[Japan] One-day Trip to Enoshima | Enoshima Electric Railway and Kamakura Attractions Recommendation

Transportation to Kamakura and Jiangjishan

It takes about 1 hour to travel from downtown Tokyo to the Kamakura and Jiangjishan area. It is very convenient to travel from areas such as Ueno, Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Yokohama. The “Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass” offered by Odakyu Electric Railway is a great option. It includes the round-trip fare from Tokyo to Jiangjishan and the cost of the “Enoden” one-day pass. The ticket price is only 1,470 yen, which is very cost-effective. Whether you take the Enoden train to Jiangjishan or the Odakyu Line to Kamakura’s “Kamakura-Kokomae Station,” both are very close to Jiangjishan and are suitable for first-time visitors.

If you are coming to Jiangjishan from Ueno, Tokyo, or other directions, I recommend starting from Kamakura and enjoying the attractions along the Enoden train line. However, I personally suggest taking the “Shonan Monorail” from “Ofuna Station” to “Shonan-Enoshima Station” and then walking to Jiangjishan. This will allow you to experience the unique suspended monorail on the road, which is a different travel experience. If you choose this option, you can also use the “Enoden One-Day Pass” issued by Enoden, which allows unlimited rides and is more cost-effective.

Attractions in Jiangjishan, Kamakura, and Enoden

If you are planning a trip to Jiangjishan, I recommend allocating a whole day for it. Besides the main island of Jiangjishan, which can take up half a day, there are also attractions along the Enoden train line and in the Kamakura area, which can take up several hours. This travelogue includes the attractions I visited during two trips to Jiangjishan and Kamakura. In principle, it is unlikely to visit all of them in one day, not to mention other attractions such as the Jiangjishan Candle, Shonan Coast, etc. Friends who refer to this article can choose suitable attractions based on their own itinerary.

Jiangjishan and Enoshima Shrine

Jiangjishan is a connected island located on the west side of the Shonan Coast. Whether you take the Odakyu Line from “Kamakura-Kokomae” Station or the Enoden train from “Enoshima” Station, you need to walk across the Enoshima Bridge. The main attraction on Jiangjishan is the “Enoshima Shrine” established in the 6th century, which is the oldest and most representative landmark on the island. Other attractions such as the “Enoshima Observation Tower” with its sea candles and the “New Enoshima Aquarium” are also popular among tourists visiting Jiangjishan. However, please note that it takes at least half a day to visit all the attractions on Jiangjishan, so friends who plan to visit need to make some choices in terms of time and attractions.

Enoshima Shrine is the oldest structure on Enoshima Island and is also the core attraction of the island.

Besides the scenic spots on Enoshima, the Enoshima shopping street “Benzaiten Nakamise Dori” is a hub for local products, small stalls, restaurants, etc., located in front of Enoshima Shrine. It includes a variety of delicacies and meals made from Enoshima’s main specialty, “whitebait fish.” Among them, the “Japanese-style Octopus Crispy Rice Cracker,” which is larger than a human face, is the most famous specialty food in Enoshima shopping street. No matter when you visit, there’s always a continuous stream of people lining up. Friends traveling to Enoshima should not miss this.

Enoshima Station

Enoshima Station is the closest Enoden train station to Jiangjishan. It takes about a 20-minute walk along the shopping street in front of the station to reach Jiangjishan. In addition to its unique station building, the most special feature of Enoshima Station is the “sparrow statues” in front of the station. The station staff dress the sparrows in different clothes according to the seasons and weather, creating a very interesting attraction. In addition, Enoshima Station also sells many local specialties and souvenirs. If you want to bring back some souvenirs, you can choose your favorite items here.

Kamakura High School Front Station

If the popularity of Jiangjishan as a tourist destination has increased in recent years, more than 50% of the reason is probably because of the “Nisaka” at Kamakura High School Front Station, which is also a scene in the Japanese manga “Slam Dunk.” From the slope of the level crossing, you can see both the Enoden train and the endless view of the sea, making it a popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos. However, Kamakura City issued relevant regulations in April 2019, including “do not take photos on the road to obstruct traffic” and “do not take photos in dangerous places like railways.” Although there is no explicit prohibition, it is recommended to follow the relevant regulations to avoid causing inconvenience to local residents and ensure your own safety.

Gokurakuji Station

Gokurakuji Station is the closest station to “Gokurakuji Temple” and “Kotokuin Temple.” It is a well-known spot for viewing hydrangeas. Gokurakuji Temple and the nearby “Goryo Shrine” are filming locations for the Japanese drama “Second to Last Love.” Get off at Gokurakuji Station on the Enoden train and walk to Goryo Shrine. Along the way, you can stroll through the local streets with a nostalgic atmosphere and take photos of the Enoden train passing by. It is worth considering if you have extra leisure time.

Hase Station and the Great Buddha of Kamakura

Hase Station is the station closest to the main historical temples, “Hasedera Temple” and “Kotokuin Temple.” Both the Kannon statue at Hasedera Temple and the “Great Buddha” at Kotokuin Temple are very famous. The “Great Buddha” is a national treasure in Japan and is approximately 11 meters tall. It is a popular attraction for domestic and foreign tourists.

Hasedera Temple, completed in 736 AD, houses a wooden statue of the “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva” that is approximately 9 meters tall. It is the most famous feature of Hasedera Temple. In addition, Hasedera Temple is also one of the main attractions for viewing hydrangeas. If you visit in late spring or early summer, it is recommended to include this attraction in your itinerary.

Kamakura Station and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Kamakura Station is the largest station on the Enoden train line. In addition to Enoden, you can also transfer to the “JR Yokosuka Line” to return to downtown Tokyo, making it one of the main transfer stations. The nearby “Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine” is one of the most famous attractions near Kamakura Station. Established in 1063 AD, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is one of Japan’s three major Hachimangu shrines. It is said to enshrine the war god who protects warriors. Nowadays, it has become a place where the general public also prays to the Hachiman god on weekdays.

Along the shopping street from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the famous “Komachi Street” in Kamakura. Here, you can buy local specialties and souvenirs from Kamakura. One of the must-try foods is the “Matcha Ice Cream.” The matcha soft serve ice cream from “Kamakura Chacha” is available in two levels of intensity, each with a different texture. However, both options allow you to taste the rich matcha flavor, making it a highly recommended shop.

Even after visiting Jiangjishan and Kamakura twice, there are still many places to explore, such as the park on Inamuragasaki Coast where you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day, or exploring every corner of Jiangjishan. If you have the opportunity to visit Jiangjishan again, I recommend taking your time to savor the beauty of Jiangjishan and the Kamakura coast.