We arrived at Enoshima around 2pm. It was quite hot (around 20°C) even though it was only the second week of March
The road to Enoshima was really crowded and it took us more than one hour from Yokohama to Enoshima, maybe because we went on a weekend. We also had difficulties in finding a place to park but luckily we found a good spot underneath the aquarium 😁
The main access from the mainland to the island was via Benten Bridge, although you could also take Bentenmaru boat which would take you directly near Iwaya Caves. We had to walk slowly as it was crowded that day.
First we went up and paid a visit to the main Enoshima Shrine. I bought a limited papercut goshuin 切り絵御朱印 to add to my collection
We made a brief stop at the Okutsumiya
Next we went to Samuel Cocking Garden. The entrance to the Garden was free until 5pm (I forgot if it was permanently or just for a limited period). The garden has a few installations from partnerships with other countries and sister cities as well as some shops, cafes and restaurants. Enoshima Candle, one of Enoshima’s landmarks, is also located there.
To reach Iwaya Caves at the westernmost corner of the island, we had to walk along 御岩屋道 Oiwaya-michi, a stone-paved road with many stairs and also the original pilgrimage way to Iwaya Caves and the original Enoshima Shrine. At one of the restaurants in this street we had しらす丼 shirasu-don (rice topped with small herrings), a local delicacy, for late lunch.
Food: around 1000-1500 yen per person
Finally we reached the westernmost end of the island, the Iwaya Caves. The cave was the original site of Enoshima Shrine where Benten was enshrined. Due to sea tide the last entry for the cave was at 4.30 and the cave closed at 5 so we had to walk quickly so as to miss the time 😆 Entrance fee is 500 yen per person. At the first cave, visitors are given candles to aid with the low visibility. Need to be careful with the low ceiling though 😆 It has several statues and a small shrine. The second cave is illuminated with color-changing lights and has a Dragon God statue.
Lastly, before we left we visited the Dragon Lover Bell 龍恋の鈴. It is said that the couple who ring the bell together would have an everlasting relationship 😆
It’s also a good place to see the sunset 🌅