Just a three-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station, Enoshima Aquarium is one of the area’s most popular attractions. The aquarium showcases marine life from nearby Sagami Bay through thoughtfully designed exhibits, including a massive tank recreating the underwater world of the bay, a sea turtle beach area, and pools featuring penguins and seals.

One of the highlights is the dreamy Jellyfish Fantasy Hall, where around 15 species of jellyfish drift through softly glowing displays in a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

It’s an especially great stop on hot summer days or rainy afternoons, offering a peaceful break from sightseeing while still feeling closely connected to the sea.

From the aquarium, a scenic 15-minute walk across Enoshima-ohashi Bridge leads to the entrance of the island and the approach to Enoshima-jinja Shrine.

The entrance is marked by a bronze torii gate built in 1747, creating a dramatic gateway into the island’s historic district. Beyond it, the lively approach street is lined with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, snack stands, and nostalgic local storefronts that give Enoshima its classic seaside atmosphere.

Continue uphill and you’ll soon spot a striking vermilion torii gate, followed by the impressive go-shinmon, a roofed shrine gate standing at the top of a stone staircase.

The shrine complex itself consists of three separate shrines: Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya, and Okutsunomiya, each dedicated to one of three sister goddesses associated with music, fortune, and the sea.

Nearby, the Hoanden hall houses a Benzaiten statue considered one of Japan’s three great Benzaiten statues.

Located inside the hilltop Samuel Cocking Garden, Enoshima Sea Candle is one of the island’s best scenic viewpoints.

The garden itself was developed on the site of a large Western-Japanese style garden created in 1880 by British merchant Samuel Cocking. Rising above the garden is the observation tower and lighthouse known as Enoshima Sea Candle.

From its observation deck, around 100 meters above sea level, visitors can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views over Sagami Bay and the Shonan coastline. On especially clear days, even Mt. Fuji can be seen rising in the distance.

Toward evening, the atmosphere becomes particularly beautiful as the coastline glows in warm sunset colors. The combination of ocean views, sea breeze, and slowly fading light makes this one of Enoshima’s most memorable experiences.

Admission to Samuel Cocking Garden is 200 yen, while entry to Enoshima Sea Candle costs 300 yen for adults.

After visiting the tower, continue westward toward the island’s rocky coastline and the Iwaya Caves, natural sea caves carved by the ocean over thousands of years.

As the pathway descends toward the shoreline, the scenery opens dramatically, revealing panoramic coastal views across the water. On clear evenings, the sight of Mt. Fuji rising beyond the sea is especially spectacular.

After exploring the island, stopping for seafood is practically essential.

One popular local restaurant is Enoshima Uomitei, known for dishes featuring fresh seafood from nearby waters. The area’s signature specialty is shirasu-don, a rice bowl topped with tiny whitebait sardines caught fresh that same morning.

Because fresh shirasu spoils quickly, it’s considered a delicacy best enjoyed close to the fishing port itself. Depending on the day’s catch, visitors may also encounter kamaage shirasu, lightly boiled and salted whitebait with a softer texture and richer flavor.

Another beloved local dish is Enoshima-don, made with fresh turban shell simmered in a savory sauce of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, then finished with beaten egg over rice.

Just three stops from Enoshima Station on the charming Enoden Line, Shichirigahama offers some of the Shonan area’s most famous ocean views.

The train ride itself is part of the experience, with the Enoden running alongside the coastal road as wide-open sea views appear outside the windows.

One of the area’s best-known dining spots is bills Shichirigahama, the first overseas branch of the acclaimed Sydney restaurant brand, "bills."

The restaurant became internationally famous after its breakfasts were praised as among the best in the world, even attracting Hollywood celebrities. While enjoying panoramic ocean views, visitors can try the restaurant’s signature fluffy ricotta hotcakes, still one of the most popular items on the menu.