Route Planning for Enoshima and Kamakura
Coming from the Tokyo direction, you can take the JR Yokosuka Line. If you’re on the Tokaido Main Line, you’ll need to transfer at Totsuka or Ofuna to the Yokosuka Line train to Kamakura Station.
To go from Kamakura to Hase-dera, Kita-Kamakura High School, Enoshima, and Fujisawa, you’ll need to take the Enoshima Electric Railway. The Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura Station is located just behind the JR Kamakura Station and can be accessed through an underground passage.
The quickest way to return from Enoshima to Oofuna is by taking the Shonan Monorail. Shonan-Enoshima Station is located near Enoshima Station in a building on the 5th floor.
Kamakura
Kamakura, once the capital of the Kamakura Shogunate, is adorned with numerous ancient temples, shrines, and historical structures, with Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine being the most renowned. If you find yourself weary of the bustling cityscape and the fast-paced urban life in Tokyo, I highly recommend dedicating a day to explore Kamakura!
Komachi-dori Street
Kamakura’s Komachi Dori Shopping Street is located near Kamakura Station. As you exit the station, you’ll find the distinctive sign for Komachi Dori on your left. This shopping street is home to a variety of gift shops, clothing stores, and delightful eateries, making it a fantastic destination for those who love to shop.
Komachi Dori Shopping Street in Kamakura is a perfect blend of shopping and dining, allowing you to indulge in the pleasures of both while exploring the city. Whether you’re searching for souvenirs or eager to savor local cuisine, this bustling shopping street promises joy and surprises. So, don’t forget to take some time to explore and make your Kamakura journey even more vibrant and diverse!
Komachi-dori Street
Kamayoka, renowned for Kamakura Pot Rice, is a must-try when you visit Kamakura. There are various eateries to choose from, and for lunch, Kamakura Pot Rice Kamayoka is an excellent option. The restaurant has limited seating, so it’s recommended to arrive before noon to minimize wait times. After enjoying your meal, you might see a long queue forming outside, making your early lunch decision even wiser.
Kamakura Pot Rice at Kamayoka features a combination of goby fish, sea urchin, and salmon roe, generously layered on top, creating a seafood-rich delight.
Dange
The “Dange” sakura trees along the approach “Wakamiya Oji” to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The term “Dange” refers to the elevated pedestrian walkway on both sides of which are lined with cherry blossom trees. During cherry blossom season, this area is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of the important shrines in Kamakura City, located at the end of Wakamiya Oji. There are many visitors who come to visit, and various food stalls are set up nearby.
The shrine offers various omikuji (fortune-telling slips) and omamori (amulets), with some omikuji including complimentary small omamori.
At the dance hall, a traditional Japanese wedding was taking place, and onlookers stopped to watch and congratulate the newlyweds. To reach the main hall of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, you need to climb a short flight of stairs. From the elevated point, you can have a view of the entire Dange-no-Sakura (Cherry Blossom Road).
Address : 2 Chome-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588 Japan
Business hours : 06:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Open Year-round)
Ticket prices : Free
Official website : Click here to enter
Enoshima
After exploring Kamakura, you can take the Enoshima Electric Railway to Enoshima. The station is located behind JR Kamakura Station. On holidays, the station can get crowded with tourists. The train passes through popular attractions like Hase-dera, Kamakura High School, and others. If you have enough time, you can visit these spots along the way.
To get to Enoshima Station from Kamakura Station, you need to walk for about 20 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass through an underground passage and over the Enoshima Ohashi Bridge. On the bridge, you can enjoy views of the island’s observatory lighthouse and the sea, especially during sunset. Walk to the end of the bridge, and you’ll arrive at the front of the Bronze Torii Gate.
Enoshima Shrine – Bronze Torii Gate
The distance from the Bronze Torii Gate to Enoshima Shrine is short, but the surroundings have various shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and restaurants, making it the liveliest place on the island. Takoyaki (octopus balls) is a must-try delicacy on Enoshima, with the most famous being sold at the Enoshima Murasaki-imo shop. The takoyaki is larger than your face.
Enoshima Shrine – Bentenjima
To reach Bentenjima, you can choose to climb the stairs or take the escalator. The escalator has three stages and takes only 4-5 minutes to reach the mountaintop. Walking the stairs takes about 15 minutes. The escalator is a good option for those who prefer not to climb the stairs, but keep in mind that it only goes up, and you’ll need to walk down the stairs when descending.
Enoshima – Sea Candle Observatory Lighthouse
The Enoshima Sea Candle Observatory Lighthouse is a famous structure on the island. The admission fee for adults is 500 yen per person, and for children, it’s 250 yen per person. For more information, you can refer to the website below. Unfortunately, when we went up, it was too late, and the observatory was already closed.
After exploring Enoshima, you can take the Enoshima Electric Railway back to Ofuna and transfer to the JR train to return to Tokyo. The Enoshima Electric Railway is located near Enoshima Station, and you’ll see the station sign after crossing the level crossing, situated on the upper floor of the building.
Location : Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Business hours :
Outdoor areas on the island: Open all day
Enoshima Sea Candle Observation Lighthouse: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Enoshima Shrine: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Ticket prices : Free (Some places may require admission fees)
Enoshima Sea Candle Observation Lighthouse (Adult): 500 JPY
Enoshima Sea Candle Observation Lighthouse (Child): 250 JPY
Enoshima Escar (Escalator): 360 JPY
Official website : Click here to enter
