Only a short train ride west of Kamakura, Enoshima (]̓) is a pleasantly touristy island just off the coast but connected by bridge with the mainland. The island offers a variety of attractions, including a shrine, park, observation tower and caves. Views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed on days with good visibility.

Enoshima is divided into a yacht harbor and a forested hill which can only be explored on foot (and paid escalators) and contains most of the sights. Several shrine buildings, collectively known as Enoshima Shrine, are found around the island and are dedicated to Benten, a popular goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. Benten is believed to have created Enoshima before subduing a five headed dragon that was terrorizing the area.

An interesting aquarium and some of the closest beaches to Tokyo are located on the mainland just off Enoshima. The beaches on both sides of the island become very crowded with sun bathers and swimmers during July and August, while the long stretches of beach that continue to Chigasaki in the west and Kamakura in the east are popular for surfing.

Visitors to Enoshima should consider purchasing the Enoshima 1-Day combination ticket, which includes admission to the island's main attractions (garden, observation tower, caves) and use of the escalators for 1100 yen (or 1500 yen if visiting the Samuel Cocking Garden after 5pm). The ticket can be purchased at tourist information desks or the escalator ticket office.

On Enoshima Island

  • Enoshima Shrine
    Hours: 8:30 to 16:30
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free (200 yen to see the Benten statue)
  • Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle
    Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 (entry until 19:30)
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: 500 yen (garden; free before 5pm), 500 yen (Sea Candle)
  • Iwaya Caves
    Hours: typically 9:00 to 17:00
    Closed: No closing days (except when the weather is very bad)
    Admission: 500 yen
  • Enoshima Daishi
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:30
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free
  • Enoshima Island Spa
    Hours: 7:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:00)
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: 1700-2200 yen (onsen only); 3000-4000 yen (all areas)
    No-tattoo policy enforced
  • Love Bell
  • Southern coast
  • Shirasudon (shirasu donburi)

On the mainland near Enoshima

  • Enoshima Aquarium
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (from 10:00 from Dec to Feb)
    Admission ends one hour before closing
    Closed: Small number of irregular closing days
    Admission: 2800 yen
  • Ryukoji Temple
  • Beaches

Getting there and around

Enoshima is served by three train and monorail lines, each of which has its separate station: Enoden (Enoshima Station), Odakyu Railway (Katase Enoshima Station near the aquarium) and the Shonan Monorail (Shonan Enoshima Station near Ryukoji Temple).

From Tokyo by Odakyu Railway

Take an express or rapid express train from Shinjuku bound for Fujisawa and transfer to a local train to Katase Enoshima, the terminal station. The entire one way trip takes 65-75 minutes and costs 650 yen. There are connections every 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, Romance Car limited express trains run directly between Shinjuku and Katase Enoshima (60 minutes, 1400 yen, or 1350 yen if using an e-ticket) every one or two hours on weekends and holidays.

Odakyu Railway also offers the Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass, which includes a round trip ticket between Shinjuku and Fujisawa and unlimited use of Enoden trains between Fujisawa and Kamakura and Odakyu trains between Fujisawa and Enoshima. The pass is valid for one day and costs 1640 yen. It is a good value if you also visit Kamakura, but it does not pay off if you visit Enoshima alone.

From Tokyo by Japan Railways (JR)

Take the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station or the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Fujisawa Station (45-50 minutes, 1040 yen) and transfer to either the Enoden (10 minutes, 220 yen) or Odakyu Railway (7 minutes, 170 yen) for Enoshima. Alternatively, get off at Ofuna (40-45 minutes, 820 yen) and transfer to the Shonan Monorail for an exciting ride to Enoshima (15 minutes, 320 yen, stand or sit at the front of the car for interesting views).

From Kamakura

The one way trip between Kamakura and Enoshima by Enoden train takes 25 minutes and costs 260 yen. There are trains about every ten minutes.

Hotels around Kamakura

Top rated in Kamakura
Budget:
    • HOTEL AO KAMAKURA
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel Ao Kamakura in Kamakura offers rooms with sea views, terraces, and modern amenities. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and free WiFi.

      Dining Experience

      Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner. The outdoor seating area provides a relaxing setting.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel features a terrace, restaurant, and free WiFi in public areas. Additional services include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and paid on-site private parking.

      Prime Location

      Located a few steps from Koshigoe Beach and 43 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (8 km) and Sankeien (24 km). Guests appreciate the scenic views and comfortable rooms.
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    • Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura in Kamakura offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi, streaming services, and city views.

      Dining Experience

      The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines for lunch and dinner. The restaurant ambience is welcoming, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hotel features a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is available.

