The extra I journey in Japan, the extra I query conventional journey knowledge. For instance, are locations like Nara and Kamakura actually day journeys from Kyoto and Tokyo (respectively), or are they really higher as in a single day excursions?
Within the case of Kamakura, this query is particularly related to the subject of in the present day’s article: Enoshima is arguably itself a day journey from Kamakura, which may make it a problem to see each of those locations in a single day should you’re coming from Tokyo.
However I’m getting forward of myself—the question I hope to handle in the present day is kind of a bit extra basic. Particularly, is Enoshima value visiting?
Why So Many Vacationers Skip Enoshima
Is Enoshima value visiting? I’m unsure that is the best query to ask, as just about everybody who makes their means onto the island finally ends up having fun with it enormously. Reasonably, the problem is whether or not it’s simple or sensible to achieve Enoshima. As I’ll clarify in additional element later on this put up, reaching Enoshima from the Tokyo space requires first touring to Kamakura (which it itself an hour away from town), after which taking one other hour-long trek.
Whereas two hours every means in transit—so, 4 hours complete—isn’t itself a deal breaker for day trippers who’re ready to depart city early and are available again late, there’s one other complicating issue. Particularly, how a lot there may be to see in Kamakura, and the way little most vacationers wish to step away from prime points of interest just like the Kotoku-in Massive Buddha or Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine.
My Favourite Issues to Do in Enoshima
Uncover the charms of Enoshima city
As quickly as you stroll onto the island (or arrive by bus on the roundabout simply over the bridge), you’ll discover a novel copper torii gate, way back coloured a turquoise patina. The second you go below right here, you’ll begin to really feel the charms of Enoshima, whether or not you store on the island’s denim boutique, or easy people-watch alongside the pedestrian road.
Eat native delicacies
Meals is certainly an enormous a part of what makes Enoshima value visiting. In case you’re not a fan of the sazae sea snail that’s served each grilled and in donburi rice bowls, ensure that to splurge on the ise ebi lobster. Whether or not you get pleasure from it as sashimi or in cooked kind, it’ll gasoline you up for a day of journey.
Say a prayer at a shrine (or three)
When you end strolling the brief primary road of Enoshima, it’s up the steps to the island’s primary shrine—after which up extra steps to varied different temples and shrines. In case you got here to the island not understanding what to anticipate, the sheer variety of sacred websites right here would in all probability shock you!
Absorb views of the ocean—and of Mt. Fuji
Let’s be frank: You don’t must go up into the Enoshima Sea Candle to absorb a panorama of the ocean round Enoshima—or, on a transparent day, to see Mt. Fuji towering within the distance. Nonetheless, doing so is a simple strategy to ensure you can see all the pieces with out having to place an excessive amount of effort into dodging fellow vacationers.
Hike the island’s coastal path
Nature is one other huge a part of what makes Enoshima is value visiting. After the primary street turns into a steep staircase, it winds across the island and finally begins sloping downhill towards the ocean. Whether or not or not you pay to enter the island’s sea caves is your alternative, however the views can’t be beat.
Learn how to Get to Enoshima
Reaching Enoshima is comparatively simple, however it does take time. When you’re at JR Kamakura Station, switch to the Enoden streetcar and proper it to Enoshima Station. Right here, you’ll face a alternative. If the climate is good, you’ll be able to merely stroll 15-20 minutes over a pedestrian bridge onto the island; if it’s not or should you’re feeling lazy, you’ll be able to journey one of many frequent buses from the station as a substitute.
Is Enoshima value visiting? Properly, it actually relies upon how a lot time you may have. In case you contemplate that you just want an hour every strategy to get right here merely from Kamakura, and that Kamakura itself is an hour every means from Tokyo, you’re 4 hours in transit. If you mix this with the truth that each Kamakura and Enoshima require at the least 4 hours to see every, you’re a 12-hour day, which is an excessive amount of for a lot of vacationers to bear.
Different FAQ About Visiting Enoshima
Are you able to do Kamakura and Enoshima in in the future?
You possibly can technically do Kamakura and Enoshima in in the future, touring first by prepare from Tokyo to Kamakura and sightseeing there, earlier than taking the streetcar to Enoshima, strolling onto the island and exploring it for just a few hours. In apply, nonetheless, this requires at the least 12 hours when all is claimed and accomplished, which is extra time and vitality than most vacationers are keen or capable of spend.
Is it value visiting Enoshima?
Enoshima is completely value visiting. From the second you cross below the copper torii gate, a small wonderland awaits you, whether or not you like the island’s assortment of shrines, its huge community of caves or just having fun with freshly-caught seafood. You may also absorb views of the ocean (and, on a transparent day, Mt. Fuji) from its lookout tower.
What’s Enoshima island identified for?
Enoshima island is thought for various issues to totally different folks. Vacationers comprehend it for points of interest and experiences just like the Enoden streetcar, Enoshima Sea Candle and the island’s numerous shrines and caves. Japanese folks know loads of the mythology in regards to the island, notably the varied dragon-related tales that encompass its origin.
The Backside Line
Is Enoshima value visiting? The reply, clearly, is sure. The issue, for many vacationers, is the temptation to go to each Enoshima and Kamakura on a single day journey from Tokyo. Whereas that is doable—I’ve accomplished it many occasions myself—the truth is that Enoshima itself is one thing of a day journey from Kamakura. The excellent news, whether or not you spend an evening in Kamakura or get up on the morning time and try and see all the pieces with out having to depart your Tokyo base behind, is that the tiny island of Enoshima packs an enormous journey punch. The higher information? In case you rent me to plan your journey to Japan, you’ll be much more happy with the top outcome.