Thinking of something to do on a crisp winter mostly sunny day, Dina suggested we go to Enoshima Island. It is a small island just off the coast. We took 3 trains to get to the island. It took a little over an hour. Here was our route.
One of the trains is the Enoshima Electric train. The train actually hangs from the tracks. The train was very smooth and quiet. It was a little weird to see other trains hanging from the tracks!
Train Station
Train coming in opposite direction
Once we arrived in Shonan, we had a short walk through the town and across a small bridge that connects the island to the mainland.
On the island, there are several shrines, a temple, an observation tower (lighthouse / sea candle), lots of cafes, a garden and sea caves. Once you are on the island your mode of transportation are your feet! Keep in mind there are a lot of stairs! Oh, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji.
A Torii gate greets you once you are over the bridge and you begin climbing to the top of the island.
Our first stop was at the Enoshima Shrine. The Enoshima Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Benten. Benten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Within the Shrine are three shrines: Hatsuno-miya, Nakatsuno-miya, Okutsuno-miya.
But first, we must climb stairs.
The lanterns are part of the illuminations. I was excited to see the illuminations will last until 2/19/17. There will be plenty of time for Dave and I to return to see the lights.
Three pictures that scream “Japan.” A shrine, a fortune wall and a red bridge (over a road – yes, with cars).
Up we continue to the Shrine.
The man in the center is throwing money on to the alter and making his wish to the Gods
We had our temple books stamped and continued up the island and up more stairs!
We enjoyed a nice view along the way!
And another Shrine.
Our next point of interest was the Sea Candle. I didn’t make Dina go up into the Candle today because it was cloudy around Mt. Fuji. Another reason to return.
Our next point of interest was the Enoshima-Daishi Temple.
Temple Roof
Temple Altar
Stained Glass Window
Here, Dina returned a fortune she collected earlier this year. Fortunes must be returned to the Temple where they are collected before the end of the year. Another reason Dina suggested Enoshima for our adventure today!
Within the temple gardens were two statues of Goma, the God of Fire.
We had our temple books stamped and continued on our way. Past another shrine with a built in selfie spot. Too bad I don’t have an Apple Watch to click my picture!
On we went. This time down the stairs. It was while we were descending, Dina mentioned we had to walk back up all these stairs!! Wait, what!?!
Fortunately, there was a nice view even without Mt. Fuji.
We could have continued walking along the cliffs and down to the sea caves and tidal pools. We didn’t have enough time today for too much exploring. Another reason for Dave and I to return.
We began climbing back up!
Finally, at the top we stopped for a snack. “Octopus Cracker” You will have to eat one when you visit. It’s a cracker made out of Octopus. Seriously.
Can you see the eyes and tentacles?
We continued our walk back to the train station. We stopped for one more snack. I picked ice cream with donuts. Yummmm! Much better than the octopus cracker…
A very fun and chilly day exploring another beautiful area of Japan. I am excited to go back and see the areas we didn’t have time for and the illuminations!!