      Prime Location

      Located 15 minutes from Yuigahama Beach and less than 1 km from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 40 km away. Nearby attractions include Sankeien and Yokohama Marine Tower.
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      9.2Booking.com
    • WeBase KAMAKURA
      Luxury
      WeBase Kamakura is a resort hotel and restaurant in the ancient capital of Kamakura, one minute from the Shonan sea and one hour from the city. WeBase Kamakura is a 3 minutes walk from Yuigahama Station and there are many tourist attractions within walking distance, such as the Kamakura Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and Kamakura Komachi Street. There are 8 sophisticated guest room types with high ceilings and a total of 22 guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available. We offer a breakfast course that includes sparkling wine, a choice of two types of galettes, a salad with plenty of Kamakura vegetables, amuse-bouche, and soup. Enjoy a luxurious breakfast that starts with sparkling wine and freshly baked galette, grilled right in front of you. There is a large communal bath with a sauna which offers a self Loyly style sauna. At our on-site restaurant, "Restaurant Co," we provide a fusion of teppanyaki and Italian cuisine that allows you to enjoy the seasonal flavors of local Kamakura with all your senses. Savor modern Italian cuisine incorporating teppanyaki techniques, along with wine pairings. There is also a kids' menu for children of elementary school age and younger.
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    • KAMAKURA Hotel
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      KAMAKURA Hotel in Kamakura offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and free toiletries.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests enjoy a bar and free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, daily housekeeping, and luggage storage. Additional features include a terrace, balcony, and city views.

      Prime Location

      Located 40 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 16-minute walk from Yuigahama Beach and 1.1 km from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Nearby attractions include Sankeien and Yokohama Marine Tower.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its breakfast, attentive staff, and excellent service support. Public transport options nearby enhance convenience.
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    • CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      CASA Kamakura Espresso&BED in Kamakura offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and parquet floors. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, free toiletries, shower, slippers, and a parquet floor.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a ground-floor unit with a quiet street view.

      Prime Location

      Yuigahama Beach is a 6-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (2.8 km), Sankeien (22 km), and Tokyo Haneda Airport (42 km). Highly rated for its host, convenient location, and beach access.
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    • KIYAZA RESORT Kamakura
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      KIYAZA RESORT Kamakura in Kamakura offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden views. Each room includes a balcony, work desk, and free WiFi.

      Leisure Facilities

      Guests can relax on the sun terrace, enjoy the seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and utilise the lounge. Additional amenities include a pool with a view, outdoor dining area, and bike hire.

      Prime Location

      Located 41 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the guest house is a 2-minute walk from Zaimokuza Beach. Nearby attractions include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (2.3 km) and Sankeien (22 km). Highly rated for beach access, excellent service, and convenient location.
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    • Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji
      Budget-friendly

      Beachfront Location

      Guest House Kamakura Zen-ji in Kamakura offers direct beachfront access and a serene garden. Yuigahama Beach is just a 3-minute walk away, while Tokyo Haneda Airport lies 43 km from the property.

      Comfortable Accommodations

      The guest house features adults-only rooms with shared bathrooms, air-conditioning, and garden or inner courtyard views. Each room includes a work desk, refrigerator, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.

      Guest Facilities

      Guests can enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a lounge, and yoga classes. Additional amenities include a dressing room, electric kettle, and tatami floors, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

      Nearby Attractions

      Nearby attractions include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (3.5 km), San-ei Garden (23 km), and Yokohama Marine Tower (23 km). The property is highly rated for its beachfront access, convenient location, and friendly host.
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    • BIRD HOTEL
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      BIRD HOTEL in Kamakura offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and garden views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.

      Dining Experience

      Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast options, including continental, American, Italian, and vegetarian. The restaurant serves American cuisine in traditional, modern, and romantic settings.

      Leisure Facilities

      The hotel features a sun terrace, garden, and outdoor seating area. Additional amenities include a public bath, coffee shop, and bicycle parking.

      Prime Location

      Yuigahama Beach is a 2-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (2.8 km) and Sankeien (22 km). Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km from the hotel.
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    • Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura in Kamakura offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, free toiletries, slippers, TV, and electric kettle.

      Dining and Amenities

      Guests can enjoy American and Asian breakfasts at the on-site restaurant. The hotel features a public bath, hot tub, lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid off-site private parking is available.

      Prime Location

      Located 12 minutes from Yuigahama Beach and 1.5 km from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the hotel is 41 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport. Nearby attractions include Sankeien (21 km) and Yokohama Marine Tower (22 km). Guests appreciate the convenient location, attentive staff, and excellent service.
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    • guesthouse SHIBAFU
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Guesthouse SHIBAFU in Kamakura offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.

      Leisure Facilities

      Guests can relax on the sun terrace or in the garden. The property features a bar and outdoor seating area. Additional amenities include a lounge, dining area, and luggage storage.

      Convenient Location

      Yuigahama Beach is a 6-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (2.8 km) and Sankeien (22 km). Tokyo Haneda Airport is 42 km from the guesthouse.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and comfortable rooms.
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      8.7Booking.com

Experiences around Kamakura