Shonan Observatory Lighthouse (Sea Candle) and a marine swimming area. There are also many restaurants that serve fresh seafood, excellent views, and plating styles worthy of a true gourmet’s social media feed.
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Excellent access from TokyoFrom Shinjuku in Tokyo, the ride to Enoshima is about 65 minutes on the Odakyu Romancecar. For great savings, get an Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, which includes unlimited travel on the Odakyu Line (between Fujisawa and Katase-Enoshima Stations) and on the Enoden Line.
A stroll through the old samurai capital of Kamakura
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Located in the center of Kamakura, this shrine has a deep association with the Minamoto Clan. The complex is surrounded by an abundance of nature that blends with the bright vermilion color of the shrine to create a beautiful scene that should not be missed.
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Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Kotoku-in temple is a Jodo Buddhist temple. The principle image is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, a National Treasure that is one of Japan’s three great Buddhas and is generally known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Rising about 11.3 meters, the face alone is 2.35 meters in height.
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Houkoku-ji Temple
This temple is of the Kencho-ji school of the Rinzai sect and was founded by Tengan Eko. in 1334. Famous for its the thick bamboo groove, the temple offers pleasant scenery throughout the year.
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Komachi-dori Street
This shopping street runs from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine. The street is lined with shops selling specialty foods and sweets and is always filled with the energy and laughter of visitors.
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AWkitchen GARDEN Kamakura
Using vegetables sourced from nearby farmers, this Italian restaurant is popular for its locally caught seafood. Watch the nearby Enoden trains pass from the open-air terrace garden.
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SAMURAI Project
Located near Kita-Kamakura Station, this project is located in a 600-year-old Zen temple. Practice zazen meditation, learn how to wield a real katana, take part in a tea ceremony and experience other Japanese cultural activities.
Enoshima in ukiyo-e art
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Enoshima coastline
In addition to providing views of Mount Fuji, the coastline of Enoshima looks out to the mountains of Hakone and Izu. In the evening, the setting sun creates a stunningly beautiful view.
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Enoshima Sea Candle
Beloved as a symbol of Shonan, this lighthouse has an observatory with wonderful views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula and more. In winter the Sea Candle is lit up, creating an illusory ambience that is considered one of the three great illumination scenes of Kanto.
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Enoshima Iwaya (cave)
This natural cave was created by the erosive action of waves. Items of historical and cultural importance are on exhibit inside.
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iL-CHIANTI CAFE Enoshima
Located right next to the Enoshima Lighthouse, at this Italian restaurant you can gaze out over the ocean while savoring authentic Italian cuisine, then savor the view of the sun as it sinks below the horizon.
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Tobiccho
Enjoy Enoshima’s specialty shirasu-don at this restaurant. Made with rice and whitefish (immature fry) from that day’s catch, it doesn’t get any fresher! (Freshly boiled whitefish is served instead during the closed fishing season, January 1 to March 10, and when necessary due to fishing conditions.).
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Marudai Sensui
This tidepool seafood specialty restaurant is operated by a seafood wholesaler. Enjoy spiny lobster, raw whitefish, sazae (horned turban) and other delectable seafood from Enoshima.
Only about 65 minutes from Tokyo
About 65 minutes to Kamakura from Shinjuku in the heart of Tokyo via the Odakyu Romancecar.
Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass
The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass is valid for unlimited rides throughout the designated area.
There are so many ways to enjoy Enoshima. In summer especially, get a tan at the local beaches and have fun in the sun. Among the attractions are an aquarium to visit and caves to tickle your fancy of adventure. The historical city of Kamakura has numerous beautiful temples and shrines. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass is an economical pass that lets you travel around these two areas to your heart's content. From Fujisawa, take the Enoden Line to beautiful Enoshima and wander down the coastline to enjoy the scenery with unlimited on-and-off riding priveleges. Kamakura, the last stop on the line, is the gateway to the city's historical temples, traditional gardens and the famous Great Buddha.
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