One of the explanations for Enoshima island name is: E = picture, shima = island – picturesque island, i.e. Beautiful island.
Enoshima is the symbol of Shonan Fujisawa area which is popular with young people from Tokyo for surfing or swimming. They can reach it in one hour and they can enjoy the beaches and the sea. Enoshima island has a long history as a holy island. Many young couples come here to pray to the goddess of marriage.
Enoshima island caught the attention of Katsushika Hokusai, famous artist about whom I have already written, too. One print of his famous ukiyo-e series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: “Enoshima Island of Sagami Province” depicts exactly this island.
You can either walk to the island or take a ferry boat Onsen – Enoshima Spa – is located in the brown building to the right. You can soak yourself in thickly carbonated mineral hot spring from 1,500 m under the island at a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, containing sodium chloride – it rejuvenates skin a improves circulation. It is excellent to fight stress, muscle and joint pain and exhaustion Bronze Torii Gate = Seido no Torii – at the entrance of Enoshima island. After it the uphill approach to Enoshima jinja is lined with souvenir shops, japanese food restaurants, local culinary specialities shops and marine product shops. And it is always full with people Enoshima Shrine – Nakatsunomiya – was built by Jikaku Daishi in 853. The present shrine was rebuilt in 1689 and then again in 1996. During the Edo period it was a very popular pilgrimage place. Please, read my article specially dedicated to Enoshima Shrine Enoshima Yacht Harbor There are many spots from which beautiful scenery can be admired during a walk around the island. This is the view from Yamafutatsu = Two Mountains
Kameishi = the Turtle Stone on the grounds of Okutsunomiya. It is mentioned in old scriptures as one of four famous stones of Kamakura. Kameishi is placed under what used to be a giant ginkgo tree. Turtles as symbols of good luck are everywhere
Love also gets rusty Ryuren no Kane – Love bell of Dragon – on Lover´s Hill. If a couple rings this bell, they will stay together forever. The fence in front of it is covered with padlock put there by lovers Dragon Palace is the symbol of belief in the Dragon God
Legend sais that a long time ago there lived a five-headed dragon in this area. The dragon fell in love with a celestial nymph who appeared together with Enoshima island. It was Benzaiten herself. In order to marry her, he gave up all his misdeeds and protected the place. Benzaiten is enshrined now in Enoshima jinja.
