Enoshima Island

Enoshima is a small island connected to the Shonan coast by a 600-meter bridge, rising 60 meters above the sea. It has been a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and fortune. The island's main draw is the Enoshima Shrine complex, where three linked shrines lead you up through the terrain. The Sea Candle observation tower gives a 360-degree view including Mt. Fuji on clear days. At the western end, the Iwaya Caves are natural sea caves explored with provided candles, associated in legend with Benzaiten. Restaurants along the approach street specialize in shirasu, fresh whitebait pulled from local waters.