Enoshima
Kanto Region
Enoshima is a small offshore island approximately 4 kilometers in circumference, located at the mouth of the Katase River flowing into Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Administratively part of Fujisawa city, it is connected to the mainland by a 389-meter bridge. The island is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and entertainment, who is said to have caused the island to rise from the sea in the 6th century. Enoshima is home to several notable attractions including the Enoshima Shrine, the Samuel Cocking Garden with its botanical displays and the iconic Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower, and the Iwaya Caves formed by ancient wave erosion. The island is also known for its romantic Lover's Hill, where visitors leave love padlocks. Historically, the island was developed in the late 19th century by British merchant Samuel Cocking, who established a power plant and botanical gardens. Today, Enoshima serves as the center of the Shōnan resort area, attracting visitors with its sandy beaches, cultural sites, and seasonal illuminations. It also has Olympic significance, having hosted sailing events in 1964 and 2020. While the bridge and town area are wheelchair accessible, some attractions beyond the main shrine gate are not. Enoshima's blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational facilities makes it a unique destination near Tokyo and Yokohama.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Enoshima is during the winter months from December to February to experience the spectacular Enoshima Illuminations light show. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance for attractions like the Iwaya Caves and the Samuel Cocking Garden to avoid queues. While the bridge and town area are wheelchair accessible, note that the shrine's upper areas, observation tower, and caves are not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. Nearby railway stations include Katase-Enoshima on the Odakyū Enoshima Line, Enoshima Station on the Enoden line, and Shōnan-Enoshima Station on the monorail, providing convenient access. Various local delicacies such as octopus and shrimp rice crackers are popular treats to try on the island.
Faits intéressants
- •Enoshima is dedicated entirely to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and entertainment, who is said to have caused the island to rise from the sea in the 6th century.
- •The island's botanical garden, known as the Samuel Cocking Garden, attracts over half a million visitors annually.
- •Enoshima served as the sailing venue for both the 1964 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
- •The Iwaya Caves on Enoshima were formed by ancient wave erosion and have been used as training sites for Buddhist monks.
- •The Lover's Hill on Enoshima features a 'Bell of Ryuren' where couples leave padlocks as symbols of their love, similar to the love locks tradition in Paris.
Histoire
Enoshima's history dates back to at least the 6th century when it was dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, who is believed to have caused the island to emerge from the sea.
The island's religious significance is documented in the 1047 AD Enoshima Engi, a history of its shrines written by Buddhist monk Kōkei.
In the late 19th century, following the Meiji government's separation of Shinto and Buddhism, British merchant Samuel Cocking acquired much of the upland area and developed a power plant and botanical gardens.
Despite damage from the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake, the botanical garden remains a popular attraction.
Enoshima also gained international prominence as the sailing venue for the 1964 and 2020 Summer Olympics, cementing its place in modern sporting history.
Guide du lieu
Enoshima Shrine6th century (legendary origin)
A complex of Shinto shrines dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and entertainment, central to the island's spiritual significance.
Samuel Cocking Garden1880s
A botanical garden established in the late 19th century by British merchant Samuel Cocking, featuring extensive plant collections and the Enoshima Sea Candle observation tower.
Iwaya CavesAncient
Two ancient caves formed by wave erosion, historically used by Buddhist monks for training. Visitors can explore these caves by purchasing tickets.
Lover's Hill and Bell of Ryuren
A romantic spot where couples attach padlocks as symbols of their love, inspired by similar traditions worldwide.
Luminous Way Escalators
A set of three illuminated escalators that help visitors ascend from the base of Enoshima Shrine to the Samuel Cocking Garden, bypassing steep stairs.